It works out I picked up my Suzuki GSX-R600K4 five years ago today from my local Suzuki dealer, MotoGB. It was one of the first ones to arrive in New Zealand, with only six bikes in the first shipment and the next shipment not due for another six to eight weeks.
I had been waiting over four months for them to come out so I could get one. I had initially planned to buy the 750 but the colour scheme didn’t do it for me (not enough yellow). The first few days I owned it it must have got about 8-10 coats of polish on its shiny, glossy surface.
The past five years has flown by and I still really love my GSX-R. It’s become so unique – not only because of its bumble bee colour scheme(personally only know of only 2 others in same colour scheme in country) but also because of the modifications I have done. Some of these modifications often get overlooked by other people and I have picked up many of my parts for ridiculously low prices. To add to the bike’s uniqueness, I’m proud to admin it’s one GSX-R that has never been dropped or crashed.
This bike might be getting on but it still does everything I want, goes great for a 600, and has impressed a number of people with how well it handles and performs. I would go as far as to say it out-performs some later model bikes. It’s also in great condition for a bike that has done over 50,000kms and been used for 5 years. I do make sure it’s looked after, with servicing, cleaning and such.
When I asked a dealer awhile ago about a price for my bike (when I considered buying a B-King), they were unable to price it since they had never had a GSX-R600 with that mileage in such great condition. I still get people commenting on how bright it is and the condition it’s in. I personally know how much it has faded and I can see the minor marks/scratches on it.
A few weeks ago was the first time the bike has let me down by not being able to make it home under its own steam. It was only a dead battery, which made the bike need a jump start to get home. Nothing major.
I have recorded everything I have spent on the bike in the past five years and now have spent more on mods, fuel and maintenance than it initially cost me buy the bike. Over its total life it has averages 6.6l/100km. But in turn it has given me endless hours of enjoyment and excitement.
This bike has been able to handle everything I have ever thrown at it, be it touring, commuting, trackdays, and road riding. I don't think I will ever sell it.
One very happy customer, and I hope to have many more years of fruitful and pleasurable enjoyment with my banana bike.
Below is some pictures of the bike in different states and forums
Bike in its stock scheme day I brought it home from dealer
One of the first big tours I did on did a road trip with LooseBruce and Quasi back in September 04
I picture I like was taken in Pauanui July 2006, I really like
Picture taken at lake tekapo taken on tour of SI last year
First time never had two banana bikes together in one place
Bike in its track skins
![]()
Bookmarks