GSR 600 review

[carver]

A friend let me ride his GSR 600 yesterday and wanted to know my thoughts on it.
i was surprised at the down low torque of the engine-whilst it cant match the punch of my ER6n, it pulls well.
the bike is very easy to handle, as in very neutral to ride.
one big problem is the constant front end noise...how could the designers miss that?
The rumours are true-this bike can be wheelied through the gear box.
I also took it out to 190 kph, on public roads-of course!
Its very easy to control, and very re-assuring, easy round town, and smooth on the open road.
It feels longer at the back than the ER6, and a lot wider, and the seat is uncomfortable.
So it’s a good bike, second hand its cheap, and this bike is affected by chronic devaluation….
i still like it though..i would consider one!

[Kendog]

I also took it out to 190 kph, on public roads-of course!

That's a strange thing to say.

I was thinking of this bike before getting the Hornet. Very happy with my choice.

[Patar]

I always really liked the styling and have read mostly good reviews about it.
I was/am still highly considering it as an upgrade for when i get my full (pending on a test ride of course).

[Pwalo]

I was lucky enough to have a loaner GSR when my bike was having it's first service. Reminded me of a 4 cylinder Motard. Boy did it like to rev after getting used to the SV.

[Pancakes]

Thanks for the honest review. How 'bout some pic's with your write-up's so us dumbo's who couldn't pick a DG 620 from a SS 300-R in a lineup can relate the words to bikes on the street?

[carver]

Thanks for the honest review. How 'bout some pic's with your write-up's so us dumbo's who couldn't pick a DG 620 from a SS 300-R in a lineup can relate the words to bikes on the street?

no worries..some sample pics for ya all

[Pancakes]

Ah yeah mate, I know these! The front is hot but the 4 pipe ass isn't for me. It did make me look at a few shops until I thought I saw one that was the same but with a hot ass and it turned out to be a 6N. Took them both out but both only round the block and one motorway off ramp to the next but the 6N selt stiffer. SAME! hahahahahah. I saw there is a thou in the same shape as yours too but don't know if I'd ever really want the weight of a thou really. ramble ramble

edit, I know it's lights and two pipes just before I get hassled. Funny cos I love the MV with the rear that this tried to steal.

[carver]

Ah yeah mate, I know these! The front is hot but the 4 pipe ass isn't for me. It did make me look at a few shops until I thought I saw one that was the same but with a hot ass and it turned out to be a 6N. Took them both out but both only round the block and one motorway off ramp to the next but the 6N selt stiffer. SAME! hahahahahah. I saw there is a thou in the same shape as yours too but don't know if I'd ever really want the weight of a thou really. ramble ramble

edit, I know it's lights and two pipes just before I get hassled. Funny cos I love the MV with the rear that this tried to steal.

a big bonus with the GSR is 100hp and more power.
but the biggest one is the way you can go through the gearbox on the back wheel
the ER6 wont...well, on special occasions i can go from 1st to 2nd, but sometimes it jumps back, but mostly it just wont shift.
the GSR looks cheaper and has a frame that is weak.
i love the 6n's motor, so punchy, and easy around town

[tri boy]

[QUOTE=carver;1283729] GSR looks cheaper and has a frame that is weak.

I would be very interested to know how you worked out that the frame is weak.

[carver]

[QUOTE=tri boy;1283962]

GSR looks cheaper and has a frame that is weak.

I would be very interested to know how you worked out that the frame is weak.

seen a pic of one on the net of it sitting on its headers from wheelstands.
the shitty GSXR range have the same problem...

[vtec]

I've ridden one a couple of years ago. It hauled arse. Was a loaner, got it to 232kph on the waipuna bridge, felt like the wind was going to blow my head off due to the lack of a windscreen. Very cool, would make a kick arse commuter, engine was brilliant, and the suspension geometry made it feel light and flickable.

[tri boy]

[QUOTE=carver;1285374]

seen a pic of one on the net of it sitting on its headers from wheelstands.
the shitty GSXR range have the same problem...

I could abuse a Bulldozer until its frame cracked. That doesn't mean it has a frame fatigue design fault, just would mean that I would be a extremely bad operator.
Be careful when making claims about structual weakness in any form of machinery, unless you have the qualifications, and research results to back it up.
Road going motorcycles are not designed to be wheelie practice bikes for learners. If that is a requirement for such people, they should be riding motorcross,trials, or enduro bikes. This whole street stunting craze is very similar to the boy racer approach to driving.
If people wish to do stoppies, wheelies etc, buy the correct bike. Abusing road going sport and sport touring bikes in this manner will always do damage to frame/suspension components. But I'm sure you understand the whole geometry/metallurgy/science already. Being the skilled ENGINEER that you have already said you are.

[James Deuce]

If it's the picture I think it is, it's the BIKE long term loaner that got munched by an old lady in a Fiesta.

[tri boy]

Thanks for the input Jim2. If that is indeed the case, it helps prove that unknowledgeable youngsters need to do their home work before posting comments about subjects that they don't understand. A single picture online doesn't make a design fault.
I did a fair bit of research and checking before I raised my concern with some of Triumphs wheel chroming issues, and fortunately I think I got it right, as they are using different suppliers on the some of the Bonneville range.
Not meaning to sound belittling towards you Carver, but after trainng quite a few apprentices over the years, and hearing constant false statements out of the mouths of babes, I'm attuned to nip it in the bud before they totally screw up.
For what it worth, I like the look of both the ER6, and the GSR. Both very functional road bikes indeed. Wouldn't mind either in my garage.

[carver]

Thanks for the input Jim2. If that is indeed the case, it helps prove that unknowledgeable youngsters need to do their home work before posting comments about subjects that they don't understand. A single picture online doesn't make a design fault.
I did a fair bit of research and checking before I raised my concern with some of Triumphs wheel chroming issues, and fortunately I think I got it right, as they are using different suppliers on the some of the Bonneville range.
Not meaning to sound belittling towards you Carver, but after trainng quite a few apprentices over the years, and hearing constant false statements out of the mouths of babes, I'm attuned to nip it in the bud before they totally screw up.
For what it worth, I like the look of both the ER6, and the GSR. Both very functional road bikes indeed. Wouldn't mind either in my garage.

[QUOTE=tri boy;1285731]

I could abuse a Bulldozer until its frame cracked. That doesn't mean it has a frame fatigue design fault, just would mean that I would be a extremely bad operator.
Be careful when making claims about structual weakness in any form of machinery, unless you have the qualifications, and research results to back it up.
Road going motorcycles are not designed to be wheelie practice bikes for learners. If that is a requirement for such people, they should be riding motorcross,trials, or enduro bikes. This whole street stunting craze is very similar to the boy racer approach to driving.
If people wish to do stoppies, wheelies etc, buy the correct bike. Abusing road going sport and sport touring bikes in this manner will always do damage to frame/suspension components. But I'm sure you understand the whole geometry/metallurgy/science already. Being the skilled ENGINEER that you have already said you are.

ah, i see.
the bikes i refer to have been abused by stunters and have quite a reputation for the frame cracking.
whereas something like my old CBR 600 F4i is chosen by stunters because of its tough frame.
i prefer the trellis style frame myself.
as for the geometry/metallurgy/science side of things, i have a basic understanding of suzuki's vacuum forming method that they use on fames, and the complaints by some that the fames are too thin on later model bikes.
i would be reluctant to pull a over 200 wheelies on a GSR an keep it.
and im pretty kind on bikes when i do wheelies. (no clutch, bring it down slow etc....)
but i hear what your saying