In the highly competitive, hugely popular 600cc Supersports class, few machines down the years have gained such a loyal following as Suzuki's GSX-R 600. As has to be the case, each year sees subtle and not-so-subtle changes in order to keep up with severe competition from the likes of Kawasaki's ZX-6R and Yamaha's R6.
The GSX-R600 has been totally revamped. It is now lighter, more compact and more aerodynamic. The engine has been completely revised making it smaller, lighter and more powerful and with more mid-range power than previous models.
It has a digital fuel injection system, larger valve bucket diameters, forged alloy pistons with an anti-friction coating, re-shaped, shot-peened conrods and the cylinders are now integrated into the upper crankcases and plated with Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material.
It has a back-torque limiting clutch, a mass-centred stainless steel exhaust with an internal butterfly valve for increased power. The swinging arm is longer, in order to give better feedback and traction.
Overall the machine is 15mm shorter, 25mm lower in overall height and seat height has been reduced by 15mm. The Showa shock is fully adjustable and has a new linkage system. Front forks are inverted Showa cartridge type. Front brakes are now larger at 310mm and have radial callipers.
This is all what you can call race-bred technology. Suzuki, with some justification, call it a "miniature Supersport giant". The "miniature" is perhaps an admission that, in order to squeeze out that last ounce of performance, the smaller and lighter a machine is the less its frontal area the better.
Machines in this class are, sadly, getting more and more cramped with the passing of each year. Soon they will need a special breed to ride them!
For machines such as the GSX-R600 their true home is on the track and, though they are used by the hardy for daily transport, that is akin to putting a racehorse in the shafts of a coal wagon. For that reason such machines are not among our firm favourites.
This is only because they do not really lend themselves to daily use nor, in our view, are they the least bit comfortable when it comes to covering any distance. That, however, does not in the least deter many from using them for the daily hack, grind and commute.
That said, our test ride on the latest GSX-R600, came not far short of a Pauline conversion on the road to Damascus.
This is, for example compared with Yamaha's R6, almost in the luxury class when it comes to rider comfort. In terms of every aspect of performance: acceleration, braking, roadholding, it is an out-and-out delight even though riding it in the real world, on real roads is totally frustrating - if you value your licence.
So eager, willing and confidence inspiring is the GSX-R600 that you would need all the attributes of a plaster saint to stay within 150 per cent of any legal limits. That is, of course, part of the attraction.
It also explains why it comes in the top, Group 12 insurance band. Those who can have one just for track days are indeed blessed.
Brand loyalty matters, and for the younger generation of riders the likes of a Suzuki sports bike is a must-have. Suzuki also produces a factory restricted under 25kW model at the same price as the full power 80kW machine.
Suzuki's engines have long been a byword for "unburstability". This 599cc, four-cylinder in-line, 16-valve DOHC fuel-injected machine churns out 80kW at 13,400rpm - equivalent to 181 bhp per litre.
A few of us will remember the days when the "Manx" Norton achieved the magic 100bhp per litre, then considered to be the ultimate. Maximum torque is achieved at 11,800rpm. Top speed is 253km/h, and the 0-100km/h time a mere 3.89 seconds, figures which machines twice its size would be hard put to equal.
The facts and figures are only the background. They do not convey, nor can anything short of riding it, just how much of a cutting-edge thoroughbred this machine has become.
That it is almost every young man's dream is easy to understand. Even those preferring less exhilarating machines will concede that everyone should own one at some stage in their lives.
Ideally, when they are mature enough to use its scintillating performance responsibly.
Tech Spec
ENGINE: 599cc, 4-cyclinder, fuel-injected, DOHC, 16valve. 80kW @ 13,400rpm. 6-speed gearbox, chain drive
FRAME: Inverted, adjustable 41mm forks, link type swinging arm. Brakes, front dual 310mm disks, rear, single 220mm disk. 172 wheels
DIMENSIONS: Wheelbase 1,400mm. Seat height 810mm. Dry weight 161kg. Fuel 16.5 litres
PERFORMANCE: Max. speed 253km/h. 0-100km/h in 3.89 seconds
PRICE: €11,600 for the full-power or restricted versions