The big four Japanese bike manufacturers have been unleashing flagship hypersports models with never seen before power-to-weight ratios, handling and top speeds. Even to hardened sports riders, these bikes can be too much although there's always a certain buzz on board one.
You need to be very experienced to get the most from them, but our everyday riding conditions allow us little, if any, opportunity to open them up and ride them as they are supposed to be ridden.
So, many of us are looking to the super-sports 600s. The manufacturers recognised years ago that a market existed for a middleweight sports bike which could still deliver buckets of power with handling to match.
These bikes are very focused, beautifully designed and engineered, with performance that is more accessible to the everyday racing enthusiast.
The current 600cc super-sports models are no exception. Every two years or so we are treated to freshly designed or updated models, and early last year Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki brought out theirs.
Over the past 12 months Suzuki's GSXR 600 had fallen behind the other Japanese trio. Then late last year the updated and seriously reworked bike was unveiled in Paris. The latest model features titanium valves, inverted forks, and radial-mount brakes and master cylinder.
The looks of the bike have changed to make it look like the GSXR 1000 with a new fairing shape and vertical-type, multi-reflector headlights. Suzuki have reworked the chassis with a new aluminium frame with extruded main spar design similar to GSX-R1000 for optimum width and rigidity. The swinging arm has gained a new external brace to increase rigidity. The bike comes with the new Bridgestone BT-014R tyres which we have tested. They perform really well under any conditions.
So how does all this translate when riding it? To be honest we were blown away. This is one amazing machine; this is one of the best. It is on a par with the MotoGP-inspired Honda CBR600RR, last year's class leader. This machine is just that bit more usable. You're not sitting over the top yoke as on the CBR, but it is just as sporty with a longer stretch over the 17-litre fuel tank and there is a nice bit of room in the cockpit for the taller rider.
The fairing gives good wind protection and it feels bulkier than it actually is, even though this bike weighs in at a paltry 161kg (dry). The instruments look good and are easy to read.
From tick-over the engine sounds great and continues to thrill once moving. What really grabs you is how much power there is available right through the rev range. It red lines at 15,500rpm. It feels gutsy like Kawasaki's ZX6R which has 36ccs more but doesn't feel as frenetic when trying a little too hard. The fuel injection is really smooth and there don't seem to be any of the surges of power we noticed with some of the competition.
The fully adjustable inverted telescopic front forks and fully adjustable rear monoshock provide amazing handling and rival that of the CBR and as a track tool it provides the cornering ability you expect. The feel from the brakes is fantastic: without stabbing or fading, and providing a smooth increase in stopping power.
It has been said that Suzuki's build quality has been a little dubious over the years, and only time will tell, but things are looking good for the latest GSXR models. As a super sports bike this is now one of the best. It faces stiff competition but provides the usability that the others don't have without compromising its focus.
It does not provide as much power as the 1,000cc bikes, but you are able to use more of its power. If you are in the market for a sports bike, then this is certainly one to try.
TECH SPEC
ENGINE: 599.4cc, Fuel injuected, Liquid cooled, DOHC, 4-stroke, 4 cylinder, 120ps at 13,000pm, 77nm torque at 10,800rpm, 6 speed, wet multi-plate clutch.
CHASSIS: Front - inverted telescopic forks fully adjustable; rear - Monoshock fully adjustable. Front wheel alloy 17 x 3.5 inch. Rear wheel alloy 17 x 5.5 inch. Brakes: twin 300mm discs with radially mounted 4 piston callipers front and a single 220mm disc with 2 piston calliper rear.
DIMENSIONS: Wheelbase 1390mm, Seat height 825mm, Dry weight 161kg, fuel capacity 17 litres.
INSURANCE: Group 11
PRICE: €10,950