All Duels – Comparison test Suzuki GSX-R 600 Vs GSX-R 750: which one to choose? – Road test: there will be (more) sport!

Suzuki GSX-R 600 Vs GSX-R 750 comparison test: which one to choose ?

All Duels - Comparison test Suzuki GSX-R 600 Vs GSX-R 750: which one to choose? - Road test: there will be (more) sport!

Redesigned (a little), lightened (a lot) and optimized (madly!) In 2011, the Suzuki GSX-R 600 and 750 appear at the top of their form. To decide between these two sports very close technically, MNC opposed them on the road and on the circuit.. Duel.

Road test: there will be (more) sport !

When it comes to carving the road on a sports bike, the Suzuki GSX-R 600 and GSX-R 750 generally attract all the votes: less radical, therefore less brittle, the "Gex" would almost pass for " Road supersport "compared to the most demanding of their rivals.

On the handlebars of the GSX-R "L1" (for 2011), this observation requires however to be somewhat moderate: the tanks, the saddles and the redesigned handlebars induce slightly more support on the wrists, while the inclination of the bust towards the bubble is a bit more pronounced than before.

Despite a reasonable seat height (810 mm) and the presence of adjustable footrests in three positions – an ultra-practical device which allows to more or less accentuate the bending of the legs according to the desires and the needs -, the position is shows overall more "sporty", but without having become too radical.

The base of the Suz ‘thus remains much less tilted on the front than on a Ducati 848 or a Yamaha R6. The straps are more open and the "saddle-handlebar" distance is greater. No need to be as flexible as an Indian contortionist to sit on their handlebars when measuring over 1’75 m because the Gex keep generous measurements, especially compared to the anorexic silhouettes of a CBR600RR or a 675 Daytona !

These volumes directly benefit comfort: unlike the bubbles of the Honda and the Triumph, whose protective effects seem to stop above the navel, that of the Suzuki preserve almost the entire bust. Of course at high speed, no miracles: the "dab" position, the chin wedged in the recess hollowed out for this purpose on the top of the tank, is the only alternative for effectively relieving the neck.

The limits of the relative "sport-road" compromise appear just as clearly in the rain: due to the shrinkage of the boot (resulting from the search for compactness and lightness), the carrying of waterproof clothing necessarily requires a backpack. Mainly occupied by the tool kit, the space under the saddle barely accommodates a disk unit: a handicap for daily use, even with the immobilizer by coded key.

In addition, if the fairings still provide a satisfactory degree of protection, the general "sharpening" of the GSX-R 600 and GSX-R 750 benefits their coefficient of penetration in the air more than the protection of the pilot. Here again, the draconian regime serves pure performance (better aerodynamics = better top speed), but penalizes the preservation of a certain form of comfort..

Wrapping the curves of the aluminum perimeter frame as closely as possible, the trim has nevertheless changed very little aesthetically. If the "facelift" of the front is easily noticeable (the shapes of the headlight and the air intakes are more stretched upwards), other "cosmetic" changes require more attention to be detected….

Like the rear part (however shorter and narrower) which does not mark a real break with the previous vintages: the projecting angles and the lights framed by the indicators preserve the characteristic "manga" look. A warned eye will however note the greater use of carbon-style covers (on the rear shell in particular, or around the frame) and the appreciable increase in the level of finish..

Every detail appears much more polished, from the well-fitting plastics to the extra attention paid to welds and cable concealment. On this occasion, we salute the appearance both "sport" and classy of the dashboard: the polished strapping which surrounds the very legible tachometer and the imitation carbon plastic placed below give off a flattering first impression.

Certainly, the most demanding will regret that Suzuki did not opt ​​for real carbon fibers, pointing an accusing finger at the lack of nobility and cachet specific to all imitations. Note, however, that the materials used have absolutely nothing "plastoc" and that their lower production cost helps maintain the addition at an accessible level..

Certain European motorcycles adorned with a few touches of carbon cannot say the same … In addition, the 2011 GSX-R 600 and 750 models have retained an arch-complete and very readable instrumentation … which will be envied by the owners of several of their rivals !

In addition to the usual information, the dashboard includes a clock, a stopwatch, a gear indicator, an engine temperature indicator, a shift light, two daily totalizers and a reserve trip (read the "Instrumentation" section of the sheets techniques on the following pages). So much information that it is also possible to scroll without letting go of the handlebars, via the buttons provided for this purpose on the right stalk.

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