All Tests – New GSX-R 600 test: Suzuki bumps its fundamentals – Suzuki compromise is retained

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New GSX-R 600 test: Suzuki is working on its fundamentals

All Tests - New GSX-R 600 test: Suzuki bumps its fundamentals - Suzuki compromise is retained

Before the new Suzuki GSX-R 600 and 750 landed in 2011, we tested the 600 on the Almeria circuit. Lighter, better equipped and a little more torquey, the little sister is nonetheless a Gex: amateurs will appreciate !

Suzuki compromise is retained

As the loops, the pace accelerates and we discover new aspects of the bike. Reports, for example, require a little more concentration and rigor to be engaged at very high speed. Agility side, after having pleasantly surprised at low speed, the Gex becomes more delicate to handle..

While the slow Almeria chicane shows clear progress in this area, the faster sequences betray a certain inertia. To undertake sharp changes of angles at good speed, the pilot must again abruptly his machine and become physically involved.

Still a little too wide, the tank has nevertheless lost height and makes the task easier. "Its new shape also makes it easier to hide behind the bubble in straight lines.", remarks the development pilot Hikaru Ohshiro..

Despite its good protection for a sports car, the GSX-R 600 requires the pilot to curl up meticulously to isolate himself from all the eddies. Why the devil not to propose a "real" bubble, like those which equip the motorcycles of competitions? For the look, unfortunately…

Along with John Reynolds, the young Japanese driver has developed a tip-top suspension setting that we adopt from the second session: "two preload turns on the rear shock to make it more incisive and a compression click on the fork to soften mass transfers", reveals the English champion.

If the modification of the adjustment of the BPF fork is hardly felt, that of the rear shock absorber is more sensitive. More posted on the front, the new GSX-R 600 indeed gains in address in the entries of curve. Let us also underline at this stage the trick of the Japanese which consisted of putting only the bare necessities in the tank: enough to double the 9 kg lost ?!

In full curve this time, the GSX-R 600 does not attract any negative criticism. Perfectly set on its wheels – and its original BT-016s – our machine traces the track without worrying about the rare bumps that adorn the Andalusian track. The front axle in particular is imperturbable.

It is hardly until the exit of the long straight double that irregularities in the coating show some oscillations in the rear axle. But after several passages, we realize that the Gex does not care about these few bumps !

By pushing the Gex into its (penultimate) entrenchments, the rear axle can play the accordion but remains perfectly tuned. Thus, the new Suz ‘allows you to stay wide open to better tumble down the straight line..

We then connect the 3, 4 then 5th gears to the rhythm of a better designed shiftlight than on the previous edition: the four indicators – instead of just one before – are a little shifted and are visible out of the corner of the eye.

At the end of this straight line nearly a kilometer long, the GSX-R 600 manages to exceed 250 km / h. In the absence of a comparison – compared to the old model or compared to the competition – we will be satisfied with qualifying the performance as particularly enjoyable. !

By choosing the wiser engine mapping (mode B), the sensations are much less exhilarating. Stifled at all speeds, the GSX-R 600 becomes as soft as a little Bandit: "this can allow you to break in your tires, to drive in the city center or in difficult conditions much more serenely", tells us the Suzuki marketing manager.

After an unexpected fifth session – Suzuki’s Christmas present to journalists! -, the observation is clear: Suzuki has conscientiously worked on its fundamentals! Indeed, the GSX-R 600 has indeed evolved while remaining a Gex.

Always liveable thanks to its driving position, its engine seems to have gained in roundness and its handling – or track! – is better than it was already in 2010. More agile, a little more precise and better braking, the GSX-R 600 2011 is very, very well born.

In the midst of ever more demanding and uncomfortable Supersport models – with the exception of the Honda CBR 600 RR – this new Suzuki has its place more than ever. And especially on the road, where most sports car owners spend most of their time.

Available in three colors from the end of January 2011 (probably around the 25th), the new GSX-R 600 hides an ultimate secret: its price! "It will be established at the last moment, unfortunately the Yen-Euro parity should lead to a slight increase in the price.", confides François Etterle, sales director at Suzuki France. Will it exceed 12,000 euros? Mystery…

Finally, with regard to the competition, if no program will be launched in Mondial Supersport, we could well hear about the small Gex in the French championship … Stay tuned !

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