All Tests – New GSX-R 600 test: Suzuki is working on its fundamentals – But a very successful 2011 GSX-R 600!

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

All Tests - New GSX-R 600 test: Suzuki is working on its fundamentals - But a very successful 2011 GSX-R 600!

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 !

But a very successful 2011 GSX-R 600 !

In front of its stand, our GSX-R 600 is quietly waiting to be mounted. The saddle, still located at 810 mm in height, allows the vast majority of bikers to calmly put both feet on the ground. The footrests set in the "recing" position – raised and set back – will perhaps tire even the tallest on long stages, but given the schedule of the day (four track sessions) their adjustment is perfect..

The handlebars, placed at the same height as the saddle, do not require to stiffen the triceps too much: another good point for the road. Closer to the pilot than that of the 2008 Gex, the handlebars induce a comfortable riding position – for the category – and will appeal to urbanites – straighter – as well as trackers – closer to their sacrosanct front axle..

The commodos are still very pleasant to use, but their fairly large number requires a little time to memorize everything. Side levers, we appreciate that that of the brake is adjustable, but its maximum spacing barely allows to match that of the clutch … not adjustable. A slight recalibration is required for the next version.

The engine starts right off and stalls very quickly to idle (1300 rpm), despite a relatively cool outside temperature (barely 10 ° C in the morning). But compared to the negative temperatures observed from the Tour Moto-Net Building in Paris, we won’t dare to complain. !

The starting in the pit lane is done smoothly via the soft and progressive clutch: one hardly notices the extension of the first report. The first three laps are run behind three-time English Superbike champion John Reynolds, then the pace slowly picks up.

The opportunity to see at first that the box is still as pleasant to handle in "ride" mode and that the engine of the GSX-R 600 still remains – if not more? – convincing! From idle, the 4-cylinder tows without flinching and offers tonic pick-ups from 4000 rpm.

Perfectly dosable thanks to its controlled injection, the engine is overall very pleasant and relatively considerate. But past 9000 rpm, we feel a new thrust coming, reinforced by the more sonorous growls of the air box and the pot !

The feeling of power is omnipresent: for a 600, the new Gex offers impressive roundness and usability. Where the hitches in the chrono will pass "in two", the Sunday pilots will be able to be satisfied with "the three" or even the four! Assisted by a clutch with torque limiter, the engine of the GSX-R 600 is a pure joy to take in hand.

Ditto for braking: equipped with new Brembo calipers, the little Gex retains its reassuring side. The grip of the brakes is not surprising, the lever attack remains relatively soft but the power is there, which greatly facilitates the discovery of a circuit !

Very appreciable on the road, this peculiarity – signed Suzuki via the Nissin master cylinder – will again be able to upset the "trappers" adepts of very heavy braking. They undoubtedly expected from the monoblock calipers marked Brembo a more lively reaction at the start of the race (at the lever).

Little used on this particularly undulating Spanish circuit – Almeria has only two hard braking – the brakes have shown good endurance. However, this will have to be confirmed in more difficult conditions: circuit more "stop and go", higher temperature, longer sessions and less spaced….

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