SUZUKI have sharpened up their GSXR600 and GSXR750 sportbikes for next season, but not everyone needs a no-holds-barred, 170mph rocket ship to have a laugh at the weekends.
Motorcycling is sometimes all about taking it easy, feeling comfortable and occasionally blasting away the cobwebs with a few seconds of speed. If that sounds like good, old-fashioned biking fun, then the GSR600 could be on your shopping list for 2006.
With a GSXR600 motor tucked away in its funky-looking chassis, the GSR will have plenty of power and Suzuki say the motor's fuel injection/ignition chip will be re-set for better midrange pull, with just a slight drop off at the top end.
The frame is an all-new aluminium alloy design, with the engine hanging from two spars and a meaty set of forks, plus braced swing-arm at the back all promising respectable handling.
The GSR also has 4-piston front brake calipers, neat indicators set into the bodywork, plus a modern reflector beam headlight. As you might expect, it also has a large catalyser in the exhaust to keep the EU emissions inspectors happy.
Bandit 600
This is no bargain basement Bandit 600 revamp - it is a totally new, 21st century model designed to ride, stop and go just as well as a sportsbike, but minus the cramped riding position.
Suzuki's marketing boss, Nick Palmer, says: "The GSR600 will have a range of colour-coded accessories, plus a low seat height and a competitive price around the £5500 area, all factors which will offer a broad appeal to all kinds of bikers."
I reckon Suzuki have done a good job on this bike and the GSR600 looks like something that your mates will be reasonably impressed with, offers decent performance, has the ability to be ridden two-up safely and doesn't cost a fortune to buy, either.
In the long run, that means there's less money to lose in depreciation, which is arguably the biggest reason NOT to buy many new motorcycles these days.
Suzuki reckon the first batch of GSR600s will be in the dealer network in February. Go to www.suzuki.co.uk for info on your local dealer location.
