Suzuki's GSR600 is due to arrive in UK showrooms in January 2006, it's the naked middleweight sports-bike in which modern art meets race technology. Using The renowned, race-proven GSX-R600 engine is revised to produce more low-mid range torque for greater performance and flexibility. Combining comfort and style with real-world usability, the GSR is a sports-bike for every day of the week.
Whilst engineers were busy developing the engine, the Suzuki design team, headed by Nishino Toshiyuki, concentrated on creating a practical yet truly stunning motorcycle. Using the very latest vacuum die-casting technology, Suzuki engineers were able to create an aluminium-alloy frame and a swing-arm that, despite its pure, seamless surface, offers impressive, class-leading rigidity. With particular attention paid to easy steering and neutral handling, the GSR features an impressively low seat height of just 785mm, and the seat itself is shaped to boost comfort while providing a controlled and sporty riding position. With adjustable KYB suspension all round, four-piston Tokico brakes up front and a short, sporty wheelbase, the GSR600 sets new standards in the naked middleweight class.
Suzuki launched its all-new naked middleweight, the GSR600, to a gathering of top motorcycle journalists in Sardinia earlier this week. A location packed full of twisty corners, super smooth asphalt, stunning sea views and bright sunshine is a motorcyclist's paradise. It's also a perfect description of the Italian Island of Sardinia, which is exactly why Suzuki chose this location to launch their all-new naked middleweight - the GSR600. In producing this impressive naked middleweight, Suzuki engineers took the already accomplished GSX-R600 engine and re-developed its power characteristics to improve low-mid range torque, giving it a flexible yet impressive power curve.
Following a technical briefing at the launch base hotel in Costa Smerelda, journalists were invited to begin the first of two days of testing, heading out to the routes provided around the northern town of Olbia to gather riding impressions. After several hours on-board the GSR600, Daily Telegraph freelance journalist Harriet Ridley was the first to discuss her thoughts on the bike. "This bike is an absolute joy to ride. It feels very small and is so easy to turn. The work the engineers have done to the engine really suits the bikes purpose. It's very torquey in the low-mid range, and yet pulls strongly when the revs rise. Overall it's a great naked sports bike".
Fast Bikes magazine contributor Bertie Simmonds was present on the launch too. An experienced motorcycle journalist and editor for over 10 years, Bertie has tested every bike in the middleweight sector, and so can test with authority. "Underneath the surface of the GSR hides something a little nastier and more fun than just 'another naked middleweight motorcycle'", commented Bertie. "You see, by day the GSR is a well-mannered gent around town, content to amble about in the first half of the rev-counter, but the Suzuki GSR has the heart from the GSX-R600, which makes it a bit of Dr Jeckyl and Mr Hyde kind of bike. So from midnight, Mr Hyde comes out to play and its great".
Following Saturday evening's gala dinner, the journalists were back out on route Sunday morning for a shorter test on the western side of Olbia, giving press their final opportunity to assess the GSR whilst getting those all important photo's in the bag. Bike Magazine's Martin Fitzgibbons was keen to offer his view after a full day of testing. "The GSR600 is right up there with the very best middleweights. It handles really well and the engine produces just the right amount of power to make hard riding great fun. And that futuristic styling means it looks good as well."
Visit your authorised Suzuki dealer to find out more about the GSR600.
Related Linkswww.suzuki-gb.co.uk
