Suzuki's GSX-R family has been providing power and performance to the motorcycling masses since the first GSX-R400 of 1984. Then, a year later, the first GSX-R750 appeared, marking the start of a dynasty of motorcycles that continues today with the best-selling GSX-R750. Other family members have come and gone, such as the GSX-R250 and GSX-R1100, but the culmination of years of development and race success is instilled in the current GSX-R range: the GSX-R600, 750 and 1000.
1997 GSX-R600V through to Y:
A 599cc machine aping it's bigger brother the GSX-R750. Power was a shade under 100bhp and the bike was instantly competitive in British and World Supersports series. The chassis comprised of an aluminium beam frame, right-way-up forks, an adjustable monoshock at the back and four-pot Tokico brakes. Weight was just 174 kilos. Mild updates during the life of the bike saw power increase to around 110bhp, but styling remain the same.
2001 GSX-R600 K1-K3:
First major update saw the bodywork mimic that of the 750Y, although still the best way to tell them apart was the lack of upside-down forks on the 600. Fuel-injection came in for the first time on a Suzuki 600 and power was up to around 115bhp with weight just 163 kilos. Special edition models included a Telefonica MoviStar replica and a version of the Alstare Corona machine, which in SRAD form had won the 1998 and 1999 World Supersport championship.
2004 GSX-R600K4:
This machine took Suzuki back to the top of the 600 class. In came a new motor pumping out around 120bhp and a dry weight of just 161 kilos. The bike had narrower dimensions, bodywork identical to the GSX-R750K4 and upside-down front forks for the first time. A special-edition model in 2005 marked 20 years of the GSX-R range with a limited run of machines in corporate Suzuki blues modelled on the first scheme on the original GSX-R750. It also included a black-finished exhaust end-can and a blue coloured chain.
2006 GSX-R600 K6:
Even more diminutive than the previous model, the completely re-vamped '06 bike has more power (125bhp) than the older model. A host of engine changes helps the new GSX-R have better power-to-weight ratio and improved throttle response and mid-range than ever before. The aerodynamics package ape that of the K5 GSX-R1000, as does the mass-centralised stubby exhaust end-can.