Suzuki set its sights on improving three key elements; track performance, styling and weight reduction. Official numbers will be released later today, but unofficially the new GSX-R600 is 20 Lbs. lighter than its predecessor with the 750 losing about 19 Lbs. What does that mean for wet weight, how about 410- and 416-Lbs. for the 600 and 750.
No detail was overlooked either, as Suzuki went through a painstaking process of trimming the excess fat. Team Blue and White managed to cut over 2 Lbs. with the new frame and amazingly shed another 7 Lbs. with the fresh bodywork. In addition to thinner body panels, Suzuki simplified the number of fairing pieces from 40 to 32 and even saved another 1 Lb. with the new headlight.
The engine also went on a serious diet, as it’s now over 4 Lbs. lighter than the previous mill. Piston skirts and pin bosses on the 600 were carved to the tune of a 14% weight loss and the connecting rods were also lightened by 12%. If you think that’s insane, Suzuki also moved the ECM and all of its components from the tailsection to underneath the tank, since less wires means a 330 gram weight savings…yeah, Suzuki was that serious about making weight.
Along with an overall decrease in total engine heft, the motor is also more powerful. This bump in steam comes courtesy of lighter internal components, increased compression and a massaging of the piston surfaces for a robust midrange and top-end hit. To maximize the lightweight motor, Suzuki also reworked the transmission with a taller first gear and a tighter stack thereafter¬—a combo that is said to be “telepathic” on the track where you’ll never get caught between gears.
Along with the lightweight frame and feathery motor, Suzuki also shortened the wheelbase by 15mm, while leaving the new swingarm the same length as the previous unit. By rotating the engine 3-degrees inside the frame, Suzuki was able to tighten the package for improved turn-in feel, while retaining the longer swingarm length to keep on-throttle exits in check.
Along with the new bodywork that’s best described as stunning, the ergonomics have also been tweaked with a shorter, more sloped gas tank that allows taller riders to better tuck behind the screen. Front and rear overhang have also been decreased for less weight, creating a stance that's off the charts.
While horsepower figures and official weights aren’t available yet, the MSRP (suggested retail) for the two Gixxers was…which might be the biggest news yet. The GSX-R600 has a retail of $11,599 and the GSX-R750 rings in at $11,999. Yeah, you read that right, the 750 is only $400 more than the 600. How’s that for a bargain?
Stay tuned for the full write-up in the January issue of Super Streetbike, but until then, here are the highlights and a few pics.
-GSX-R750 is only $400 more than the GSX-R600 with respective retails of $11,999 and $11,599
-Weight savings over previous models:
600: 20 Lbs. lighter with unofficial wet weight of 410
750: 19 Lbs. lighter with unofficial wet weight of 416
-Brembo radial mounted monoblock front calipers
-Showa 43mm Big Piston Forks
-15mm shorter wheelbase with same length swingarm
-All new frame and swingarm
-New bodywork, headlights and titanium exhaust systems
-More midrange and top-end power
-S-DMS selectable fuel maps
-GSX-R1000 style instrument cluster
-Weight savings over previous models:
600: 20 Lbs. lighter with unofficial wet weight of 410
750: 19 Lbs. lighter with unofficial wet weight of 416
-Brembo radial mounted monoblock front calipers
-Showa 43mm Big Piston Forks
-15mm shorter wheelbase with same length swingarm
-All new frame and swingarm
-New bodywork, headlights and titanium exhaust systems
-More midrange and top-end power
-S-DMS selectable fuel maps
-GSX-R1000 style instrument cluster