In the continuing evolution of the illustrious GSX-R performance series, Suzuki Australia has revealed advance details of its much-anticipated 2006-model GSX-R600K6.

Set for launch in Australia early next year, the all-new GSX-R600K6 is smaller, more powerful and more aerodynamic than its predecessor.

“Suzuki’s 2006-model GSX-R600 embodies everything that the GSX-R range stands for… outstanding engine performance, power delivery and handling,” Perry Morison, General Manager – Motorcycles, Suzuki Australia said.

Based on Suzuki’s legendary GSX-R1000, the global ‘king’ of sportsbikes, the all-new GSX-R600 has been developed to both set a new benchmark in its class and to optimise its racetrack performance.

Smaller and more powerful… a summation of the new GSX-R600 and also a summation of its all-new engine.

Suzuki engineers have cleverly compacted the 599cc, four-stroke, four-cylinder engine’s internals, reducing the cylinder pitch by 4mm to make it narrower and lighter, while at the same time stepping up the sophistication of the design.

Smaller overall, the GSX-R600’s engine has 20mm shaved off its height, is 16mm narrower and 54mm shorter than the previous engine, and weighs in one kilogram lighter.

The crankshaft and two transmission shafts have been repositioned to create shorter crankcases, with the cylinders now integrated into the upper crankcases.

The new, straighter intake ports have also been repositioned to allow for a more compact throttle body assembly - subsequently the airbox, fuel tank and fairing are narrower improving rider comfort and aerodynamic performance.

New titanium intake and exhaust valves, larger valve buckets, a more aggressive camshaft profile, anti-friction coated forged aluminium-alloy pistons and reshaped, stronger chrome-molybdenum steel connecting rods all contribute to a 500rpm increase in maximum engine speed.

To handle the demands of higher engine speeds, ventilation holes located between the cylinder bores are now larger, measuring 39mm, which reduces internal pumping pressure and mechanical power losses.

The latest version of Suzuki’s now-famous SDTV (Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve) fuel-injection system with dual double-barrelled throttle bodies is featured too, with the secondary fuel injector functioning only at high rpm for optimum engine output on the racetrack.

A new back-torque limiting clutch helps make downshifts smoother and more controlled, while the six-speed gearbox has more closely spaced gearing for improved racetrack acceleration.

Redesigning the exhaust system with a streamlined, short tailpipe that sits behind the right footpeg and a new, low-slung muffler positioned beneath the engine has both enhanced the bike’s aerodynamics and lowered its centre of gravity, improving the overall handling.  

A Suzuki Exhaust Tuning (SET) system is built into the mid-pipe of the new exhaust system and uses a servo-controlled butterfly valve to tune the pipe to match engine revs, offering better mid and high rpm power.

Cooling capacity has been increased via the clever curved, trapezoidal-shape radiator which still enables a smaller frontal area to be maintained … technology developed from Suzuki’s global racing program. 

Readily identifiable by its all-new styling, the latest Suzuki is built around an all-new black-finish aluminium-alloy frame that is both more compact and more rigid than before.

Overall, the 2006 Suzuki GSX-R600 is 15mm shorter and 25mm lower than its 2005 predecessor; the seat is 15mm lower and further forward than before, which reduces the reach from seat to handlebars for a more comfortable and aerodynamic riding position.

To further improve rider comfort, the all-new GSX-R600 has three-way adjustable footpegs that can move across a 14mm horizontal and vertical range.

Engineered to provide the rider with more suspension feel and better rear wheel traction, especially for the racetrack, the GSX-R600 includes a new 35mm longer aluminium-alloy swingarm.

A new rear suspension linkage system features a forged aluminium link that pivots on the swingarm itself to increase traction over smaller bumps, while a 15mm shorter Showa rear shock (still fully adjustable for spring preload, compression and rebound damping) allows room for the lower seat height.

Up front, the new inverted Showa cartridge front forks with 41mm inner tubes are fully adjustable for spring preload, compression and rebound damping.

The 2006 GSX-R600’s all-new, redesigned bodywork with reduced frontal area reflects the bike’s narrower and lower dimensions, and features an aggressive nose fairing with stacked headlights allowing room for large ram-air intakes.

New styling offers the GSX-R600 a bold, sporty look with new indicators incorporated into the mirrors and tail section for lighter weight and reduced drag, resulting in a 5% aerodynamic improvement, plus making racetrack preparation easier as the front turn signals come of with the mirrors.

On the rear, the tail light / brake light is now equipped with a clear lens encasing compact, solid-state LED’s.

Instrumentation is revised to create a lightweight, compact cluster with a mix of analogue tacho and LCD speedo, also incorporated are dual trip meters, clock, fuel reserve, gear position, temperature read out and a programmable engine rpm indicator.

Brakes are also new and improved including larger 310mm dual discs with radial calipers and radial brake master cylinder on the front, plus a lighter single-piston rear brake caliper and 220mm rear disc brake.

Gripping the road, the GSX-R600 uses a pair of new lightweight, 17-inch, thin-spoke alloy wheels shod with wide 120/70-17 front and 180/55-17 rear radial tyres.

An ignition immobiliser helps provide security against theft to complete the 2006 Suzuki GSX-R600 package.

For further information contact:

Glyn Griffiths
National Marketing Manager - Motorcycles
Suzuki Australia Pty Ltd
03) 9931 0500
Email: glyn_griffiths@suzuki.com.au
Website: www.suzuki.com.au

Marscelle Tully
Media Manager - Suzuki Motorcycles
Media & Communication Services
03) 9596 9011
Email: marscelle@mediacomservices.com.au
Website: www.mediacomservices.com.au