.

Suzuki GSX 600F Katana

.  

Make Model

Suzuki GSX 600F Katana

Year

1998 - 99

Engine

Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Capacity

599 cc / 36.6 cu-in
Bore x Stroke 62.6 x 48.7 mm
Cooling System Air/oil cooled
Compression Ratio 11.3:1
Lubrication Wet sump

Induction

4 x Mikuni BSR32SS carburetors
Starting Electric

Max Power

64 kW / 86 hp @ 11000 rpm

Max Torque

59.8 Nm / 44.1 ft-lb @ 7950 rpm
Clutch Wet, multiplate discs

Transmission 

6 Speed 
Final Drive Chain, 118 links
Primary reduction Ratio 1.744
Final reduction Ratio 3.133
Frame Double-cradle, tubular steel pipe

Front Suspension

41 mm Conventional telescopic, coil spring, oil damped, fully adjustable rebound damping
Front Wheel Travel 130 mm / 5.1 in
Rear Suspension Swingarm, progressive linkage, 4-step rebound dampened, 7-step spring preload
Rear Wheel Travel 142 mm / 5.6 in

Front Brakes

2 x 290mm Discs, 2 piston caliper

Rear Brakes

Single 240 mm disc, 2 piston caliper

Front Wheel

3.50 x 17, cast alumium-alloy

Rear Wheel

4.50 x17, cast alumium-alloy

Front Tyre

110/80 ZR17

Rear Tyre

140/80 ZR17

Rake

25.3°

Trail

99.5mm / 3.9 in
Dimensions Length  2135 mm / 84.1 in
Width      745 mm / 29.3 in
Height   1195 mm / 47.0 in
Wheelbase 1470 mm / 57.9 in
Seat Height 785 mm / 30.9 in

Dry Weight

200 kg / 441 lbs
Wet Weight 219 kg / 482.8 lbs

Fuel Capacity 

20 Litres / 5.2 US gal / 4.4 Imp gal

Consumption Average

5.7 L/100km / 17.5 km/l / 41.2 US mpg / 49.4 Imp mpg

Braking 60 km/h - 0

13.8 m / 45.3 ft

Braking 100 km/h - 0

38.8 m / 127.3 ft

Standing ¼ Mile  

12.2 sec / 171.4 km/h / 106.5 mph

The original GSX600F was launched in 1988 as a sportsbike. At that time, its specification was perfectly acceptable for a performance machine - all-enclosing bodywork, a 16-valve engine and monoshock rear suspension put it on a par with its peer group. Only the slightly bland styling marked the GSX out from its competitors. By 1998, the GSX600F had been relegated to a more pedestrian budget sports tourer role. However, Suzuki gave it a wheels-up makeover anyway.

The former 'jellymould' styling was radically altered, but was still not to every rider's taste. The engine and carburation received internal modifications to produce improved low and mid-range power production, at the cost of some top-end power. And a new stainless steel exhaust resists corrosion, while improving power. The engine uses a combination of oil and air cooling. A high-capacity oil pump circulates engine oil through a large oil radiator to cool the engine internals, while fins on the cylinder block also remove heat. Suzuki claims this saves weight over a liquid-cooled engine, while remaining more efficient than an air-cooled design.

Compared with modern sports machines, the GSX will disappoint. The brakes are indifferent, while the low pegs reduce ground clearance and soon drag on the ground during committed cornering. The engine's lack of sophistication shows in its harsh, rewy power delivery, and it feels underpowered compared with more modern designs.

However, the GSX600F makes an acceptable budget tourer. A large 20-litre (4.4 gal) fuel tank gives an impressive fuel range of almost 320km (200 miles), while the broad dual seat offers spacious accommodation for rider and pillion. The soft suspension gives a smooth ride and the relaxed steering geometry is very stable at the GSX600Fs maximum speed of around 225km/h (140mph).Twin-beam headlights provide excellent night-time illumination, and the full fairing protects the rider from high-speed wind blast.