2002 - 2003 Suzuki GSX 600F Katana

Suzuki GSX 600F Katana

Make Model	Suzuki GSX 600F Katana
Year	2002 - 03
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
Ignition	Transistorized
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.