2011 Suzuki GSX-R600 and GSX-R750 Unveiled

Here it is, the first new sportbike released from Suzuki since the introduction of the revamped GSX-R1000 in 2009. It’s a new GSX-R600, which will again share its platform with the 750cc version to also be sold in 2011.

This sketch wasn’t released officially by Suzuki, but our industry mole confirms it is indeed a sketch of the bike that will be formally unveiled on October 5 at the Intermot show in Germany.

Because Suzuki is tight-lipped about its upcoming new products, we weren’t able to get any meaningful details out of them. But an inside source has confirmed it has a new engine and is not just a rehash of the existing motor, presumably with a few more horsepower. The aluminum perimeter frame is also all new. It’s a safe bet Suzuki has managed to pare off a few pounds from the 432-lb wet weight of our 2009 Gixxer, the porkiest of the 600s and 22 lbs heavier than the class-lightweight CBR600RR.

The GSX-R600/750 last received a ground-up redesign back in 2006, then was nicely updated for the 2008 edition. Given the typical Japanese four-year model cycles for sportbikes, we were anticipating a new Gixxer for 2010, but the tanking economy forced Suzuki to postpone its introduction until 2011.

Visually, the biggest change to the GSX-R is its nose, now boasting a narrower, vertically stacked headlight arrangement that mimics that of the GSX-R1000. Four angular intake slots ram air into the airbox and helps provide a distinguishing snout. This sketch indicates a tall windscreen – taller than most sportbikes – but a screen of that height might not make it to the production bike.

The X pattern of the side fairings draw from the previous bike but are less pronounced. Flush-mount rear turnsignals are placed within the tailsection, while the front signals will almost assuredly be placed in the mirrors like previous Gixxers.

Many components are exactly what we’d expect from a GSX-R, including radial-mount front brakes and lightweight thin-spoke wheels. We’ll also assume another edition of a slipper clutch, a newer iteration of S-DMS, the power-mode selector, and adjustable footpegs. And, like its 1000cc brother (and Kawasaki ZX-6R, we expect to see a Showa BPF fork. The 4-into-1 exhaust system follows the styling lead of the previous Gixxer but is unique to the 2011 model.

Tune in to Motorcycle.com on October 5 for full details about the new GSX-R600 and GSX-R750. It will be a big news day, as we’ll also be able to share info about the all-new Kawasaki ZX-10R!

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/suzuki/2011-suzuki-gsxr600750-unveiled-89974.html