Motorcycle Segment:
Middleweight Naked / Sportbike
Target Audience:
Commuters, recreational riders, sport touring enthusiasts.
Key Competitors 1996:
Yamaha XJ600 Diversion, Kawasaki ZZ-R600, Honda CB500, Honda CBF500.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled inline-four cylinder engine.
Chassis Design:
Steel diamond frame, accessible ergonomics.
Styling:
Naked styling (GSF600T) and faired sportbike styling (GSF600ST) with a half-fairing.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, disassembly, assembly, component specifications, timing, lubrication, cooling system.
Engine Fuel System:
Carburetor system (Mikuni BSR34), fuel pump, fuel tank, fuel lines, troubleshooting.
Electrical System:
Ignition system, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), starting system (starter motor, starter clutch), lighting, instrumentation, wiring diagrams.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Clutch operation and adjustment, gearbox disassembly and assembly, shift mechanism, final drive (chain and sprockets).
Suspension Steering:
Front fork (telescopic, cartridge type) overhaul and adjustment, rear shock absorber (monoshock, linkage type) inspection and replacement, steering head bearings, wheel bearings.
Braking System:
Front and rear hydraulic disc brakes, caliper overhaul, master cylinder, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, rotor specifications.
Chassis Frame:
Frame inspection, swingarm removal and installation, center stand, side stand.
Bodywork Esthetics:
Fairing removal and installation, seat, fuel tank cover, side panels, fenders.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter cleaning/replacement, spark plug inspection/replacement, chain adjustment and lubrication, brake fluid checks, coolant checks.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues related to starting, running, electrical faults, and braking problems.
Repair Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for overhauling major components like the engine, transmission, forks, and brake systems.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners throughout the motorcycle.
Adjustments:
Carburetor synchronization, valve clearance adjustments, clutch cable adjustment, throttle cable adjustment.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and advanced diagnostics).
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Detailed fault finding guides and diagnostic trees for various systems.
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, DOHC, inline-four cylinder
Displacement:
599 cc (36.6 cu. in.)
Bore X Stroke:
62.6 mm x 48.7 mm
Horsepower Peak:
Approximately 78 HP (57 kW) at 10,000 rpm (approximate figures, varies by market)
Torque Peak:
Approximately 56 Nm (41 lb-ft) at 9,000 rpm (approximate figures, varies by market)
Carburetor Type:
4 x Mikuni BSR34, downdraft, flat-slide carburetors
Fuel Capacity:
20 Liters (5.3 US gal)
Oil Capacity W Filter Change:
3.2 Liters (3.4 US qt)
Cooling Method:
Air-cooled
Ignition Type:
Digital CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)
Length Overall:
2130 mm (83.9 in.)
Width Overall:
755 mm (29.7 in.) (GSF600T), 770 mm (30.3 in.) (GSF600ST)
Height Overall:
1065 mm (41.9 in.) (GSF600T), 1170 mm (46.1 in.) (GSF600ST)
Wheelbase:
1430 mm (56.3 in.)
Dry Weight:
Approximately 187 kg (412 lbs) (GSF600T), 193 kg (425 lbs) (GSF600ST)
Wet Weight:
Approximately 212 kg (467 lbs) (GSF600T), 219 kg (483 lbs) (GSF600ST)
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle safety ratings vary significantly by region and are not standardized in the same way as cars).
Braking System:
Dual front disc brakes, single rear disc brake.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight (typical).
Frame Construction:
Robust steel diamond frame for stability.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 km (3,750 miles) or 6 months.
Oil Filter Replacement:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or 12 months.
Air Filter Inspection:
Every 6,000 km (3,750 miles).
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40 API SE/SF or SG
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (or equivalent)
Coolant Type:
Suzuki Genuine Coolant or a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol and distilled water.
Potential Carburetor Issues:
Carburetor synchronization drift, occasional fuel delivery issues (especially with ethanol fuels in modern times).
Potential Electrical Issues:
Regulator/rectifier failures, stator coil degradation leading to charging problems. Loose connections.
Potential Suspension Wear:
Front fork seals can weep over time, rear shock absorber damping may degrade.
Potential Clutch Wear:
Clutch plates can wear out with high mileage or aggressive use.
Brand Focus:
Suzuki has a long history in motorcycles, known for reliable and performance-oriented bikes across various segments, from commuters to superbikes.
Gsf Series Introduction:
The GSF Bandit series was introduced in the late 1980s, evolving through various displacements and configurations. The 600cc model became a popular staple in the mid-90s.
1996 Model Year Updates:
The 1996 model continued the successful formula of the first generation GSF600 Bandit, featuring updated graphics and minor component refinements over earlier versions. The primary distinction was the naked (T) versus faired (ST) variant.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Production Period Gv73A:
1995-1999
Motorcycle Of The Year Awards:
The GSF600 Bandit was highly regarded by motorcycle journalists and enthusiasts for its value, performance, and reliability, often appearing on 'best buy' lists of its era.
Enthusiast Reputation:
Known for being a 'workhorse' motorcycle, reliable for commuting and adaptable for light touring.
Emission Standards:
Designed to meet emissions regulations applicable at the time of manufacture (e.g., Euro 1 or similar).