Segment:
Sport Touring / Everyday Sportbike
Target Audience:
Riders seeking a reliable, versatile motorcycle for commuting and sport touring
Competitors:
Kawasaki Ninja 500R, Honda CBR600F (earlier models)
Engine Configuration:
Inline-four cylinder, DOHC, air-oil cooled
Styling:
Distinctive Katana-inspired fairing and styling
Engine:
Comprehensive overhaul, disassembly, inspection, assembly, timing, lubrication, cooling system
Fuel System:
Carburetor removal, cleaning, adjustment, synchronization, fuel pump, fuel tank, lines
Transmission:
Clutch inspection and replacement, gearbox disassembly, assembly, gear selection, lubrication
Electrical System:
Ignition system, charging system, lighting, starter motor, battery, wiring diagrams, ECU troubleshooting
Chassis And Suspension:
Front fork overhaul, rear shock absorber, swingarm, bearings, steering head bearings
Braking System:
Front and rear brake caliper overhaul, master cylinders, brake fluid replacement, bleeding, pad inspection
Bodywork And Frame:
Fairing removal and installation, seat, fuel tank mounting, frame inspection
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, chain adjustment, lubrication points
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common problems, electrical faults, engine performance issues
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair
Diagnostics:
Component testing procedures, visual inspection guidelines
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds
Engine Type:
4-stroke, Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves
Displacement:
599 cc (36.5 cu. in.)
Bore X Stroke:
73.0 mm x 36.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.3:1
Horsepower Approx:
80-85 HP @ 10,500 RPM (crank)
Torque Approx:
55 Nm (40.6 lb-ft) @ 8,500 RPM (crank)
Carburetion:
4 x Mikuni BST36, Constant Velocity carburetors
Fuel Capacity:
17 Liters (4.5 US gal)
Oil Type Spec:
SAE 10W-40 API SG
Oil Capacity W Filter:
3.8 Liters (4.0 US qt)
Cooling Method:
Air-oil cooled (with oil cooler)
Safety Ratings:
Motorcycle safety standards apply, no specific crash test ratings like cars
Braking System:
Dual front disc brakes, Single rear disc brake
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, LED tail light, incandescent turn signals
Frame Construction:
Steel twin-spar frame
Rider Ergonomics:
Semi-fairing for rider protection and aerodynamic efficiency
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles) or 6 months
Spark Plug Inspection:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles)
Chain Lubrication Adjustment:
Every 1,000 km (600 miles) or after washing/rain
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 24,000 km (15,000 miles)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant (50% mixture with distilled water)
Fork Oil Type:
SAE 10W (refer to manual for specific capacity)
Transmission Oil Type:
SAE 80W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5
Common Wear Items:
Carburetor synchronization drift, cam chain wear, rear shock absorber degradation
Electrical Gremlins:
Wiring harness chafing, rectifier/stator failure (common across many bikes of this era)
Fuel System Maintenance:
Carburetor jetting can become clogged over time, requiring cleaning and adjustment
Oil Filter Part Number Common:
HF138 (Hi-Flo Racing) or 16510-07H00 (Suzuki OEM)
Air Filter Part Number Common:
13780-19B00 (Suzuki OEM)
Manufacturer:
Suzuki Motor Corporation
Gsx600F Introduction:
Introduced as a more sport-touring oriented sibling to the GSX-R line
Generation Changes:
The 1999-2001 models saw updates to styling, suspension tuning, and minor engine adjustments compared to earlier generations.
Production Period:
1988-2006 (globally, with updates)
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Industry Recognition:
Generally well-regarded for its reliability and versatility in its segment during its production run.
Owner Satisfaction:
Variable, depending on maintenance, but often praised for long-term usability.
Emission Standards:
Meets emissions standards of the time; manual provides specifics for regional compliance.
