In 2002, Suzuki launched the GSX-R600, a supersport motorcycle that shared the upgrades with its bigger 750cc-class sibling, with new bungee hooks, a cool polished look for the exhaust, fuel injection, and with both headlights operated in the low beam mode.
Even though the engine was derived from the 750 Gixxer, it had plenty of original components engineered especially for it and complied with the specific requirements of the supersport class.
The 600cc GSX also featured the Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve System (SDTV), which involved a servo motor that opened the second valve, which maintained intake velocity at all engine speeds. Among other handling improvements featured by the bike were the Dragon Corsa Evo S tires which were specially designed for the GSX-R600 by Pirelli and were one kg (two lbs) lighter than the standard models.
The 2002 Suzuki GSX-R600, powered by a 599cc four-stroke four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, developed a power output of 115 hp at 13,000 rpm and 69 Nm (51 lb-ft) of torque at 10,800 rpm. The power, combined with a six-speed manual transmission and a dry weight of 163 kg (359 lbs), resulted in a top speed of 263 kph (163 mph).
The bike packed a fully adjustable suspension both on the front and rear, while the braking power was handled by two 320 mm discs with four-piston calipers on the front and a 220 mm disc with a two-piston caliper on the rear.