In 2011, Suzuki released the GSX-R600, atop-class 600cc performance motorcycle that featured technologies proven on the world’s racetracks.
Compared to the previous model, Suzuki paid a great deal of attention to weight reduction, applied to every single part of the bike such as exterior plastic parts, muffler, rear suspension, frame, front forks, swingarm, and front brake calipers, which resulted in a nine kg (20 lbs) weight loss.
Combined with the weight reduction, the decision taken by Suzuki to shorten the wheelbase by 15 mm ensured a class-leading performance and a fuel economy improvement, and also achieved an optimized riding balance with the lightweight and compact built-in turn signals and taillights.
In the power department, every moving part of the engine was redesigned, which reduced the overall weight of the engine by two kg (four lbs). Also, the Suzuki engineers took care of the mechanical losses and improved performance at low and medium speeds.
The 599cc four-stroke four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine featured by the 2011 Suzuki GSX-R600 developed a power output of 126 hp at 13,500 rpm and 67 Nm (49 lb-ft) of torque at 11,500 rpm. The power produced by the engine, combined with a six-speed manual transmission and a dry weight of 187 kg (412 lbs), pushed the bike to a top speed of 253 kph (157 mph).