I bought this exact model and color in 1998. Rode it twice across the USA and put almost 60,000 miles on it in 2 years. Never a hiccup or a fault. I have fond memories of that bike.
one thing I've learned is don't matter what u ride..if your comfy and like it..ride it..I've seen 300 cc. ninjas on the road..why laugh and insult the bike? at least they have one.and enjoy the wind flowing through your body and adrenaline pumping...I get many thumbs up riding by cars trucks etc..they wishing they had a bike or some go and get one...its up to you..test ride a few and get an idea of what you want in a ride..
Fantastic all round bike, had mine 9 yrs and never missed a beat, 100% reliable, not really exciting to ride due to lacking power "does the job though but handles around country roads a treat, very comfy, The reason why you don't see many for sale is because they never let you down, hence why I still got mine. Highly recommended.
Hey buddy. Just after some advice. I'm looking for a cheap bike for touring trips. How would your GSXF handle hard luggage ect? Also, what is the cumfy cruise speed of this machine? should I get the 750?
Back in 2000, I bought a brand new 600 Katana, and I loved it. And it is not as slow as you may think. It had a tried and true engine, very good ride, and great fuel mileage. I sold it in 2012, for a bagger and I regretted it ever since. And it is my understanding that Suzuki doesn't make the Katana anymore.
I like the older bikes. I've had new bikes and they really are built down to a price nowadays. I see a guy commuting on a red one of these day after day in rain wind sun sleet snow ice. The lot. I think it shows how good this bike is at real world day to day living and dealing with the UK climate. Shame this review didn't touch on mpg or what to look out for when buying.
There really isn't a terrible lot to watch out for on these bikes. They are carbureted and its basically a detuned GSXR engine from the 80s, very reliable powerplant. I often have issues with people saying the bikes are underpowered but there are cheap, easy to do mods that make this bike a very good, well rounded bike. I'm currently setting money aside in order to do an engine swap and to purchase new fairings. I bet most people say the bike is slow aren't very capable in the twisties, food for thought.
I had that with a Vstrom 1000 but it had been lowered, making it harder to get up on the centre stand. Sold it in the end and went for a CBF1000 which was much much easier.
there's a knack, I've had two of the older versions of this bike and the 750, and so long as you put your entire weight on the centre stand foot prong, and pull directly up on the subframe at the same time, it pops right up
i have an 03 and I love it. tons of fun and cheap as well. only paid 1000$ for one with 4600 miles. Katanas are great starter bikes and are quick as well
It's a good review....but my only advice would be buy the 750 over the 600....why? Well they are just as cheap, cost nothing to insure and even though neither of them are rocket ships.....the 750 does have I think about 13 bhp more than this putting it close to 100 and that is not going to feel slow by most riders..you will keep up with the weekend warriors on a Sunday thrash....trust me. I'm just in the process of rebuilding a750 from ground up and my mates think I'm insane....but my last one got used for a trip around Scotland, track days where it kept up with some much more exotic kit, and even got into the 11,s on a quarter mile drag strip...go try one....leave the bike snobbery at the door and you,LL enjoy I promise
Yeah, I've got a 750 and I love it. There is a really cool concept behind the GSXF bikes. They are as good for a two up road trip as for a track day. Thing is, bike snobbery exists. More than once some random guy has told me it is not "sporty enough" because "it's not an RR". And yeah, that's the point, I don't need an RR. This is much more of an all rounder. Love my bike, not planning of getting rid of it any time soon.
I've had my 1998 R GSX600F for the last 2 and half years (since passing my bike licence (late in life) and I cannot complain about anything - only wish I had the 750 version for when the wife came with me. Other than the power being a little under with a passenger - Its perfect and looks extremely good - helps with 2 angel headlights to be noticed - get one today.
It's difficult at first because it's heavy. And you feel the weight in every corner that aint 30mph+. Once you get used to the weight it's a great bike and it has decent power. It just lacks torque. Above 6000rpm the power is great considering it's weight. I started on one. Good, thicc girl..
I have a '98 600cc - very nice bike i love it although it DOES have some flaws - Right now i would go with 750 cc - the 600 is a bit lacking for prolonged freeway driving - paint job is a bit delicate - mine is getting a bit pink from the sun (don't have garage to store it - the position is not that good, maybe i am siting wrong but after 200 km done i wrist are starting to hurt, and legs are a bit cramped. Its not bad but for someone it might be a bit of a nuisance after longer driving - The clutch is on a cable i have to mod it for hydraulic pump at some point. - Brakes are to week i my opinion, Right now i have 'Hell' steel graded brake lines, RBF fluid, EBC pads and new Michelin pilot road 3 installed and brakes are still a bit sloppy (it may be that the brake pump cylinder is in need of replacement) Other than that a sweet bike Best mods would be: - swap the engine for something bit bigger (750 or 1100 - it is doable fairly easy) - Insall complete front from i.e. hayabusa or something fro better / bigger brakes And i love the fairings on this one :)
0:13 "where does this Susuki GSX-F fit in?" at the back of the pack with the rest of the tuna trying to catch up? "its got more power than a 1.44 fiesta" haha. more speed than a... family car... 0:485 "strap it on with the old bungie hooks" um, I want a bit more securing my luggage than... bungie cords... with something precarious on the rear seat "what more do you want?" way more horsepower, less weight, more acceleration and top end speed, better turning and better suspension? wait, no, first give me an engine that is way easier to work on while its still in the bike, everything after that is just gravy...
Kinell amatuer, aint you sussed out it's not what you ride its how you ride, seen many experienced riders eat Humphries on r1'when their on w Sdr's or sporties
@@blackbeard1074 Doubt you can fit much under any seat. I dont even use that are. Stick a bookbag on your tank and a dufflebag over your sissybar and you can carry about a weeks worth of groceries for one person almost. Saddlebags will add you two more bags of chips I got a huge tupperwsre storage container trunk mounted on the back of my cm450, I can bring home two weeks of groceries but its a beast.
I bought this exact model and color in 1998. Rode it twice across the USA and put almost 60,000 miles on it in 2 years. Never a hiccup or a fault. I have fond memories of that bike.
one thing I've learned is don't matter what u ride..if your comfy and like it..ride it..I've seen 300 cc. ninjas on the road..why laugh and insult the bike? at least they have one.and enjoy the wind flowing through your body and adrenaline pumping...I get many thumbs up riding by cars trucks etc..they wishing they had a bike or some go and get one...its up to you..test ride a few and get an idea of what you want in a ride..
Fantastic all round bike, had mine 9 yrs and never missed a beat, 100% reliable, not really exciting to ride due to lacking power "does the job though but handles around country roads a treat, very comfy, The reason why you don't see many for sale is because they never let you down, hence why I still got mine.
Highly recommended.
Hey buddy. Just after some advice. I'm looking for a cheap bike for touring trips. How would your GSXF handle hard luggage ect? Also, what is the cumfy cruise speed of this machine? should I get the 750?
+Ryan Banks buy a klr 650 or a older bmw
PAUL MCKENNA n
Is it the same for a 99
Back in 2000, I bought a brand new 600 Katana, and I loved it. And it is not as slow as you may think. It had a tried and true engine, very good ride, and great fuel mileage. I sold it in 2012, for a bagger and I regretted it ever since. And it is my understanding that Suzuki doesn't make the Katana anymore.
they do make it
I like the older bikes. I've had new bikes and they really are built down to a price nowadays. I see a guy commuting on a red one of these day after day in rain wind sun sleet snow ice. The lot. I think it shows how good this bike is at real world day to day living and dealing with the UK climate. Shame this review didn't touch on mpg or what to look out for when buying.
You can go to > fuelly.com/motorcycle/ < for fuel use numbers, just about every bike made.
There really isn't a terrible lot to watch out for on these bikes. They are carbureted and its basically a detuned GSXR engine from the 80s, very reliable powerplant. I often have issues with people saying the bikes are underpowered but there are cheap, easy to do mods that make this bike a very good, well rounded bike. I'm currently setting money aside in order to do an engine swap and to purchase new fairings. I bet most people say the bike is slow aren't very capable in the twisties, food for thought.
Dude pulls it up on it's center stand like it's nothing, while I almost strained my back and pulled it over on me every time I've tried to do it.
I weigh 200 pounds and it still takes couple of tries to get it each time.
I had that with a Vstrom 1000 but it had been lowered, making it harder to get up on the centre stand. Sold it in the end and went for a CBF1000 which was much much easier.
there's a knack, I've had two of the older versions of this bike and the 750, and so long as you put your entire weight on the centre stand foot prong, and pull directly up on the subframe at the same time, it pops right up
@@Drobium77exactly, its like in martial arts, you are using your weight and your objective’s weight in tandem.
Thanks for that, I struggled with my gsx 600f, can't believe it's so obvious now, (feeling stupid) will try it today, 👍😎
i have an 03 and I love it. tons of fun and cheap as well. only paid 1000$ for one with 4600 miles. Katanas are great starter bikes and are quick as well
Katana 600 fuel diagram
katana 600 fuel hose hook up
For 1000 dollars good lord! That’s a hell of a deal
How much would 1 of these go for now days?
It's a good review....but my only advice would be buy the 750 over the 600....why? Well they are just as cheap, cost nothing to insure and even though neither of them are rocket ships.....the 750 does have I think about 13 bhp more than this putting it close to 100 and that is not going to feel slow by most riders..you will keep up with the weekend warriors on a Sunday thrash....trust me.
I'm just in the process of rebuilding a750 from ground up and my mates think I'm insane....but my last one got used for a trip around Scotland, track days where it kept up with some much more exotic kit, and even got into the 11,s on a quarter mile drag strip...go try one....leave the bike snobbery at the door and you,LL enjoy I promise
Yeah, I've got a 750 and I love it. There is a really cool concept behind the GSXF bikes. They are as good for a two up road trip as for a track day.
Thing is, bike snobbery exists. More than once some random guy has told me it is not "sporty enough" because "it's not an RR". And yeah, that's the point, I don't need an RR. This is much more of an all rounder.
Love my bike, not planning of getting rid of it any time soon.
& it will make you a cup of Tea. 😂😂😂
@@rolanddring-sandberg4432two sugars!
Lovely bikes I've had my 1998 gsxf 600 for a few weeks it's a fantastic bike
Do you still have it?
I always liked these teapot Suzukis.They do get a bit of a ribbing by the bike press but deep down they admit they are a good bike.
Love the old baboon arse light,and the old bulbous front end,the old thin back tyre.
Yep a very practical true down to earth review the "end" : )
Jel uljara???
Vance & Hines SS2R exhaust sounds SOOO good on my 600 katana
I own several gsx 600 f's. Older types and this one.
These are basic no nonsense and reliable bikes. Can't go wrong with these machines.
Are they any good what are the main problems was looking at a 2003 one 2k euro good condition running well
Здравствуйте, скажите пожалуйста почему Сузуки Катана называется Моника🤷♂️? Хочу знать??
I've had my 1998 R GSX600F for the last 2 and half years (since passing my bike licence (late in life) and I cannot complain about anything - only wish I had the 750 version for when the wife came with me. Other than the power being a little under with a passenger - Its perfect and looks extremely good - helps with 2 angel headlights to be noticed - get one today.
Brilliant, proper, practical, do it all bikes....and locknut and screw valve adjustment.
I was thinking about getting this or a Suzuki GS 500 for my first bike, only riding a 125 atm I was wondering if this bike would be a good starter?
Get the SV650, same sort of price range but MILES better as an all rounder and pretty torquey too!
Jeff you're wrong about front brakes, it has 2 pot calipers
So curvaceous and beautiful.
Nice bike, old school. Good video, I liked it!
Anybody done any brake mods? Stock brakes are lame on this.
grand review sir!
Do you recommend the GSX600F 2003 as a first/beginner bike?
got a 96' katana 600 and as a newbie i can only recommend this bike, its easy on you, apart from the heavy weight of 220kg full
It's difficult at first because it's heavy. And you feel the weight in every corner that aint 30mph+. Once you get used to the weight it's a great bike and it has decent power. It just lacks torque. Above 6000rpm the power is great considering it's weight. I started on one. Good, thicc girl..
@@ScReamOut93 jet the carbs
Why is everything "the old...."😊
under seat storage, practical bike, look at the crap they are making nowadays,
I have a '98 600cc - very nice bike i love it although it DOES have some flaws
- Right now i would go with 750 cc - the 600 is a bit lacking for prolonged freeway driving
- paint job is a bit delicate - mine is getting a bit pink from the sun (don't have garage to store it
- the position is not that good, maybe i am siting wrong but after 200 km done i wrist are starting to hurt, and legs are a bit cramped. Its not bad but for someone it might be a bit of a nuisance after longer driving
- The clutch is on a cable i have to mod it for hydraulic pump at some point.
- Brakes are to week i my opinion,
Right now i have 'Hell' steel graded brake lines, RBF fluid, EBC pads and new Michelin pilot road 3 installed and brakes are still a bit sloppy (it may be that the brake pump cylinder is in need of replacement)
Other than that a sweet bike
Best mods would be:
- swap the engine for something bit bigger (750 or 1100 - it is doable fairly easy)
- Insall complete front from i.e. hayabusa or something fro better / bigger brakes
And i love the fairings on this one :)
0:13 "where does this Susuki GSX-F fit in?" at the back of the pack with the rest of the tuna trying to catch up?
"its got more power than a 1.44 fiesta" haha. more speed than a... family car...
0:485 "strap it on with the old bungie hooks" um, I want a bit more securing my luggage than... bungie cords... with something precarious on the rear seat
"what more do you want?" way more horsepower, less weight, more acceleration and top end speed, better turning and better suspension? wait, no, first give me an engine that is way easier to work on while its still in the bike, everything after that is just gravy...
Well, you don't like the bike, don't get one.
Simple really.
Your dumb as fuck. These bikes are great and are quick. Need to know how to ride
Kinell amatuer, aint you sussed out it's not what you ride its how you ride, seen many experienced riders eat Humphries on r1'when their on w
Sdr's or sporties
Will I fit 4 cans beer under the seat
@@blackbeard1074 Doubt you can fit much under any seat. I dont even use that are. Stick a bookbag on your tank and a dufflebag over your sissybar and you can carry about a weeks worth of groceries for one person almost. Saddlebags will add you two more bags of chips
I got a huge tupperwsre storage container trunk mounted on the back of my cm450, I can bring home two weeks of groceries but its a beast.
Hell these are quite possibly the ugliest bikes known to man 🤮🤮
It's so ugly...I wouldn't touch one with yours.