What the press say:

“Amorphous, individually styled, proficient and reliable tourer with a slightly sporty side”. Which Bike? Magazine.

“Styling won’t tickle everyone’s taste buds but reliable and cheap touring will always find an appreciative audience”. What Bike? Magazine.

“Swoopy and unattractive body. Actually quite a capable no-frills sports tourer. Bike Magazine.

They say that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” but this seems to be the main area of criticism in the press for the GSX600F. I think the Superbike magazine quote below sums up the essence of the bike.

“It does what is asked of it and does it well, but don’t go thinking this is a hardcore sports machine. However for many the GSX600F’s comfort, range and dependability are just what the doctor ordered- and than some” Superbike Magazine.

Having owned a GSX600F for some 3 years now, I can say with some certainty that the reviews are spot on. The only expense to me other than the usual servicing, MOT etc. has been two spark plugs; the bike has not let me down once.

It has the largest capacity fuel tank in its class and is capable of reaching 205 miles on one tank. The screen gives good wind protection. I use the bike all year round and this is a benefit on cold winter mornings. The seat is comfortable and the height is correct. I am six one and its fine for me. I have also spoken to many riders who are, shall we say, short in stature and the bike also suits them very well.

For a motorcycle that weighs 208kg (almost a heavyweight in the 600 class) it does not feel it. The height of the bars, balance of the bike and rider's position really do not place any strain on the wrists, and it is equally at home commuting in town/city traffic as it is on fast A & B roads.

As a first bigger bike it is an ideal choice, yes the styling is not to everyone’s taste, but I and many other owners like it. It is sometimes called the teapot or the jelly mould (some visual similarity) but I remember when the Ford Sierra first came out the same things were said. Now most of the cars have that rounded appearance.