2001 SUZUKI GSX-R600 K1
599cc 163kg 101bhp 830mm seat height
Dealer price £2250-£3000
Private £1900-£2300
This one £2000, private sale
Suzuki were the first to give its sporty 600 fuel injection in 2001. Where Kawasaki had to add extra CCs to beef up the midrange, the Suzuki did it with a light crank and clever two-stage fuel injection. Sharing styling and frame design with its 750 and 1000cc siblings, Suzuki had hit upon a winning sporty formula.
Buyer beware
Some suffer from noisy cam chains and a manual tensioner will cure this, although you may be safer with the improved OE replacement unless you know what you’re doing. They do also suffer electrical issues with corrosion in main-to-headlamp loom connectors. Finally, you must ride before you buy as they’re also prone to second gear problems. The gearbox is typically Suzuki smooth, so any reluctance around second gear is a sign of impending trouble. Avoid it if that’s the case.