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Suzuki’s Approachable New Gixxer Embraces the Iconic Bike’s Four-Decade Legacy

The 2027 GSX-R600 is one of the most rider-friendly supersports, with heritage looks on offer as well.

Close-up of a black motorcycle engine and lower fairing with "40th Anniversary" decal and blue wheels.Suzuki Cycles
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By Steve Mazzucchi

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Affectionately known as the Gixxer, Suzuki’s GSX-R nameplate is one of the brand’s most recognizable and long-running franchises.

Dating back to the mid-1980s, the bike was nonetheless on death’s door until last month, when the brand announced the 40th anniversary editions of the GSX-R1000 models.

Blue, white, and black Suzuki sport motorcycle with "40 Anniversary" decal and blue rims.
Suzuki’s GSX-R750F debuted in 1985, and the new R600Z nods directly to that original blue-and-white colorway.
Suzuki Cycles

Now comes news that the brand is doing the same with one of the most approachable Gixxers, the GSX-R600, as well as the GSX-R750. 

The anniversary edition of the former is one of three new treatments, all temptingly priced under $13,000.

This is 40ish

It’s a bit odd to see Suzuki lean into the 40th anniversary branding now, as the original GSX-R750F dates back to 1985, but it is legendary enough that we won’t split hairs.

In reality, we’re just glad to see the nameplate back from the dead, as until recently, it had not had a meaningful update since 2022 and had been widely discontinued around the world (but not the US) in 2024.

Red and white Suzuki GSX-R sport motorcycle with black seat and silver exhaust on a gray background.
At $12,499 to start, the new GSX-R600 keeps one of motorcycling’s most iconic nameplates within reach.
Suzuki Cycles

Now it is seemingly back with a vengeance … and the looks to match.

The 2027 GSX-R600 boasts a compact yet high-revving 599cc inline-four, offering punchy power and grunt for both street and track use. 

The bike’s approachability is boosted by its 31.9-inch seat height and 412-pound curb weight, a figure the bike reaches with the help of a lightweight aluminum frame. 

Black Suzuki GSX-R sport motorcycle with blue accents and silver exhaust pipe.
With a high-revving 599cc inline-four, the 2027 GSX-R600 is built to perform from stoplight to straightaway.
Suzuki Cycles

The R600 also features a Showa Big Piston Front Fork, Brembo Monobloc front brake calipers, Suzuki Drive Mode Selector, a built-in lap timer and a programmable shift light.

From a paint scheme perspective, the trio of options offers something for everyone. 

If you are looking to turn heads, there’s eye-popping Candy Daring Red, while darkly dazzling Metallic Matte Black No.2 suits the low profilers.

Black Suzuki GSX-R sport motorcycle with blue accents and silver exhaust pipe on a white background.
At 412 pounds and 31.9 inches tall, the GSX-R600 keeps the barrier to entry low for newer riders.
Suzuki Cycles

Then there’s the 40th anniversary take on the middleweight, the R600Z, which draws on the original’s blue-and-white colorway while rocking its own modern flair. 

Considering the difference in price is just $200, the choice is yours.

Availability and pricing

The 2027 Suzuki GSX-R600 rolls into dealerships starting at $12,499. The GSX-R600Z (40th Anniversary Edition) starts at $12,699.

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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