My Run with the 2005 Suzuki GSX-R 600
Alright, so I wanted to figure out what my 2005 Suzuki GSX-R 600 could really do. Had it for a while, kept it maintained, you know, oil changes, chain tension, the usual stuff. It always felt quick, but I was curious about its actual top end.
So, one morning, conditions looked good. Cool air, dry roads. Decided today was the day. First thing, I did a walk-around. Checked the tire pressures, made sure they were spot on. Gave the chain a quick check and lube, didn’t want any surprises. Fluids looked good. Put on my gear – proper jacket, helmet, gloves, boots. Safety first, always.
Found a nice, long, straight stretch of deserted road. Went out there pretty early, hardly any cars around. That was important. Didn’t want to endanger anyone, or myself really.
Got on the bike, fired her up. Let it warm up for a few minutes, just listening to the engine. Sounds sweet, that inline-four.
Okay, time to go. Pulled onto the road, started easy. First gear, second, third… just rolling into the power. The bike felt eager. Once I saw the road was clear way ahead, I started opening it up more seriously.
Going Through the Gears
Fourth gear, fifth… the acceleration is really strong on these things, even being an older 600. Tucked in behind the windscreen as best I could. Wind noise gets loud fast. Shifted into sixth gear. Now it was just about letting the engine climb.
- Kept the throttle pinned.
- Eyes scanning far ahead.
- Trying to stay as aerodynamic as possible.
The bike felt pretty stable, which was good. Watched the speedometer needle climbing. It kept going up, slower now in top gear, but still moving. Saw it pass 150 mph… then nudged a bit higher.
Hitting the Limit
It felt like it topped out right around the 160-163 mph mark indicated on the dash. Maybe a tiny bit more, maybe a tiny bit less, hard to stare at the speedo when you’re going that fast. The engine was screaming pretty high in the rev range. Held it there for just a few seconds, felt the wind buffeting.
Then, smoothly rolled off the throttle, let the speed drop gradually. Applied the brakes gently. Pulled over when it was safe.
Heart was definitely pounding a bit. It’s quite an experience. So yeah, based on my run, on my bike, on that day, the indicated top speed I saw was just over 160 mph. Factory speedometers can be a little optimistic, everyone knows that, but that’s what I saw on the clock. Was a good test, glad I did it safely. Gives you respect for the machine.
