Suzuki GSX-R600 (2001-2010) Maintenance Schedule and Service Intervals
This is the maintenance schedule and associated service intervals for the Suzuki GSX-R600 from 2001-2010. This encompasses a few different models. See here for the 2011+ GSX-R600 (the current model).
For simplicity, I’m collecting the maintenance schedule for all GSX-R600s between 2001 and 2010 into one table. Of course, the motorcycle has evolved during the years — many upgraded internal parts, specs, etc. But if you look through the manuals (as I have) you’ll see that the maintenance schedules are fundamentally the same — 6,000 km oil changes, replacing spark plugs every 12,000 km, and valve inspections at 24,000 km etc. Other differences are subtle and mentioned below.
The Suzuki GSX-R600 is a long-standing member of Suzuki’s GSX-R line, and is perhaps the most “gixxer” of all GSX-Rs. It’s the model against which the handling and lightness of the GSX-R750 is measured, and against which the straight-line speed of the GSX-R1000 is measured to justify the added weight.
The 2001 GSX-R600 was the first model to have fuel injection. Otherwise, it was still a water-cooled DOHC inline four-cylinder engine with 599 cc displacement that made around 100hp at the time (a figure that has increased over the years), or around 120hp at the crank.
Between 2001 and 2010, there were significant changes to the GSX-R600, of course. But they don’t fundamentally change the way you maintain it, as at its core, the bike has remained essentially the same — just with some parts improved.
In 2011 Suzuki released a new GSX-R600. Because that’s the current model and it’s the one most available on the used market, I’m keeping its maintenance schedule separate (though, again, it’s very similar).
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Suzuki GSX-R600 modern model history since 2001 in a nutshell
To understand why these generations of GSX-R600 are broken up, let’s look at this brief modern history of the GSX-R600 and see what changed.
| GSX-R600 Model Year | Changes from previous model |
|---|---|
| 2001-2003 | * Fuel injection * ~100 rwhp * 8 kg (17lb) lighter * Fully adjustable conventional forks |
| 2004-2005 | * Improved engine with titanium valves and 32-bit ECU; ~98 rwhp * Inverted (Upside-down forks) fully adjustable cartridges * Radial-mounted brakes * Redesigned fairings and fuel tank |
| 2006-2007 | * Slipper clutch * Underslung exhaust * 106 rwhp |
| 2008-2010 | * Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (Torque control) * New subframe, bodywork, and fuel tank * 109 rwhp |
| 2011+ GSX-R600 (current model- no changes since) | * Showa Big Piston Fork front suspension * Brembo monoblock radial front brake calipers * Lighter frame and swingarm, shorter wheelbase * 9kg (20 lb) lighter overall * Retuned engine with higher compression and more mid-range torque. |
You might think that redesigned engines change the maintenance schedule. The engines might become more reliable, or more quiet/efficient (and more in conformity with regulations), but the schedule’s the same, I promise! See the bottom for some screenshots.
What you need to service your Suzuki GSX-R600
Some parts change through the years, but some parts are common to all Suzuki GSX-R600s. I’ve done the research for you!
| Part | GSX-R600 spec (all years) |
|---|---|
| Engine oil | Suzuki generally recommends JASO MA or a recent API spec oil. The latest oils e.g. Motul 300V or Motul 7100 are more than capable. |
| Oil filter | Same for all years — Hiflofiltro HF138RC. |
| Spark plug | The NGK CR9E is the standard spark plug for all GSX-R600s. Some owners prefer the iridium CR9EIX. |
| Chain maintenance | Use either Motul chain paste or a full Motul chain care kit. |
| Brake/clutch fluid | You need DOT 4 brake and clutch fluid for all model years. |
| Cable lubricant | Keep your cables lubed! Use Protect all cable life. |
| Grease | You always will need lithium soap-based grease and silicone grease on hand for everyday greasing of external pivot points, bearings, etc. |
Some parts are unique to some model years. The air filter changed as the fuelling did, and the brake system was upgraded over the years. The suspension was upgraded
| Part | 2001-2003 | 2004-2005 | 2006-2010 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air filter | SU-7500 | SU-7504 | SU-7506 |
| Front brake pads | FA158HH | FA379HH | FA379HH |
| Rear brake pads | FA63HH | FA254HH | FA419HH |
Suzuki GSX-R600 (2001-2010) Maintenance Schedule
Below is the maintenance schedule for the Suzuki GSX-R600 from 2001-2010.
Notes
- Observe the earlier of the time or distance interval.
- Keep following the maintenance schedule (do maintenance items every 1, 2, 3, or 4 periods)
- The break-in service isn’t shown as this bike is no longer sold new.
NOTE:
- I= Inspect and clean, adjust, replace or lubricate as necessary.
- R= Replace
- T= Tighten
| mi x 1000 | 4 | 7.5 | 11 | 14.5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km x 1000 | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | Every |
| Months | 12 | 24 | 36 | 48 | |
| Element | 12 | 24 | 36 | 48 | |
| Air cleaner element | I | I | R | I | |
| Exhaust pipe bolts and muffler bolts | – | T | – | T | |
| Valve clearance | – | – | – | I | |
| Spark plugs | I | R | I | R | |
| Fuel line | I | I | I | R | |
| Engine oil | R | R | R | R | |
| Engine oil filter | – | – | R | – | |
| Idle speed | I | I | I | I | |
| Throttle cable play | I | I | I | I | |
| Throttle valve synchronization | – | I | – | I | |
| PAIR (air supply) system | – | I | – | I | |
| Engine coolant — Super Long Life | Replace every 4 years | ||||
| Radiator hose | I | I | I | I | Replace every 4 years |
| Clutch cable play | I | I | I | I | |
| Drive Chain | I | I | I | I | Clean/Lube every 600 mi / 1000 km |
| Brakes | I | I | I | I | |
| Brake hose | I | I | I | I | Replace every 4 years |
| Brake fluid | I | I | I | I | Replace every 2 years |
| Tires | I | I | I | I | |
| Steering | – | I | – | I | |
| Front forks | – | I | – | I | |
| Rear suspension | – | I | – | I | |
| Chassis bolts and nuts | T | T | T | T |
Tyre size and tyre pressure for the Suzuki GSX-R600 2001-2010.
For a long time, Suzuki has specified the same front and rear tire size/pressure for the Suzuki GSX-R600.
| Wheel | Tire size | Tire pressure (cold) |
|---|---|---|
| Front | 120/70 ZR17 M/C 58W | 36 psi/250 kPa/2.5 bar |
| Rear | 180/55 ZR17 M/C 73W | 36 psi/250 kPa/2.5 bar (same) |
Suzuki specified various tyres, but tyre models have evolved a lot and you’re likely to put on whatever you like — sport touring, sport, or otherwise.
In fact, these are the same tyre sizes for the next model, though from 2011 onward Suzuki recommends a 42 psi rear tyre pressure — probably to reduce wear.
About the Suzuki GSX-R600 from 2001-2010
The Suzuki GSX-R600 has decades of history.
But the most recent series of generations really started in 2001, when they were fuel injected. The prior machines were fine, but the 2001 machine was lighter and more powerful. The 2004+ machines got inverted forks and would be my personal pick as the best GSXR-600s.
From 2001, power for the GSX-R was provided by an all-new liquid-cooled, 599cc inline four-cylinder engine that is lighter, more compact and more powerful than the 2000 model engine it replaced.
Suzuki’s fuel injection also had Suzuki’s Dual Throttle Valve System. This system has two butterfly valves per throttle body. It uses a servo to control the secondary valves. As the rider opens the primary valves via a throttle cable, a throttle body-mounted servo motor progressively opens the secondary valves to keep maximum intake velocity at all engine speeds.
The 2001 also got new, fully-adjustable conventional cartridge forks, which were on par for sport bikes of the day. It wasn’t until a few years later, with the second gen CBR600RR second gen GSX-R600 that inverted forks would start to become the norm.
The Suzuki GSX-R600 was improved gradually throughout the years. The most recent version — the one most available on the used market — is lighter, more powerful, and has more advanced handling features than ever. Competition was tough with the latest generations of Yamaha R6 and CBR600RR, but there have also been no evolutions in any motorcycle in the class in most of the last decade.
These days, the 2011-onward GSX-R600 is a modern classic — from a time when the only feature you got was fuel injection (well, also on-the-fly adjustable ride modes).
Manual for the Suzuki GSX-R600 (2001-2010) with the Maintenance Schedule.
The above maintenance schedule comes directly from the user’s manual for the Suzuki GSX-R600 in 2003. As you can see in the two images, the schedule is quite similar to a modern GSX-R600.
You can download Suzuki manuals from here.
