Developed at the same time as the GSX-R750 that debuted in 1996, the GSX-R600 entered the market a year later in 1997. That year saw the inauguration of a 600 cm³ class supersport world series that was raised into a world championship in 1999. With the aim of developing a bike to fit the regulations of this supersport series, a lightweight and compact race-replica was developed as a comparison model for the RGV500 GP machine. Its lightweight and compact engine was tuned to generate 106 PS and paired with a short wheelbase of 1,390 mm, keeping the weight of the bike to only 174 kg. The resulting power-to-weight ratio of 1.6 kg/PS places the acceleration and braking performance of the GSX-R600 on a different level compared to conventional models.

The newly designed and compact 600 cm³ liquid-cooled 4-stroke in-line 4-cylinder DOHC 4-valve engine incorporates the latest racing-inspired technologies and was paired with a cutting edge fuel injection system that increases combustion efficiency and raises maximum power by 4.5% compared to the 2000 model. In comparison, the length of the new engine was reduced by 21 mm, its width by 8 mm, and its height by 20 mm. As a result, the weight of the engine was reduced by some 4 kg. Similarly, the total weight of the chassis was also reduced by 7 kg. Furthermore, the chassis height was reduced by 30 mm and its width by 5 mm, taking the GSX-R600 to the next level of lightweight and compact performance. Thanks to these measures, the dry weight of the GSX-R600 was reduced from the 174 kg of the 2000 model to just 163 kg. The handling and acceleration of the bike were also dramatically enhanced to match the improved engine performance.

The 600 cm³ liquid-cooled in-line 4-cylinder DOHC engine in the GSX-R600 was newly designed to be extra compact. Compared to the previous model, its height was reduced by 20 mm, its length was shortened by 54 mm, and its width was reduced by 16 mm. This model features the Suzuki Advanced Exhaust System (SAES), which positions the muffler chamber below the oil pan, to minimize the length of the muffler body. In combination with the compact engine, a lower center of gravity was also accomplished by adopting a more compact chassis. At the same time, riding performance was substantially enhanced by lengthening the swingarm by 35 mm, which facilitates shifts in rider weight and raises the flexibility of the riding position. In addition to greater performance, the compact and low-slung design helps to create even more emotional styling. The engine also features performance enhancements such as larger diameter titanium valves, wider ventilation holes between the cylinders (diameter increased from 35 to 39 mm), breather reed valve covers, and twin injectors.

The 2008 GSX-R600 combines the proven chassis from the previous model with a 600 cm³ liquid-cooled in-line 4-cylinder DOHC engine. Thanks to wider ventilation holes between the cylinders (diameter increased from 39 to 41 mm), a higher compression ratio (increased from 12.5 to 12.8), multi-hole fuel injectors (number of holes increased from 4 to 8), and iridium spark plugs, this engine produces the same maximum power as the previous model (92.0 kW) but with even higher low- to mid-range torque. The GSX-R600 also features the electronically controlled steering dampers that were adopted on the 2007 GSX-R1000, as well as floating front brake discs with a higher number of pins (increased from 8 to 12), resulting in even better cornering and braking performance. The Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS) and adjustable footpegs also help the rider to select the most appropriate riding mode and position to fit the rider’s physique. The vertically stacked dual headlights of the previous model were changed to a horizontal three-light design, creating radically different styling.

Dedicated weight-reduction efforts applied to each and every part, including exterior plastic parts, muffler, frame, front forks, rear suspension, swingarm, and front brake calipers, cut the curb mass of the 2011 GSX-R600 by 9 kg compared to the 2010 model. Combined with the decision to shorten the wheelbase by 15 mm, these efforts helped to ensure class-leading performance, while also improving fuel economy in the WMTC mode by 10%. An optimized riding balance was realized with the help of compact and lightweight built-in turn signals and taillights. Every moving part in the engine was redesigned, reducing the weight of the engine by 2 kg, cutting mechanical losses, and improving performance at low and medium speeds. The engine generates maximum power of 92.5 kW and maximum torque of 69.6 N·m. Adoption of the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS) and a back-torque-limiting clutch results in markedly better rideability. A close-ratio transmission was also adopted to enhance performance on the racetrack.