2008 Suzuki GSX-R600 - The Right Tool

The exhaust cam tappets are larger in diameter to allow more flexibility in cam profiles, and one of the cam chain guides has been changed to plastic to reduce weight. To increase bottom-end and midrange power, the intake cam's lift is decreased from 8.6mm to 8.2mm, exhaust header pipe diameter has been decreased from 38mm to 35mm and muffler volume has been increased. Ribs have been added to the clutch cover and oil pan for more strength and less noise. The transmission ratios are unchanged, but the slipper clutch has been modified with an additional plate and a revised shape to the drive cam's profile.

New domed pistons (above) and a reshaped combustion chamber combine to increase compression ratio from 12.5:1 to 12.8:1, and larger ventilation holes between cylinders (now 41mm versus 39mm) reduce pumping losses. New iridium spark plugs are capped by smaller, lighter coils.

The GSX-R's steering damper is now an electronic unit similar to the 1000's, and it provides an increasingly stronger damping force at higher speeds. The shock and fork are identical to the previous model's, aside from refined settings.

New, lighter wheels have angled spokes that are said to mitigate external shocks, and the Bridgestone BT-016 tires are variants specific to the GSX-R. The front discs are now 5.0mm thick (versus 5.5mm) and have more buttons than previously (12 versus eight). The calipers' trailing pistons shrink from 34mm in diameter to 32mm, and the radial-pump master cylinder's piston is also smaller (17.5mm as opposed to 19mm) to increase the effective force.

The bolt-together subframe is now a full-length unit rather than having a separate rear section that can be removed for racing.

The revised throttle bodies (far left) are the same diameter at the throttle plates as the old model's but taper to a smaller outlet diameter for a smooth match to the intake ports. The primary injectors now have eight holes instead of four and have been relocated closer to the intake port, providing a finer spray for better efficiency and reduced emissions.