Suzuki RF600 opinions? - SV650.org

ruddlad · 13-06-14, 04:34 PM

Anyone here owned one?

I know they were not in production too long or particularly popular, but I kinda like it.

Would prefer the 900 but have just seen a pristine 1998 model.

Price is quite high considering. Negotiable but very tempted.

Anything to look out for??

maviczap · 13-06-14, 05:00 PM

Think the engine is pretty bombproof, as its bandit based, UJM.

Don't remember anything major about them, weird styling is not to everyone's taste, but I think they're ok.

Yes the 900 would be better

Kenzie · 13-06-14, 05:27 PM

They're the ones with the Ferrari grills aren't they? Quite liked the look of those. Rode one a while back, not too far but not bad from what I remember.

rictus01 · 13-06-14, 05:31 PM

basic suspension & brakes, they adjusted the power a bit from the GSXR lump, I think it was cams and carbs, came in three flavours 400/600 & 900, the 900 was a little too powerful for the brakes & suspension, plastics are hard to find, but the running gear is plentiful and fairly cheap.

Biker Biggles · 13-06-14, 05:53 PM

It was a budget sports bike when new,and therefore should be very cheap now.

ruddlad · 13-06-14, 06:32 PM

Yes BB, my thoughts exactly. Priced too high.

rf.jpg

Ride position suits though.

johnnyrod · 16-06-14, 05:20 PM

Never owned one but test rode one, thought it was pretty good, though obviously not a GSXR. All the people who poo-pooed them never really knew anything, they were just reiterating whatever they read in magazines.

rictus01 · 16-06-14, 06:18 PM

"All the people who poo-pooed them never really knew anything, they were just reiterating whatever they read in magazines."

rather a mass generalization, whilst it's no doubt true to an extent; I doubt "all" is likely,opinions are either backed by experience or left to the reader to decide, I never though them anything special, "bandit with fancy suit on" at the time the price premium wasn't value for money IMO, and not based on just one test ride , but owning a GSXR750/1100, flipping a RF400, working on a few 600s and using an RF900 several times over a couple of years.

johnnyrod · 16-06-14, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rictus01

rather a mass generalization

Yep

28-06-14, 06:59 PM

Had 2 600's and a 900, a marmite bike no doubt but I liked them and can be had very cheap but you need to get a good one with good plastics if that's your thing, hard to find good bodywork parts, loved the 900, bit heavy and cumbersome but on good sweeping roads excellent and very fast. Padgetts currently have 2 x 600s nos for sale for near six grand!

13-06-14, 04:34 PM	#1
ruddlad Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Nottingham Posts: 198	Suzuki RF600 opinions? Anyone here owned one? I know they were not in production too long or particularly popular, but I kinda like it. Would prefer the 900 but have just seen a pristine 1998 model. Price is quite high considering. Negotiable but very tempted. Anything to look out for?? __________________ Heaven won't have me, hell's afraid I'll take over

13-06-14, 05:00 PM	#2
maviczap Member Mega Poster Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 9,097	Re: Rf600 Think the engine is pretty bombproof, as its bandit based, UJM. Don't remember anything major about them, weird styling is not to everyone's taste, but I think they're ok. Yes the 900 would be better __________________ We're riding out tonight to case the promised land Make everyday count RIP Reeder - Jolly Green Giant and comedy genius

13-06-14, 05:27 PM	#3
Kenzie Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Ipswich, Suffolk Posts: 820	Re: Rf600 They're the ones with the Ferrari grills aren't they? Quite liked the look of those. Rode one a while back, not too far but not bad from what I remember. __________________ Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/39887875@N06/

13-06-14, 05:31 PM	#4
rictus01 Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: South London Posts: 9,799	Re: Rf600 basic suspension & brakes, they adjusted the power a bit from the GSXR lump, I think it was cams and carbs, came in three flavours 400/600 & 900, the 900 was a little too powerful for the brakes & suspension, plastics are hard to find, but the running gear is plentiful and fairly cheap. __________________ Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, 'Wow! What a Ride!

13-06-14, 05:53 PM	#5
Biker Biggles Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Barnet Herts Posts: 5,071	Re: Rf600 It was a budget sports bike when new,and therefore should be very cheap now. __________________ On a clear day we stand there and look further than the ordinary eye can see.

13-06-14, 06:32 PM	#6
ruddlad Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Nottingham Posts: 198	Re: Rf600 Yes BB, my thoughts exactly. Priced too high. rf.jpg Ride position suits though. __________________ Heaven won't have me, hell's afraid I'll take over

16-06-14, 05:20 PM	#7
johnnyrod Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Doncaster, oop norf Posts: 2,128	Re: Rf600 Never owned one but test rode one, thought it was pretty good, though obviously not a GSXR. All the people who poo-pooed them never really knew anything, they were just reiterating whatever they read in magazines.

16-06-14, 06:18 PM	#8
rictus01 Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: South London Posts: 9,799	Re: Rf600 "All the people who poo-pooed them never really knew anything, they were just reiterating whatever they read in magazines." rather a mass generalization, whilst it's no doubt true to an extent; I doubt "all" is likely,opinions are either backed by experience or left to the reader to decide, I never though them anything special, "bandit with fancy suit on" at the time the price premium wasn't value for money IMO, and not based on just one test ride , but owning a GSXR750/1100, flipping a RF400, working on a few 600s and using an RF900 several times over a couple of years. __________________ Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, 'Wow! What a Ride!

28-06-14, 06:59 PM	#10
suzukiboy Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Suzuki RF600 opinions? Had 2 600's and a 900, a marmite bike no doubt but I liked them and can be had very cheap but you need to get a good one with good plastics if that's your thing, hard to find good bodywork parts, loved the 900, bit heavy and cumbersome but on good sweeping roads excellent and very fast. Padgetts currently have 2 x 600s nos for sale for near six grand!

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