Suzuki GSX F 600 parts

The Suzuki GSX F 600, known to enthusiasts as the Katana, is the kind of motorcycle you come across everywhere and that rarely lets you down. Beneath the angular bodywork sits an air-/oil-cooled four-cylinder engine that does not hide its sporty roots, yet is neatly wrapped in a comfortable, upright sport tourer. No unaffordable technology, but a solid machine that effortlessly handled years of daily commuting and long weekend rides. Anyone looking for the right part benefits above all from knowing the model years and the well-known weak spots.

The Katana formula: sporty blood in a touring jacket

What makes the Katana so popular is the balance between sportiness and usability. The 599 cc air-/oil-cooled engine delivers around 86 hp and has its torque sitting nicely low down, exactly where you need it in everyday traffic. The four Mikuni carburettors, six gears and chain drive make it an honest, mechanically straightforward motorcycle that you can happily work on yourself. The upright riding position and the spacious fairing offer protection from the wind, keeping long distances surprisingly comfortable. It is no surprise that this model stayed in production from 1988 until well into the 2000s. Anyone who wants to keep their motorcycle as original as possible will find virtually every wear part in the wide range of Suzuki parts.

1988-1997 or 1998-2005: which Katana do you have?

When ordering parts, the first question is always: which model-year period does your motorcycle come from? It is for good reason that Motorparts-online.com splits the range for the Suzuki GSX 600 F into two periods. The early and the later versions look alike from a distance, but differ on points that matter for bodywork and lighting.

Model-year period	Characteristics	Point of attention when ordering parts
1988-1997	more angular bodywork, early version	fairing parts and headlight differ from the later series
1998-2005	rounder fairing, pronounced twin round headlights, revised tail section	bodywork and lighting are not simply interchangeable with the first series

Not sure which series you are looking at? The shape of the fairing and the headlight unit almost always provide the answer, and when in doubt the chassis number will help you further.

Points of attention every Suzuki GSX F 600 rider knows

The carburettors.
A commonly heard complaint is a stutter between roughly 5,000 and 7,000 rpm. The cause often lies in carburettors that have become dirty after a period of standing still, or in an assembly that is no longer properly synchronised. A thorough cleaning and synchronisation solve a great deal, and some riders additionally fit a thin shim under the needles for a smoother throttle response. If a rebuild is not an option, a properly working used or reconditioned carbureor set offers a quick solution.

The voltage regulator.
As with many other Suzukis from this period, the regulator/rectifier is a known weak point. If the battery no longer charges properly, or you do not measure a little under 14 volts with the engine running, this part is the first suspect. Check the plug connections at the same time, because overheating and corroded contacts often go hand in hand here.

Fairing parts, headlight and bodywork

Because the Katana is a fully faired motorcycle, a lot of search traffic goes to bodywork, especially for examples that have been dropped at some point. The most requested parts in this category are:

complete or separate fairing parts, from upper cowl to side and lower fairings
the headlight with its distinctive twin round lamps
mirrors, indicators and the rear seat and tail section
the fuel tank, tank cap and associated locks

With all these fairing parts, do stick to the correct model-year period, otherwise the fit will not be neat.

Frequently asked questions about the Suzuki GSX F 600

Is the Suzuki GSX F 600 the same as the Katana?

Yes. In most markets this motorcycle was sold as the Katana 600, while the type designation was GSX600F. Suppliers and search engines use both names interchangeably, so you will come across both 'Katana' and 'GSX F 600' for exactly the same model.

How much power does the Katana 600 have?

Most versions deliver around 86 hp at 11,000 rpm. For certain markets and periods there was a reduced version of about 78 hp. The air-/oil-cooled engine is mainly pleasant thanks to its torque in the mid-range, rather than a high peak output.

Can I ride the Katana on an A2 licence?

Not in standard form. With 86 hp the motorcycle is well above the 35 kW limit of the A2 licence, and it is also not easy to restrict neatly to 35 kW. Anyone riding on A2 is better off looking at a model that can be restricted from the factory.

How do I determine which model-year period my motorcycle belongs to?

Look at the shape of the fairing and the headlights: the later series (1998-2005) has rounder lines and pronounced twin round headlights. The chassis number and the type approval on the registration document give a definitive answer. This classification determines which bodywork and which lighting fit your motorcycle.

Are parts still available for this model?

Certainly. The range consists of new and used parts, and with more than 220,000 parts in stock and new arrivals every week, the chances are good that the part you are looking for is available. Ordering is easy via Motorparts-online.com, with a money-back guarantee.