So it's slim, it's also has hidden muscle. How much you say? Earlier model Gixxers made in the neighborhood of 89 to 90 bhp at the rear wheel. The 2001 edition is pumping out a Tyrannosaurus Rex-like 100+ rear wheel horsepower stock at the rear Dunlop. That is tremendous horsepower for a stock 600, and 10 to 14 more than the previous generation bike. With that power, Suzuki becomes the first manufacturer to break the magical 100 horsepower mark with a stock 600. Hooray, cookies all around!

The 2001'snewfound torque, while not quite up to Kawi ZX-6R standards, is still markedly stronger than the previous generation's "is this thing on?" midrange. The latest bike will simply accelerate and provide more than adequate thrust to get in and out of Disney World traffic. I had no trouble merging into 70 mph traffic from 45 mph in fifth gear. Acceleration is obviously not in 1000 territory, but sufficient enough for me to merge my aforementioned ass all the way over to the fast lane without disrupting the flow of traffic.

The gripes then? Well there does seem to be an annoying amount of driveline lash still present. And I don't feel that I need to mention the (sometimes, not so fresh) riding position again. Actually, I believe I just did. Also a slight vibration can also be felt, mostly through the footpegs, when droning along in top gear (at the posted speed limit of course!) after about a half hour or so.

So, is this newest edition of the GSXR 600 really that much better than the competition? Depends on whom you ask.

Before I started researching this article, I had never ridden the new for 2001 Suzuki GSXR 600. If I had any money, I'd park one in my garage.

Nuff said.