Okay, so, I’ve been messing around with my GSX-R600 for a while now, trying to squeeze some more power out of it. The goal was to see how much horsepower I could get without going too crazy. I mean, this bike is already a beast, but who doesn’t want a little extra oomph, right?
First thing I did was get it on the dyno. We used a Dynojet 250i, which is pretty standard stuff. Out of the box, my GSX-R600 pushed out about 102.9 hp at 13,520 rpm and 44.0 lb.-ft. of torque at 11,580 rpm. Not bad, but I knew there was room for improvement.
Next, I installed a power commander. Now, I wasn’t expecting a huge jump in peak power, but I did notice a significant improvement in throttle response. It just felt smoother, especially in the mid-range. Plus, with the aftermarket exhaust I had on, the power commander helped ensure I wasn’t running too lean, which is crucial if you’re pushing the bike hard, like on the track. I don’t want to be messing up those pistons, you know?
I also played around with the steering damper and the suspension. The GSX-R600 already has a fully adjustable Showa Big Piston Front Fork, which is awesome. After some tweaking, I got the handling dialed in just how I like it.
After all these adjustments, I hit the dyno again. This time, I was seeing around 105 hp, and the torque was up a bit too. So, not a massive gain, but definitely noticeable when you’re riding. But let me tell you I’ve heard of people getting up to 124 hp. So, there is that number I’ve heard people get. But I’m pretty happy with where it’s at now. I didn’t want to do anything too extreme that might mess with the reliability of the bike.
My Personal Touches
- Power Commander: Didn’t boost the max power by a ton, but the throttle response is way better, and it’s safer with my aftermarket exhaust.
- Suspension Tweaks: Messed with the settings on the Showa forks until it felt perfect for my riding style.
Honestly, the GSX-R600 is a thrill to ride, even in its stock form. But with a few careful mods, you can really wake it up. Just remember, it’s not all about peak power. It’s about how the bike feels and responds to you. And now, my GSX-R600 feels like an extension of myself. It’s a blast to throw around on the twisties, and it’s got plenty of power to keep me grinning from ear to ear.
I also heard some old guy at a shop say he got his old bike to around 78 or 86 hp. I don’t know how he did that, but it seems like a big difference, right?
Another guy at the track said that 103 hp is the standard, but I don’t know. There are so many different numbers out there! Also, this guy said something about a 750 not “eating” a 600 for breakfast, and a 1000 not “eating” a 750. I guess it’s not all about size, but who you are as a rider.
At the end of the day, if you are like me and want some more power, but don’t want to die, I’d stick around the 105 mark. But that’s just me!
Anyway, that’s my story of tinkering with my GSX-R600’s horsepower. Hope you found it interesting! Ride safe out there!
