When the GSX-R600 hit the showrooms in 2000, it rocked the biking world. But we all new it wouldn't last forever and to be fair three years is a lifetime to stand as champ, particularly in this class. Compared to the sleek lines and trick kit adorning the latest offerings in the middleweight sector, the Suzuki is looking dated. Barring a couple of new paint schemes nothing much has changed since its launch but that hasn't stopped its combination of fuel injected 101bhp engine and sorted 163kg geometry claiming the heads of a few much bigger bikes on our group tests.

If there were a prize awarded to the bike that creates the best noise the Gixxer would sweep the board. At 10,000rpm it sucks in the horizon through its twin ram air ducts and spews it out the back in an evocative roar of exhaust fumes.

When you thrash the arse of some bikes it can feel like hard work, like they'll only try it once for a little while because it's naughty. Not the Gixxer. In the 600cc world of Kylie and Beyonce the GSX-R is more Christina Aguilera. It's a properly eager machine which invites a good spanking. Whatever you can dish out, the bike will take it.

The speed is no illusion either; it's fast as feck. The SDTV (Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve) injection system that ignited the world two years ago is still the best way of instructing an engine to go faster. Combined with enough midrange grunt to show up most of the kit on Old McDonalds farm, this clean response makes it the finest thing to have between your legs this side of a ZX-636R.

The Suzuki's trump card has always been its handling. The steering damper may not be subtle but it's rarely intrusive and whether you're running through a bumpy bend, over cats eyes, or attacking the track you can really push it in hard. Through the fast bumpy Esses section at the Le Luc track in southern France the GSX-R felt undoubtedly the most stable and still gives the most confidence of all the current 600's.
The brakes on the Gixxer can't be described as bad: they've always been adequate but when compared to the immense anchors of the latest 600's you'd swear someone had wiped out your brake pads and replaced them with thick slices of Tesco finest Edam, especially compared to the new radially jobbies of the 636R.

Mark Davies, a ZX-6RR supersport rider, thought the GSX-R was still one of the best. “The old bus of the class it still going to be right up there this year in supersport I'm sure. When you first sit on it double-decker springs to mind, because all the others in the class are so small now. The engine still feels right up there on the pace with the others and its handling is still as surprisingly sharp as ever, considering its age. The brakes are its only major downfall against the others, being spongy and wooden. I am sure we will still see this bike getting regular podiums around the world in 2003.” Well predicted that man!

If high mileage trips away are on your horizons the GSX-R is the one to plump for. It's still one of the comfiest sports bikes in production, thanks to the deep gel seat and decently positioned bars. With prices slashed to help shift the older bikes out of the showroom ready for the 2004 models, the GSX-R is a more than a tempting offer. You may not get the most up to the date styling, but there's nothing old hat about the riding experience.