CycleOnline.com.au's Alex Gobert rode the all-new 2011 model GSX-R600 and 750 at Hidden Valley today. Image: Keith Muir.

Suzuki Australia today held its national launch for the all-new 2011 model GSX-R600 and GSX-R750 models at Hidden Valley Raceway in Darwin.

Just one day following Team Suzuki’s Josh Waters taking victory in the third round of the Australian Superbike Championship on Sunday aboard the Phil Tainton Racing-prepared GSX-R1000 Superbike, CycleOnline.com.au had our first sample of the new Gixxers.

With a host of substantial updates implemented in order to improve performance from all angles, we can already confirm that Suzuki has made a great step forward with its latest middleweight GSX-Rs.

Highlights on the models include a nine-kilogram weight reduction on the GSX-R600, plus the addition of Brembo Monobloc brakes up front and Showa’s popular Big Piston Front-fork (BPF).

A boost in horsepower is always well received – namely mid-range torque – as is a greater throttle response, and the revised frame is already shining through with promising results on track.

The GSX-R750, which is the lone Japanese four-cylinder 750cc on the market, has again benefited from very similar upgrades alongside its smaller sibling, and it too has already impressed.

Suzuki Australia general manager, Motorcycles, Perry Morison, said the manufacturer’s decision to launch the model in the Northern Territory on the technical 2.9-kilometre circuit (featuring a straight that’s one kilometre long)was an easy one for a variety of reasons.

“We chose Hidden Valley for a number of reasons,” Morison explained to CycleOnline. “Firstly, we’ve got the Superbike team here for the ASBK round so we have all of their support and resources.

“We’ve also got Racesafe here as well, so from a medical point of view if we need them, they’re here. Logistically it just makes a lot of sense.

“Behind that though, I’m just so impressed with how supportive the Northern Territory government is toward Superbike racing. They’re really behind the sport and so enthusiastic and professional about what they do.

“So, from my perspective I think it’s really important to give back to them as well. They’re really pleased that we’re here, and we’ve brought not only Australian journalists, but also international journalists to test the new GSX-Rs.

“From a journalist point of view, I think the track’s really suited to the GSX-R600 and 750, it’s ideal for those bikes. It’s easy when we do launches to say we are going to hold them at Phillip Island or Eastern Creek, but I think coming to a venue like this adds that point of differentiation as well.

“It was great that the journalists were able to spend a day at the races yesterday to see Josh winning, and then even better for them to get to ride the new GSX-Rs today.”

Check back to CycleOnline.com.au on Wednesday next week for the full Launch Test report, however in the meantime also keep an eye out for images and films including debriefs with Team Suzuki’s Josh and Brodie Waters, plus 2010 national Supersport champion Troy Herfoss.

We also managed to get a quick rundown from a technical standpoint with race team manager Phil Tainton, so keep an eye out for that one too.