Suzuki GS500

Infobox Motorcycle
name = Suzuki GS500/GS500E, GS500F


aka =
manufacturer = Suzuki Motor Corporation
production = 1989 - present (GS500 / GS500E)
2004 - present (GS500F)
predecessor = GS450
successor =
parent_company =
class = Naked bike (GS500 / GS500E)
Sport bike (GS500F)
platform =
engine = 487 cc, 4-stroke, air-cooled parallel twin, DOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
transmission = 6-speed
rake = 25 degrees
trail = auto mm|97
wheelbase = auto mm|1405
length = auto mm|2080
width = auto mm|800
seat_height = auto mm|790
dry_weight = auto kg|174 (GS500 / GS500E) auto kg|180 (GS500F)
wet_weight =
fuel_economy = convert|45|-|55|mpg|abbr=on
fuel_capacity = convert|17.0|l|abbr=on
related =
similar = Kawasaki Ninja 500RThe Suzuki GS500 is a popular entry level motorcycle manufactured by the Suzuki Motor Corporation. Suzuki produces two forms of the bike; the GS500 or GS500E from 1989 onwards and the fairing model GS500F from 2004 onwards.

GS500 / GS500E

The naked version of the GS500 was released into the US in 1989 under the model name GS500E. It was equipped with an air-cooled 487 cc parallel twin engine derived from the earlier GS450. The bike is widely used for commuting purposes due to its good horsepower, decent torque, light weight, highly reliable engine as well as its excellent fuel economy. They are also a popular choice for beginner riders because of their low price and cost of ownership. The GS500 is able to be restricted (or is under the maximum power to weight ratio) for use in countries where restrictive motorcycle licenses are issued (such as the UK Class 'A' motorcycle license) which added to its worldwide popularity. In 2002, Suzuki stopped producing the GS500E for the US market and didn't release a GS500 for 2003. In 2007, Suzuki dropped the GS500E from its U.K. range though still continues to be sold in many other countries.

In 2008 the GS500 and GS500F models appear in the official UK Suzuki Dealers "on road" motorbike list (http://www.suzuki-gb.co.uk/bikes/onroad/).

GS500F

In 2004 after a year hiatus, Suzuki came out with the GS500F to fill the void left (in the US market) by the GS500E. This bike was very similar to the previous E model, but now comes with a fully enclosed fairing. The fairing offers a sportier, aggressive look and improved rider comfort by providing wind protection and better aerodynamics. An oil cooler was also added. As with the previous E model, the F is able to be restricted for use in countries where restrictive motorcycle licenses are issued. The GS500F was dropped from the U.K. Suzuki range in 2007.

In 2008 the GS500 and GS500F models appear in the official UK Suzuki Dealers "on road" motorbike list (http://www.suzuki-gb.co.uk/bikes/onroad/).

The GS500F is still available in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Germany and France.

Performance

The difference in performance between the GS500E and GS500F is minimal. Standing quarter miles are said to be 13.5 seconds. Top speed is about convert|115|mi/h|km/h|-1|abbr=on. The light weight means minimal effort is needed for turning.

Specifications

Engine: 487 cc, four-stroke, twin cylinder, air-cooled, DOHC
Bore Stroke: 74.0 mm × 56.6 mm
Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
Fuel System: Mikuni BSR34SS
Lubrication: Wet Sump
Ignition: Digital/Transistorized
Transmission: 6-speed
Final Drive: #520 chain
Overall Length: auto mm|2080
Overall Width: auto mm|800
Overall Height: auto mm|1150
Seat Height: auto mm|790
Ground Clearance: auto mm|120
Wheelbase: auto mm|1405
Dry Weight: auto kg|180
Suspension Front: Telescopic, oil damped
Suspension Rear: Link type, 5-way adjustable preload
Brakes Front: Single hydraulic disc
Brakes Rear: Single hydraulic disc
Tires Front: 110/70-17
Tires Rear: 130/70-17
Fuel Tank Capacity: convert|20.0|l|abbr=on, convert|19.0|l|abbr=on CA. Model
Color: Blue/White, Silver/Black

Model History

*1989 GS500E introduced to North America
*1990 Clip-on handlebars replaced with standard bars.
*1994 Gunmetal colored rims and slightly different frame color for this model year.
*1996 Front brakes changed from small and large brake pistons to two equal sized brake pistons.
*2001 Tank, rear plastics, seat, and tail light redesigned. Carburetor changed from a two-circuit design (pilot jet and main jet) to a three-circuit design ( pilot jet, mid-main jet, main jet) to help with better carburetion throughout the rev range. Loss of "E" designation.
*2003 No GS500 model sold in the US.
*2004 GS500F introduced. A full fairing and oil cooler added.

GS500 / GS500E Specifications

Engine
* Type: four-stroke, air-cooled In-Line Parallel Twin Cylinder, DOHC, two valves per cylinder
* Displacement: 487 cc
* Bore/Stroke: 74.0 mm x 56.6 mm
* Fuel System: Mikuni BSR34SS
* Ignition: CDI, maintenance-free battery
* Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
* Engine Redline: 11,000 rpm
* Horsepower: 47 hp @ 9200 rpm (34.3 kW)
* Torque: 29.5 ft·lbf @ 7500 rpm (40 Nm)
* Fuel Economy: 50-60 mpg (4.7 to 3.9 litres to 100 km)Drive train
* Transmission: 6-speed
* Final Drive: #520 chain
* Front Sprocket: 16 tooth
* Rear Sprocket: 39 toothBrakes
* Front: Single hydraulic disc 310 mm, Dual-Piston Calipers
* Rear: Single hydraulic disc 250 mm, Dual-Piston Calipers Wheels and Tires
* Front: 110/70-17 tire
* Rear: 130/70-17 tireSuspension
* Front: Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
* Rear: Link-type, 7-way adjustable spring preloadDimensions & Geometry
* Length: auto mm|2080
* Width: auto mm|800
* Height: auto mm|1060
* Seat Height: auto mm|790
* Wheel Base: auto mm|1405
* Ground Clearance: auto mm|155
* Rake (89-00): 25° 30'
* Rake (00+): 25°
* Trail (89-00): auto mm|95
* Trail (00+): auto mm|97
* Weight: auto kg|174 (dry, manufacturer claimed)
* Fuel Capacity: auto L|20.0

Warranty
* Suzuki offers a 24 month unlimited mileage limited warranty.

GS500F Specification differences

* Weight: auto kg|180 (dry, manufacturer claimed)
* Height auto mm|1150
* MPG: 58 MPGColors
* 2004: Yellow/Gray, Blue/White
* 2005: Black/Red, Blue/White
* 2006: Black/Silver, Greenish-Blue/White, Dark Blue/White (Canada)
* 2007: Pearl Blue/White, Pearl Black/Metallic Grey (Australia)
* 2008: Blue/White, Black/Silver.

Comparative Reviews

In February 1992, "Cycle World" magazine, in an article titled "Bargain Blasters," compared the Kawasaki EX500, the Yamaha Seca II, the Suzuki GSF400 Bandit, and the Suzuki GS500. The Seca II came in first, with the Bandit, the EX500, and the GS500 following in that order.

In April 1994, in an article titled "Bargain Hunters," "Cycle World" compared the Kawasaki Ninja 500, the Suzuki GS500E, the Suzuki Katana 600, the Yamaha FZR600, and the Yamaha Seca II.

External links

* [http://www.suzukifuel.com/ Suzuki Fuel] - official Suzuki site for fuel efficient motorcycles featuring the GS500F
* [http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/GS500FK7/Default.aspx 2007 Suzuki GS500F] - official 2007 GS500F page
* [http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/GS500FK6/Default.aspx 2006 Suzuki GS500F] - official 2006 GS500F page
* [http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/GS500FK5/Default.aspx 2005 Suzuki GS500F] - official 2005 GS500F page
* [http://cgi.stanford.edu/~sanjayd/gs500/ GS500 Wiki] - Technical spec of the various models, maintenance How-tos and useful information
* [http://gstwin.com/ GStwin] - Another good resource on the GS500, along with some modification and maintenance how-tos
* [http://www.suzukicycles.org/GS-series/GS500E.shtml Suzuki GS500E model history] - GS500's history