Suzuki GS500
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| Manufacturer | Suzuki Motor Corporation |
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| Also called | GS500E GS500F |
| Production | 1989 - present (GS500 / GS500E) 2004 - present (GS500F) |
| Predecessor | GS450 |
| Class | Naked bike (GS500 / GS500E) Lightweight Sport bike (GS500F) |
| Engine | 487 cc, 4-stroke, air-cooled parallel twin, DOHC, 2 valves per cylinder |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Wheelbase | 1,405 mm (55.3 in) |
| Dimensions | L 2,080 mm (82 in) W 800 mm (31 in) |
| Seat height | 790 mm (31 in) |
| Weight | 174 kg (380 lb) (GS500 / GS500E) 180 kg (400 lb) (GS500F) (dry) |
| Fuel capacity | 17.0 l (3.7 imp gal; 4.5 US gal) 20.0 l (4.4 imp gal; 5.3 US gal) (from 2001) |
The 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.
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[edit] GS500 / GS500E
The unfaired version of the GS500 was released in the US in 1989 as the GS500E. It was equipped with an air-cooled 487 cc (29.7 cu in) parallel twin engine derived from the earlier GS450.
The GS500 can be restricted under the maximum power-to-weight ratio for use in countries where restrictive motorcycle licenses are issued (such as the UK Class 'A1' motorcycle license), adding to its worldwide popularity. In 2002, Suzuki stopped producing the GS500E for the US market and did not release a GS500 for 2003. In 2007, Suzuki dropped the GS500E from its UK range, but it continues to be sold in many other countries. In 2008, the GS500 and GS500F models appeared in the official UK Suzuki Dealers "on road" motorbike list.
[edit] 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 UK Suzuki range in 2007.
The GS500F is still available in Canada, Australia and Denmark.
[edit] 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. Manufacturing resettled from Japan to Spain which also meant some changes in order to reduce costs and some improvements on the front suspension as well.
- 2004 GS500F introduced. A full fairing and oil cooler added.
- 2009 No GS500 model sold in the EU.
[edit] GS500 / GS500E Specifications
Engine
- Type: Four-stroke, air-cooled 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
- Primary Drive Ratio: 0.368 (Engine 28T/Clutch 76T)
- Horsepower: 1989–1996 52 hp (38 kW) @ 9200 rpm. 1997–2009 47 hp (34.3 kW) @ 9200 rpm.
- Torque: 1989–1996 30.4 ft·lbf (41.2 N·m) @ 7500 rpm. 1997–2009 29.5 ft·lbf (40.0 N·m) @ 7500 rpm.
- Fuel Economy: 50–60 mpg (3.9 to 4.7 litres per 100 km)
Drive train
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Ratios: 1st - 16.29:1
- 2nd - 11.76:1
- 3rd - 9.14:1
- 4th - 7.44:1
- 5th - 6.36:1
- 6th - 5.64:1
- Final Drive: #520 chain
- Front Sprocket: 16 tooth
- Rear Sprocket: 39 tooth
Brakes
- Front: Single hydraulic disc 310 mm, Dual-Piston Calipers (2004-2009 Equipped with 4-Piston Calipers)
- Rear: Single hydraulic disc 250 mm, Dual-Piston Calipers
Wheels and Tires
- Front: 110/70-17 tire
- Rear: 130/70-17 tire
Suspension
- Front: Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
- Rear: Link-type, 7-way adjustable spring preload
Dimensions & Geometry
- Length: 2,080 mm (82 in)
- Width: 800 mm (31 in)
- Height: 1,060 mm (42 in)
- Seat Height: 790 mm (31 in)
- Wheel Base: 1,405 mm (55.3 in)
- Ground Clearance: 155 mm (6.1 in)
- Rake (89-00): 25° 30'
- Rake (00+): 25°
- Trail (89-00): 95 mm (3.7 in)
- Trail (00+): 97 mm (3.8 in)
- Weight: 174 kg (380 lb) (dry, manufacturer claimed)
- Fuel Capacity: 20.0 L (4.4 imp gal; 5.3 US gal)
[edit] GS500F Specification differences
- Weight: 180 kg (400 lb) (dry, manufacturer claimed)
- Height 1,150 mm (45 in)
- MPG: 58 MPG
[edit] Comparative reviews
In March 1992, Motor Cyclist magazine, in an article titled "Budget Bullets," compared the Kawasaki EX500, the Yamaha Seca II, the Honda Nighthawk CB750, and the Suzuki GS500. The Seca II came in first, with the CB750, 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.
[edit] External links
- Suzuki GS500F Official site
