Suzuki GS500

Suzuki GS500

Manufacturer	Suzuki Motor Corporation
Also called	GS500E GS500F
Production	1989– (GS500 / GS500E) 2004– (GS500F)
Predecessor	Suzuki 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 (384 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 produced the GS500 and GS500E from 1989 onwards and the fairing model, GS500F from 2004 onwards.

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, A2 motorbike license with restriction to 47 bhp), 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.

GS500F

2004 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 and from the US range after 2009 model year.

The GS500F is still available in Australia and Denmark.

Model history

Text in this section is translated from the Danish-language version of this page.

Inline-four engine GS500E model

Confusingly enough, Suzuki produced two completely different models of Suzuki GS500E. The first Suzuki GS500E was part of the original GS series from the late 1970s and early 1980s. The second is the more recent version of the Suzuki GS500E.

Production continued until 2009 which was the last year of Suzuki GS500E. The year 2004 saw the debut of new edition of the GS500E Twin, a faithful copy of the original model, called the GS500F and equipped with a full fairing.

Model timeline

• 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.

GS500 / GS500E Specifications

Year 2002 Suzuki GS500E made in Brazil

Year 1989 Suzuki GS500E with factory fairing and chin spoiler

GS 500 E 1979-1981

The origins of the air-cooled GS500E four go back to the debut of modern Suzuki four-stroke engines. The 1977 GS750 was the first four-stroke engine from Suzuki in over 20 years. Using the same inline-four engine layout, the GS550 was launched within months. The 1979 GS500E engine was essentially a sleeved-down version of 550 engine with smaller carburetors, while retaining the same basic layout and qualities, such as reliability, that made the original GS engines so appealing.

• Overall Length: 2,200 mm (86.6 in)
• Overall Width: 850 mm (33.5 in)
• Overall Height: 1,155 mm (45.5 in)
• Wheelbase: 1,435 mm (56.5 in)
• Dry Weight: 200 kg (440 lbs)
• Engine type: Air-cooled 486 cc inline-4, DOHC, 8 valves. 46 hp.

GS 500 E 1989-2009

The model name GS500E suddenly reappeared in the Suzuki program in 1989. Again, the four-stoke DOHC formula was used but this time there were only two cylinders, with a 180 degree crank. A counterbalancer was used in the engine to get rid of vibrations but despite the double overhead camshafts the engine had only two valves per cylinder and modest power output.

However, the GS500E twin had a very rigid frame, full floater swingarm, slingshot carburetors, large disc brake at the front and lightweight, hollow 3-spoke wheels. The combination made the chassis better than usually found in ”commuter” bikes.

The GS500E has been a popular model for years and is still in production. No larger upgrades have been made and the bike is still popular, after 14 years in production.

The given specifications vary somewhat between the countries to meet emission/noise/insurance regulations, etc.

Engine

• Type: Four-stroke, air-cooled Parallel Twin Cylinder, DOHC, two valves per cylinder
• Bore: 74.0 mm (2.913 in)
• Stroke: 56.6 mm (2.228 in)
• Displacement: 487 cc (29,7 cu. in)
• Compression ratio: 9.0:1
• Carburetor: Mikuni BST33 Twin For France Mikuni BSR34 Twin
• Air Cleaner: Non-woven fabric element
• Starter System: Electric
• Lubrication System: Wet sump
• Ignition: CDI, maintenance-free battery
• Engine redline: 11,000 rpm
• Max recommended rpm: 10,000 rpm
• Primary drive ratio: 0.368 (Engine 28T / Clutch 76T)
• Horsepower: 1989–1996 52 hp (38 kW) at 9200 rpm. 2001 47,7 hp (35,1 kW) at 9200 rpm. 1997–2009 47 hp (34.3 kW) at 9200 rpm.
• Torque: 1989–1996 30.4 ft⋅lbf (41.2 N⋅m) at 7500 rpm. 2001 40,2 Nm at 7.500 rpm. 1997–2009 29.5 ft⋅lbf (40.0 N⋅m) at 7400 rpm.
• Fuel Economy: 50–60 mpg at 49-56 mph (3.9 to 4.7 litres per 100 km at 80–90 km/h (21.277 - 25.641 KM/L))
• Top speed: 102-108 mph (165–175 km/h)
• Acceleration 0-62 mph (0–100 km/h): 5–6 seconds

Transmission

• Clutch: Wet, multi-plate type
• Transmission: 6-speed constant mesh
• Gearshift Pattern: 1-down, 5-up
• Primary Reduction Ratio: (2.714 (76/28))
• Gear Ratios: Low - 16.29:1 (2.461 (32/13))

2nd - 11.76:1 (1.777 (32/18))

3rd - 9.14:1 (1.380 (29/21))

4th - 7.44:1 (1.125 (27/24))

5th - 6.36:1 (0.961 (25/26))

Top - 5.64:1 (0.851 (23/27))

• Final Reduction Ration: (2.437 (39/16))
• Drive Chain: D.I.D. 520VM, 110 links
• Front Sprocket: 16 tooth
• Rear Sprocket: 39 tooth

Brakes

• Front: Single disc 310 mm, hydraulic dual-piston Caliper
• Rear: Single disc 250 mm, hydraulic single-Piston Caliper

Wheels and Tires

• Front: 110/70-17 54H, tubeless tire - Pressure Solo & Two Riding 225 kPa 2.25 kg/cmª 33 psi
• Rear: 130/70-17 62H, tubeless tire - Pressure Solo Riding 250 kPa 2.50 kg/cmª 36 psi Pressure Two Riding 280 kPa 2.80 kg/cmª 41 psi

Suspension

• Front: Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
• Rear: Link-type, 7-way adjustable spring preload

Dimensions & Geometry

• Length: 2,075 mm (81.7 in) For Netherlands 2,105 mm (82.9 in) For Switzerland, Germany and Austria 2,180 mm (86 in)
• Width: 745 mm (29.3 in)
• Height: 1,045 mm (41.1 in)
• Seat height: 790 mm (31 in)
• Wheel base: 1,410 mm (56 in)
• Ground clearance: 155 mm (6.1 in)
• Caster (Rake): 1989-2000 25° 30' 2001-2009 25°
• Trail: 1989-2000 95 mm (3.7 in) 2001-2009 97 mm (3.8 in)
• Weight: 169 kg (373 lb) (dry, manufacturer claimed)

Capacities

• Fuel Tank, Including Reserve: 17.0 L (3.740 imp gal; 4.491 US gal)

Reserve: 3.5 L (0.770 imp gal; 0.925 US gal)

• Engine Oil, with filter change: 2900 ml (0.638 imp gal; 0.766 US gal)

without filter: 2600 ml (0.572 imp gal; 0.687 US gal)

GS500F Specification differences

2007 GS500F with non-factory touring accessories.

• Weight: 180 kg (400 lb) (dry, manufacturer claimed)
• Height 1,150 mm (45 in)
• MPG: 58 MPG

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.

External links

• Suzuki GS500F Official site