Suzuki GS500E
The Suzuki GS 500E is a popular entry level sport bike manufactured by the Suzuki Motor Corporation. It is equipped with an air-cooled 487cc parallel twin engine derived from the earlier GS450. The GS500E has been in production from 1989 to the present. The GS 500F was introduced in 2004. The GS500 is widely used as a commuter bike due to its relatively low horsepower and highly reliable engine as well as its excellent fuel economy. It is also popular as a learner bike, and can be restricted for use in countries where restrictive motorcycle licences are issued (such as the UK Class 'A' motorcycle licence).
Model Year Changes
- 1989 GS500 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
- 2001 Tank, rear plastics, seat, and tail light redesigned, with various changes to mounting points on the rear subframe. Carburetor changed from a 2-circuit design (pilot jet and main jet) to a 3-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, adding a full fairing and oil cooler, as well as minor carburetor changes and the change from a cable driven tachometer to an electric driven one. A four-piston front brake caliper replaced the 2-piston caliper of earlier years. Unfaired model discontinued in the US.
Specs
Geometry
Length | 81.7" |
Width | 29.3" |
Height | 41.1" |
Seat Height | 31.1" |
Wheel Base | 55.5" |
Ground Clearance | 6.1" |
Rake | ? |
Trail | ? |
Dry Weight | 372 lb |
F Model Dry Weight | 396.8 lb |
Drivetrain
Engine Type | 4-stroke, air-cooled parallel twin, DOHC, 2 valves per cylinder |
Engine Displacement | 487cc |
Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 |
Bore/Stroke | 74.0 mm x 56.6 mm |
Engine Redline | 11,000 rpm |
Horsepower | 41 |
Torque | |
Fuel Economy | 55-60 mpg |
Front Sprocket | 16 tooth |
Rear Sprocket | 39 tooth |
Chain | #520 |
Suspension & Braking
Front Wheel | ? x 17" |
Front Tire | 110/70/17 |
Front Suspension | Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped |
Front Brakes | Single Hydraulic Disc, 310mm rotor, 4 piston caliper (F), 2 piston caliper (E) |
Rear Wheel | 3.5"x 17" |
Rear Tire | 130/70/17 |
Rear Suspension | Link-type, 7-way adjustable spring preload |
Rear Brakes | Single Hydraulic Disc, ?mm rotor, 2 piston caliper |
External links
- GStwin.com: GS500 Information, including a forum
- Pablo's gs500 page: GS500 Upgrades and Parts Swaps
- GS500 FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions regarding the GS500
- GS500 Rider Map: Find locals with GS500's to ride with
- GS500E (UK): United Kingdom based GS500E forums