Suzuki GS500E
The Suzuki GS 500E is a popular entry level sport bike manufactured by Suzuki. 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 licenses are issued (such as the UK Class 'A' motorcycle license).
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 carburetor 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 |
1989 GS500EK
- V.I.N. #: JS1GM51A K2100001
- ENGINE PREFIX: M501-
- ENGINE TYPE: 487 Four-stroke Twin
- MODEL CODE: 01D
- COLOR: White, Black
- Separate forged aluminum handlebars
- Full floater rear suspension
- 2 into 1 exhaust with stainless steel covered muffler
1990 GS500EL
- V.I.N. #: JS1GM51A L2100001
- ENGINE PREFIX: M501-
- ENGINE TYPE: 487cc Four-stroke Twin
- MODEL CODE: 01D
- COLOR: Black & Silver, Red & White
- Adjustable front brake lever position
- Tubular handlebars
1991 GS500EM
- V.I.N. #: JS1GM51A M2100001
- ENGINE PREFIX: M501-
- ENGINE TYPE: 487cc, Four-stroke, Twin
- MODEL CODE: 01D
- COLOR: Green, Blue
- Both colors have pink and silver stripe
1992 GS500EN
- V.I.N. #: JS1GM51A N2100001
- ENGINE PREFIX: M501-
- ENGINE TYPE: 487cc, Four-stroke, Twin
- MODEL CODE: 010
- COLOR: Purple/Pink, Red/White
- Purple has white Suzuki tank decal with pink, blue stripe
- Purple has white GS500E with pink, blue stripe
- Red has black Suzuki tank decal with silver, red, white stripe
- Red has black GS500E with silver, red, white stripe
1993 GS500EP
- V.I.N. #: JS1GM51A P2100001
- ENGINE PREFIX: M501-
- ENGINE TYPE: 487cc, Four-stroke, Twin
- MODEL CODE: 01D
- COLOR: Black, Red
- Front brake rotor has black center
- Black has purple, silver stripe
- Red has pink, silver stripe
1994 GS500ER
- V.I.N. #: JS1GM51A R2100001
- ENGINE PREFIX: M501-
- ENGINE TYPE: 487cc, Four-stroke, Twin
- MODEL CODE: 01D
- COLOR: Red, Purple
- GS500E emblem on side cover with blue, purple, yellow accent stripes
1995 GS500ES
- V.I.N. #: JS1GM51A S2100001
- ENGINE PREFIX: M501-
- ENGINE TYPE: 487cc, Four-stroke, Twin
- MODEL CODE: 010
- COLOR: Teal Green, Purple
- GS500E emblem on side cover with blue, purple, orange accent stripes
1996 GS500ET
- V.I.N. #: JS1GM51A T2100001
- ENGINE PREFIX- M501-
- ENGINE TYPE: 487cc, Four-stroke, Twin
- MODEL CODE: 01D
- COLOR: Black, Red
- Gray/purple GS500E emblem on side cover
1997 GS500EV
- V.I.N.#: JS1GM51A V2100001
- ENGINE PREFIX: M501-
- ENGINE TYPE: 487cc, Four-stroke, Twin
- MODEL CODE: O1D
- COLOR: Black, Blue
- Silver painted engine case and cylinders
1998 GS500EW
- V.I.N.#: JS1GM51A W2100001
- ENGINE PREFIX: M501-
- ENGINE TYPE: 487cc, Four-stroke, Twin
- MODEL CODE: 01D
- COLOR: Orange/Black, Black/Silver
- Silver painted engine cases and cylinders
- Charcoal grey wheels
1999 GS500EX
- V.I.N. #: JS1GM51A X2100001
- ENGINE PREFIX: M501-
- ENGINE TYPE: 487cc, Four-stroke, Twin
- MODEL CODE: 01D
- COLOR: Yellow - 163
- Silver painted engine cases and cylinders
- Charcoal grey wheels
2000 GS500EY
- V.I.N. #: JS1GM51A Y2100001
- ENGINE PREFIX: M501-
- ENGINE TYPE: 487cc, Four-stroke, Twin
- MODEL CODE: 01D
- COLOR: Black - 33J
- Silver painted engine cases and cylinders
- Dark grey wheels
2001 GS500K1
- V.I.N. #: JS1GM51A 12100001
- ENGINE PREFIX: M501-
- ENGINE TYPE: 487cc, Four-stroke, Twin
- MODEL CODE: 01D
- COLOR: Blue - YM7
- Silver painted engine cases and cylinders
- Silver wheels
2001 saw the GS500E lose the 'E' designation and new rear bodywork and front fender giving it a sportier and more modern look.
1999
2000
External links
- Pablo's gs500 page: GS500 Upgrades and Parts Swaps
- GS500 Rider Map: Find locals with GS500's to ride with
- GS500E (UK): United Kingdom based GS500E forums
References
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