Suzuki GS500E

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Gs550e 01.jpg
Suzuki GS500
Manufacturer
Production 1980 - 2007
Class Naked
Predecessor Suzuki GS450
Successor Suzuki GS500F
Engine
450cc
Bore / Stroke 74.0 mm x 56.6 mm
Compression ratio 9.0:1
Top Speed 105 mph
Horsepower 46.0 HP (34.3 KW) @ 9200RPM
Fuel System 2 x MIKUNI BST33SS Carburetors
Air Filter K&N SU-5589 `89-09[1]
Spark Plug NGK DPR8EA-9 '89 , '90-07
Battery YUASA YB10L-B2 '89 , '90-07
Transmission Gear box: 6 -Speed

Final Drive: Chain

Clutch: Wet multi-plate
Suspension Front: Telescopic Fork
Rear: Swingarm
Brakes Front: Single Hydraulic, Floating 310 Mm Disc
Rear: Single Hydraulic 250 Mm Disc
Front Tire 110/70/17
Rear Tire 130/70/17
Wheelbase 55.51 inches (1410 mm)
Length 81.69 inches (2075 mm)
Width 29.29 inches (744 mm)
Seat Height 31.1 inches (790 mm)
Weight 372 lb (dry),
Oil Filter K&N KN-133
Fuel Capacity 20.0 L (5.3/4.4 US/Imp gal)
Fuel Consumption 59 mpg
Related Suzuki GS500F
Manuals Service Manual

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[edit | edit source]

  • 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[edit | edit source]

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


1980 - 1989 Suzuki GS 500E[edit | edit source]

The Suzuki GS 500E probably performs best in town where a bit of low down grunt can see you out of any nasty entanglements. Elsewhere, however, the GS 500E's a chore to get it up to speed. High mileages are common, which is a good sign, but the whole set up needs to be updated to keep the Suzuki GS 500E in touch with modern competitors.


1989 - 2001 Suzuki GS 500E[edit | edit source]

Suzuki GS 500E launched as an unfaired roadster. Very few, minor tweaks (front forks became adjustable, as did the brake lever, it got lower bars etc) until 2001 when it was discontinued. The Suzuki GS 500E probably performs best in town where a bit of low down grunt can see you out of any nasty entanglements.


1989 GS500EK[edit | edit source]

1989 Suzuki 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[edit | edit source]

1990 Suzuki GS500EL
1990 Suzuki GS500E in Red
1990 Suzuki GS500E in Red
1990 Suzuki GS500E in Red


  • 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[edit | edit source]

1991 Suzuki 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[edit | edit source]

1992 Suzuki 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[edit | edit source]

1993 Suzuki 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[edit | edit source]

1994 Suzuki 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[edit | edit source]

1995 Suzuki 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[edit | edit source]

1996 Suzuki 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[edit | edit source]

1997 Suzuki 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[edit | edit source]

1998 Suzuki 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[edit | edit source]

  • 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[edit | edit source]


  • 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


If you're looking for a fun middleweight bike for urban commuting and all sorts of two-wheeled fun, the 2000 MY GS500E is a very good choice, especially as "affordability" is its middle name. The bike packs plenty of punch to be fun even for seasoned riders, and for an 192 kg (wet) machine, 47 horsepower will be just right to make things non-intimidating and reassuring.

This parallel twin also packs plenty of room for a passenger, making a great commuter for two in the warm season. Still, adding a luggage system will also make it suitable for longer trips, as well.



2001 GS500K1[edit | edit source]


  • 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.


Sometimes referred to as the small Bandit, the 2001 MY GS500E is a middleweight sporty, naked bike which can be used for both commuting, canyon carving fun and even road touring, when equipped with accessory luggage systems. Lightweight and providing effortless handling, the GS500E provides a rewarding ride to both new and more experienced motorcyclists, while its upright riding position is comfy for hours in a row.

The air-cooled parallel twin engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox which makes city slicing and highway hauls an effortless business and the GS500E an excellent no-frills, economical and fun commuter, too.


2002 Suzuki GS500E[edit | edit source]

2002 Suzuki GS500E

Equally suitable for a first bike and a daily ride for more experienced riders, the 2002 MY GS500E has all the right feats to make almost everyone happy. Fun, non-intimidating and fairly powerful to not be easily outgrown, the GS500E offers plenty of bike for your money.

With 47 hp and a light build, the 2002 MY GS500E si easy on your budget and can do pretty much anything a sporty naked bike can. Great as an economical commuter, highly maneuverable on any roads and offering an upright riding position, this bike belongs to the middleweight all-rounder elite.


2003 Suzuki GS500E[edit | edit source]

2003 Suzuki GS500E

The 2003 MY GS500E is a no-frills half-liter air and oil-cooled machine which simply gets the job done. Great as an all-rounder for the asphalt roads, the GS500E is an economical commuter, too. perfect for slicing the city at rush hour, it will also feel great on the open highway.

With room for two, this bike boasts naked simplicity: an easy to maintain parallel twin engine, no fairings to crash when the bike flips over, cast wheels and a manual 6-speed which will feel great both in the urban environment and on countryside roads.



External links[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 2019 K&L Supply Co Catalog. K&L Supply Co. 2019.