Suzuki GS500F: history, specs, pictures

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Suzuki GS500
Manufacturer
Production 2004 - 2016
Class Sport Bike
Predecessor Suzuki GS500E
Engine
twin, four-stroke
Bore / Stroke 74.0mm x 56.6mm
Compression ratio 9:1
Top Speed 99 mph (160 km/h)
Horsepower 50.96 HP (38.0 KW) @ 9200RPM
Torque 30.24 ft/lbs (41.0 Nm) @ 7500RPM
Fuel System carburetor. mikuni bst33ss
Air Filter K&N SU-5589 `89-09[1]
Ignition cdi
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-disc, manual
Final Drive Chain: 520x110
Front Sprocket 16T
Rear Sprocket 39T
Suspension Front: telescopic forks
Rear: monoshock absorber
Brakes Front: single disc. two-piston calipers.
Rear: single disc. single-piston caliper.
Front Tire 110/80-17 '89
110/70-17 '90-07
Rear Tire 130/70-17 '90-07
130/80-17 '89
Wheelbase 55.31 inches (1405 mm)
Length 81.89 inches (2080 mm)
Width 31.5 inches (800 mm)
Height 45.28 inches (1150 mm)
Seat Height 31.1 inches (790 mm)
Weight 383.6 pounds (174.0 Kg) (dry), 193.0 kg (wet)
Oil Capacity 0.69 Gallon (2.60 Liters)
Oil Filter K&N KN-133
Recommended Oil Suzuki ECSTAR 10w40
Fuel Capacity 4.49 Gallon (17.00 Liters)
Fuel Consumption 59 mpg
Related Suzuki GS500E
Manuals Service Manual


The Suzuki GS500F was once Suzuki's main entry level bike in their lineup. It was much lighter than the concurrently produced Katana 600. It competed against the likes of the Ninja 500R. It was a twin cylinder, four-stroke sportbike motorcycle produced by Suzuki between 1979 and 2016. It could reach a top speed of 99 mph (160 km/h). Max torque was 30.24 ft/lbs (41.0 Nm) @ 7500 RPM. Claimed horsepower was 50.96 HP (38.0 KW) @ 9200 RPM.

Engine[edit | edit source]

The engine was a air cooled twin, four-stroke. A 74.0mm bore x 56.6mm stroke result in a displacement of just 487.0 cubic centimeters. Fuel was supplied via a double overhead cams/twin cam (dohc).

Drive[edit | edit source]

The bike has a 6-speed transmission. Power was moderated via the Wet multi-disc, manual.

Chassis[edit | edit source]

It came with a 110/70-17 front tire and a 130/70-17 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via single disc. two-piston calipers. in the front and a single disc. single-piston caliper. in the rear. The front suspension was a telescopic forks while the rear was equipped with a monoshock absorber. The GS500 was fitted with a 4.49 Gallon (17.00 Liters) fuel tank. The bike weighed just 383.6 pounds (174.0 Kg). The wheelbase was 55.31 inches (1405 mm) long.



2004 GS500F with Suburban Machinery handlebars
The GS500F has the headlight unit taken from the Suzuki GSX supersports range



2004 Suzuki GS500F[edit | edit source]

It doesn't take a Suzuki specialist to figure out that the 2004 MY GS500F is the faired version of the old GS500E machine, as the final F is pretty self-explanatory. The GS500F represents a new stage in the history of the half-liter commuter, introducing better weather protection for the rider, a more aggressive appearance and better cooling efficiency thanks to the air channeling technology.

Under the new bodywork, you'll meet a 6-speed 487cc parallel-twin engine, pretty much the same unit in the GS500E, This means you'll be in charge of 47 hp and 40 Nm, pretty decent figures for an all-rounder, beginner-friendly bike just under 180 kg.


2005 Suzuki GS500F[edit | edit source]

A versatile entry-level sporty all-rounder, the 2005 MY GS500F is Suzuki's offer for the riders in search of a bike which can do it all. The GS500F is fully-faired, and this adds to weather protection and cool looks Underneath the fairing you'll find the good-old dependable air-cooled 487 twin and a 6-speed transmission, a package that's fit for both city and highway, easy to understand and use, both thrilling and reassuring.

Sporty and economical, the GS500F serves as a great commuter, but longer trips with a luggage system will not be a problem, either.


2006 Suzuki GS500F[edit | edit source]

After receiving a solid makeover in the aesthetic department for the previous year, the 2006 MY GS500F carries on the sporty, faired looks, while continually adding to the increasingly better attire. A middleweight bike par excellence, the GS500F now sports an aggressive one-piece headlight with a short windshield and a chin spoiler for impeccable looks.

This entry-level sport bike is easy to master and will prove a most worthy companion for urban commuting and even longer trips, as the bodywork is offering much more protection than what the naked GS500 used to. Add in the good fuel economy and low maintenance costs, and prepare to have more fun aboard this bike than you could ever dream.


2007 Suzuki GS500F[edit | edit source]

2007 Suzuki GS500F 2007 Suzuki GS500F

Introduced as a 2004 model, the GS500F is the natural evolution from the naked middleweight machine which had pleased generations of beginners and seasoned riders. Upgraded to more sporty looks, the GS500F received a full fairing, a modern headlight and an overall styling overhaul, while retaining the docile, rider-friendly character of the bike.

Versatile, forgiving, exceptionally functional and economic, the GS500F is also light thanks to the air and oil cooling system, adding to the maneuverability and generic performance.


2008 Suzuki GS500E[edit | edit source]

2008 Suzuki GS500E 2008 Suzuki GS500E 2008 Suzuki GS500E 2008 Suzuki GS500E 2008 Suzuki GS500E

If you're shopping list reads "a naked middleweight commuter which can do anything from streaking through the urban jungle to fast hauls on the highway and everything in between" it;s time to pay a visit to the nearest Suzuki dealers and ask about the GS500E.


This machine is the stripped down version of the GS500F, a nice half-liter bike which is great for both beginners and more experienced riders in search of an economical ride in and around the town, but which also retains a dash of sporty punch. An elementary road going machine, the 2008 MY comes with an air-cooled engine and a single-disc front brake, a generous two-up seat and excellent stance for long hours spent behind the bar.



2008 Suzuki GS500F[edit | edit source]

2008 Suzuki GS500F 2008 Suzuki GS500F 2008 Suzuki GS500F

A step up form the old GS500, the 2008 MY GS500F retains the features of the first generation, packing together the easy-to-master versatility of the half-liter engine and a decent amount of riding fun, while the F suffix introduces the stylish full-faired looks, as well.


With a headlight styled just like the big sporty bikes in the Suzuki stable, the 2008 MY GS500F is an economical commuter which is not shy to ride the extra mile if longer hauls are on the weekend's menu. This middleweight all-rounder with stylish bodywork will not disappoint you, especially as it offers more weather protection than its naked sibling.


2009 Suzuki GS500F[edit | edit source]

2009 Suzuki GS500F 2009 Suzuki GS500F

The 2009 MY GS500F is the smallest member of the GS family, a natural evolution from the naked older models and a very good road-opener for new riders who want to get familiarized with the sport class. Tame, but not lazy, the GS500F introduces a full fairing which provides sporty looks and better wind protection, while the white-blue color scheme harks back to the classic GSX-R machines.


The parallel twin engine is air- and oil-cooled and mated to a compliant 6-speed transmission for optimal power and torque balance in all riding scenarios. Good for a new rider, the GS500F is a fun machine for more experienced ones, as well.


2009 Suzuki GS500[edit | edit source]

2009 Suzuki GS500 2009 Suzuki GS500

Even though the old GS500 has entered a new life stage and is no longer sold in certain markets, there are still a lot of riders who enjoy its mildly sporty character and will go for it. A very good first street bike, but an equally rewarding machine for more seasoned riders, the GS500 is a naked all-rounder which is not shy of almost anything.


Perfect for urban navigation in your daily commuting, great for weekend outings on winding roads and suitable for longer trips when supplied with a luggage system. Air-cooling is keeping an eye on the bike's weight, while the whole compact build makes the GS500 slender and agile.


2010 Suzuki GS500F[edit | edit source]

2010 Suzuki GS500F 2010 Suzuki GS500F 2010 Suzuki GS500F

When Suzuki introduced the GS500F, it offered a new perspective one the old half-liter GS, and adding a hefty dose of modern bike design to keep the interest alive. However, the new model was more successful than anticipated, most likely because it blended the sporty looks with affordability, ease of use and all-rounder functionality. Great for urban and sub-urban commuting, city errands and open-highway fun, this air/oil-cooled parallel twin is agile and lightweight and is a great choice for people who are honing in their rider skills.


And with a 6-speed transmission and low-mid range-focused power and torque deployment, the 2010 MY GS500F is also rider-friendly and offers a reassuring feel for riders in their debut seasons.


In Media[edit | edit source]


References[edit | edit source]

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