Suzuki RM500: history, specs, pictures

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1983-Suzuki-RM500D-Yellow-5158-0.jpg
Suzuki RM500
Manufacturer
Production 1983 - 1984
Class Motocross
Predecessor Suzuki RM465
Engine
500cc Air-cooled, Single Cylinder, 2-stroke
Bore / Stroke 88.4mm x 88.4mm
Compression ratio 6.2:1
Top Speed 94 mph
Fuel System Mikuni VM38SS Carburetor
Spark Plug NGK B8EGV '83-84
Transmission Gear box: 4 Speed
Final Drive: Chain
Final Drive Chain: 520x116 ‘83-84[1]
Front Sprocket 14T ‘83-84[1]
Rear Sprocket 46T ‘83-84[1]
Suspension Front: Air, Oil Damped, Leading Axle, Fully Adjustable Compression Damping
Rear: Full Floater, Gas/oil Shock
Brakes Front: Drum
Rear: Drum
Front Tire 100/80-21 4PR
Rear Tire 140/80-18 4PR
Wheelbase 58.11 inches (1476 mm)
Length 85.59 inches (2174 mm)
Width 33.31 inches (846 mm)
Seat Height 37.8 inches (960 mm)
Weight 103.0 kg (wet)
Recommended Oil Suzuki ECSTAR 10w40
Competition Honda CR480R
Yamaha YZ490
Yamaha IT490
Manuals Service Manual


The Suzuki RM500 was a Air-cooled, Single Cylinder, 2-stroke Motocross motorcycle produced by Suzuki in 1983. It replaced the RM465 until eventually the open class ran out of steam.

Engine[edit | edit source]

A 88.4mm bore x 88.4mm stroke result in a displacement of just 492.0 cubic centimeters.The bike also could be hopped up by adding DG pipe and silencer.The bike also had a problem with jetting coming from the factory, the bike would spit and putter at the top end.

Drive[edit | edit source]

The bike has a 4 Speed transmission.

Chassis[edit | edit source]

It came with a 100/80-21 4PR front tire and a 140/80-18 4PR rear tire. Stopping was achieved via Drum in the front and a Drum in the rear. The front suspension was a Air, Oil Damped, Leading Axle, Fully Adjustable Compression Damping while the rear was equipped with a Full Floater, Gas/oil Shock.The only problem with the Full Floater suspension was that the components that made the suspension work and operate smoothly would wear out quick making you have to service the bike sooner that later. The wheelbase was 58.11 inches (1476 mm) long.

1983 RM500D[edit | edit source]


  • V.I.N. #: JS1RM12A D 100001
  • ENGINE PREFIX: M101-
  • ENGINE TYPE: 492cc Two-stroke
  • MODEL CODE: 142
  • COLOR: Yellow
  • Yellow lower forks
  • Three tone blue 500 on side cover


1984 RM500E[edit | edit source]

1984 Suzuki RM500E


  • V.I.N. #: JS1RM12A E 100001
  • ENGINE PREFIX: M101-
  • ENGINE TYPE: 492cc Two-stroke
  • MODEL CODE: 142
  • COLOR: Yellow
  • Blue frame
  • Blue seat with yellow RM500

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 2019 Western Power Sports Catalog. Western Power Sports. 2019. 
Suzuki RM Series
Motocross: RM50 · RM60 · RM65 · RM80 · RM85 · RM100 · RM125 · RM250 · RM370 · RM400 · RM465 · RM500