Introduction
When Suzuki introduced the totally redesigned GS500F, everyone raved about its light weight performance capabilities. For 2008, the GS500F is back, boasting an unrivaled combination of exciting real-world performance and sporty styling, including a full sport fairing inspired by Suzuki’s world-class sport bikes.
In 1989 Suzuki presented the GS500E, a naked bike equipped with an air-cooled 487 cc two cylinders engine which draw its roots from the air cooled 1980 Suzuki GS500E, one of the first Suzuki four-strokes. The four-stroke DOHC formula was used but this time there were only two cylinders, with a 270 degree crank. The bike was widely used for commuting purposes thanks to its good horsepower, decent torque, and light weight, but what made it so great was the highly reliable engine and exceptional fuel economy.
1990 saw the replacement of clip-on handlebars with standard bars, while the rest of the bike remained the same.
For 1994 Suzuki considered that the GS500E should be easily refreshed so the rims were now gunmetal-colored and the frame color was different for this model year.
If you now expect me to mention about complete redesigns and significant revisions, I advise you to reconsider because Suzuki didn’t and it kept the bike pretty much the same all through its life.
1996 model year was sold featuring an upgraded front braking system.
In 2001 the bike was as close to a revision as it could get. Its carburetor changed from a two-circuit design (pilot jet and main jet) to a three-circuit design (pilot jet, mid-main jet, main jet) to help with better carburetion through the rev range. This model year also featured redesigned tang, rear plastics, seat, and tail light but its lines were pretty much kept. We should keep in mind that its “E” designation was removed as a first step before a new introduction.
The bike sold for one more year before it was removed from the U.S market in 2003.
In 2004, after a year of absence, the GS500F came to fill the void left by the GS500E. The bike was very similar to the previous E model, but now features a fully enclosed fairing that gives it a sportier, more aggressive look, and implicit more wind protection for the rider as it radically improves aerodynamics. This is also the year when an oil cooler was added.
Future years didn’t brought any upgrades so I guess Suzuki plans on selling the “F” as well as it sold the “E” and the plan seems to work very well.
Competition
2008 Suzuki GS500 and Kawasaki Ninja 500R
Kawasaki’s Ninja 500R strikes a perfect balance between function, form and budget that is rarely achieved in the sport bike world. This practical sportbike is ready to rip, but friendly enough for beginners to feel confident in its manners.
At the heart of this excellent platform is the Ninja 500R’s 498cc liquid-cooled, inline twin-cylinder four-stroke engine. Its dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder, make for a robust motor that is both beginner-friendly and rousing to expert riders. No slouch, this-half liter engine has enough gusto to let novices expand their skills and keep even the most seasoned riders quite happy exploring the upper end of its rev range.
Exterior
The 2008 Suzuki GS500F has inspirited its styling on the GSX-R championship-winning machines and starting with 2004 it presents a full fairing with the purpose of increasing rider comfort by providing an aerodynamic sport appearance.
In order for the bike to really stand out with its new fairing, Suzuki also redesigned the fuel tank, seat, and rear end of the motorcycle. It resulted into a versatile entry-level model styled like a superbike machine but which still retains the comfort given by the relaxed riding position of the handlebar and seat.
For 2008, colors are Blue/White and Silver/Black.
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What the Suzuki GS500F knows best is to inspire confidence and to be user-friendly. I consider it a great beginner bike and an efficient commuting machine as well.
Its four-stroke, twin cylinder, 487cc, air cooled DOHC engine provides it with all the needed power while it is still economical, but most important, dependable. I believe that the 34mm Mikuni carburetors should receive all the credit for that as they are the needed element from a chain of pieces that form a reliable engine with smooth power delivery.
While I was exiting corners, I opened the throttle in order to notice how the strong acceleration straightens the situation and if the bike remains properly balanced. I wanted to see how the bike behaves under these conditions because beginners often do similar mistakes and their ride has to be very forgiving so as they won’t meet the asphalt. The Suzuki GS500F certainly is, and its rider won’t have the “joy” to notice it hasn’t done the best choice.
A more experienced rider would tell you that the bike is great for in-town commuting or highway use because it features a six-speed transmission which shifts smoothly and allows the rider to extract the best out of that twin cylinder engine. I did exactly that and I have to say that once you get used to it, transformation is the word my friend.
Steering is very precise and this completes the bike’s friendly character. I have tried to simulate some usual mistakes but this motorcycle has the tendency of establishing its cornering line and if the rider doesn’t lean enough or it leans a bit too much, it is very easy to correct and rearrange in the corner.
One of the systems that contribute to the excellent friendly behavior is the suspension system. The telescopic front fork and link-type rear suspension feature both adjustable preload and provide great comfort while efficiently going from point A to point B or running down the highway in top gear.
The bike could have got better front and rear braking systems because, although efficient, they seem a little week, especially the back.
Overall the Suzuki GS500F is a great, reliable package offering performance, handling and a cheap way of transportation. It is exactly what a beginning rider would want from it and more that an experienced one would expect.
Price
Beginner bikes have to be cheap in order to sell and the GS500F makes no exception. With an MSRP of $5,199, Suzuki presents it as the solution to your commuting needs and motorcycling passion.
Conclusion
My conclusion is that your first step in motorcycling couldn’t be a better one as this bike will take you by hand and show you the direction towards GSX-R600 and I bet you know what comes next.
Because the GS500F offers a great balance between practical and beautiful, it became one of the best initiators of all times and it is still going strong.
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Engine and Transmission
Displacement: 487cc
Type: four-stroke, twin-cylinder, air-cooled, DOHC
Bore x Stroke: 74.0 x 56.6mm
Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
Fuel System: Mikuni BSR34SS
Lubrication: Wet Sump
Ignition: Digital/Transistorized
Transmission: 6-speed
Final Drive: #520 chain
Chassis and Dimensions
Suspension Front: Telescopic, oil damped
Suspension Rear: Link type, 5-way adjustable preload
Brakes Front: Single hydraulic disc
Brakes Rear: Single hydraulic disc
Tires Front: 110/70-17
Tires Rear: 130/70-17
Overall Length: 2080 mm (81.9 in.)
Overall Width: 800 mm (31.5 in.)
Overall Height: 1150 mm (45.3 in.)
Seat Height: 790 mm (31.1 in.)
Ground Clearance: 120 mm (4.7 in.)
Wheelbase: 1405 mm (55.3 in.)
Dry Weight: 180 kg (396.8 lbs.)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 20.0 liter (5.3 gal.); 19.0 liter (5.0 gal.) CA model
Other
Color: Blue/White, Silver/Black
Key Features
Versatile entry-level model styled with a full fairing for increased rider comfort and an aggressive sport look.
Engine Features
Proven four-stroke, twin cylinder, 487cc, air-cooled DOHC engine for dependable and economical operation.
Smooth-shifting 6-speed transmission and cable-operated clutch with gear ratios suitable for in-town or highway use.
Twin 34mm Mikuni carburetors for smooth power delivery, strong acceleration and fuel efficiency.
Reliable CDI ignition and maintenance-free battery.
Air-cooled oil cooler for more consistent engine operation temperature and increased engine durability.
Sport-styled 2-into-1 exhaust system tuned for strong low-to-mid rpm engine performance – California model equipped with catalyst for further reduced emissions.
Chassis Features
Full fairing for wind protection and rider comfort, plus GSX-R sport styling including a distinctive vertically-stacked headlight.
Tube-type handlebars, low center of gravity and low 31 inch seat height for increased versatility and rider comfort.
Large 5.3 gallon fuel tank combined with fuel-efficient engine provides long range operation for commuting or pleasure riding.
Telescopic front fork and link-type rear suspension with adjustable preload provide a comfortable ride for commuting or pleasure riding.
Strong braking performance – single disc front brake with large 310mm rotor and four-piston caliper, plus single disc rear brake with two-piston caliper.
Durable 110/ 70-17 front tire and 130/ 70-17 rear tire mounted on lightweight cast aluminum wheels.
Picture Gallery
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