2009 Suzuki GS500F Review

Introduction

The only reasons why the 2009 Suzuki GS500F doesn’t feature an “X” in the model name is the twin-cylinder engine, a half of a GSX-R 1000 powerplant – as I like to consider it – , and the upright riding position that is almost worthy of a touring motorcycle rather than a sporty one as the GS likes to consider itself.

Suzuki proved the versatility and life-long performance of the GS500F almost two decades ago so the 2009 model year is worthy of being proudly celebrated…by owners as the Japanese maker only ads new graphics and a darker Silver/Black scheme.

History

Dragging its roots from back in 1989 when Suzuki would have presented a naked bike equipped with an air-cooled 487 cc two cylinders engine derived from the one on the 1980 Suzuki GS500E, which was among the first Suzuki four-strokes, the GS500E, as it was called, stood from the very beginning as the continuation of a success. 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.

The 1990 model year saw the replacement of clip-on handlebars with standard bars, while the rest of the bike remained the same.

1993 Suzuki GS500E

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.

Bulletproof built and ideal for a variety of riding purposes and preferences, the Suzuki GS500E saw no major revisions during its glory days.

In 1996, the bike would have featured an upgrade at the front braking system.

In 2001 the GS500 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 tank, rear plastics, seat, and tail light but its overall design remained pretty much strict. Note that the “E” designation was removed as a preamble of an upcoming change..

The bike sold for one more year before it was removed from the U.S market in 2003.

2004 Suzuki GS500F

In 2004, after a year of absence, the GS500F came to fill the void left by the GS500. 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.

This recent years didn’t brought any upgrades apart from scheme and graphic changes, something that makes us reckon that Suzuki follows the same recipe as in the case of the previous “E” model, enjoying as much as possible of a thing created properly.

Competition

2009 Kawasaki Ninja 500R

If this was a perfect world, we would have all started on a GS500, no matter year or version, but, as it is not, Kawasaki was also in for a piece of the cake. The bike with which the GS had, and still has, to share the success of practicability and ease of riding is the Kawasaki Ninja 500R. The bike is as fun as it is sporty and as user-friendly as it is comfortable, but, as you will see, the Ninja is similar to the GS in many aspects. For example, 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 great for starters and rousing to expert riders. Claiming 51 mpg fuel consumption, the Kawasaki engine is less economical than Suzuki’s 59 mpg engine. The Kawi looks indeed as more of a gas eater so it’s either that or appearance what’s going to help you make a decision as the MSRP is exactly the same: $5,499.

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