Suzuki GS500F

No introduction, read what it has...

Specifications

Engine Type	4-Stroke, 2-Cylinder, Air-Cooled, DOHC
Engine Displacement	487 Cm3 (29.7 Cu. In)
Bore X Stroke	74.0 Mm X 56.6 Mm
Compression Ratio	9.0 : 1
Transmission	6-Speed Constant Mesh
Overall Length	2080 Mm (81.9 In)
Overall Width	800 Mm (31.5 In)
Overall Height	1150 Mm (45.3 In)
Wheelbase	1405 Mm (55.3 In)
Ground Clearance	120 Mm ( 4.7 In)
Seat Height	790 Mm (31.1 In)
Curb Mass	199 Kg (439 Lbs)
Suspension Front	Telescopic, Coil Spring, Oil Damped
Suspension Rear	Link Type, Coil Spring, Oil Damped
Brakes Front	Disc
Brakes Rear	Disc
Tires Front	110/70-17M/C 54H, Tubeless
Tires Rear	130/70-17M/C 62H, Tubeless
Ignition Type	Electronic Ignition (Transistorized)
Fuel Tank	20.0 L (5.3 US Gal)

Performance:

This being an entry level “superbike” it has entry level performance. In terms of power, the parallel twin engine is nowhere near the GSXR600 but this bike is also nowhere near the 250cc bikes that Kawasaki and Honda offer, and obviously it’s much more of a motorcycle than the glorified bicycle called the Honda CBR 125. The power, and more importantly torque, curves are very smooth from around 3000rpm to its redline of 11,000rpm which means that around a busy city like Vancouver, you don’t have to rev the heck out of the engine when accelerating from the stop lights. The bike weighs at around 200kg and it has a very light feel to it. It doesn’t feel like it weighs 200kg and as a result it is an excellent handling bike that requires very minimal input or corrections midway through a corner. The brakes unfortunately are a bit of a disappointment, they are adequate for the bike around a city but for country riding I believe this bike would benefit greatly from dual front discs rather than a single front disc brake.

 

As the GS500F is billed as a crossover of a beginner bike and a transitioning bike, the handling is very friendly and forgiving.  There are a good deal of reviews that discuss this issue in depth so I will just go over the main points. The low seat height gives a good grounded feeling and the solid handling will give riders a feeling of confidence in turns as the bike does not feel as if it is tipping over when compared to more traditional sport bikes.

People’s opinion:

Good side:

I would have to say this bike is one of the easiest and most forgiving bikes to learn on. I'm currently on my P's and own a 2009 Suzuki GS500F. The design is simple and the motor has been around since the 70s. The only downside I've had thus far is attaching a Ventura Pack 'n' Rack. A slight modification is needed but nothing you can't handle.

The bike is forgiving when missing gears, braking hard and even when you slip over a little water. There's no dramatic lurching when taking off and is great to learn throttle control on.

It's got enough get-up-and-go to keep up with most other people and is great value for money. I won't be changing over for a few years yet!

It looks pretty good, it starts well even in cold weather for a car bed engine (Im talking 0'C here guys) and its an all around un-intimidating bike. Lightweight. Good brakes. Comfortable seat.

Bad side:

Power, Its so smooth you don't really feel it. Similar to driving a V6 it seems like its going to throw you back but keeps you waiting. Transmission, sloppy and often difficult to find neutral. Front suspension is super soft. Dives all over the place under braking. Engine is noisy, valve chatter? Fuel mileage suffers because I am on it so much. (Still better than truck though). Ride position sucks when you get on the freeway, anything over 60MPH/100km/h strains the bike and you have to keep it open. Forget commuting on it if your doing highway. Also the fuel starvation issue i had with the petcock was annoying.

Overall I would have to recommend this bike to anyone looking for a machine they will drive in town, not get too aggressive with and arent looking for a quick bike that will "scare" them.