SUZUKI GS 500 F HIGHLIGHTS
Price : $5,899.00
Bodystyle : Sports Bike
Warranty : 12 months
Manufacturer Country : Japan
Introduction Year : 2004
Displacement (cc) : 487
Engine Type : Parallel Twin
Bodystyle : Sports Bike
Warranty : 12 months
Manufacturer Country : Japan
Introduction Year : 2004
Displacement (cc) : 487
Engine Type : Parallel Twin
VEHICLE REVIEW
2009 Suzuki GS 500 F
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. 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.
Lightweight bodystyle, agile handling, twin cylinder engine give the strong acceleration
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. 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.
Lightweight bodystyle, agile handling, twin cylinder engine give the strong acceleration
The 2009 Suzuki GS500F features styling that is inspired on the GSX-R championship-winning machines as, 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 handlebars and seat.Despite the presence of a full fairing, the Suzuki GS500F isn’t as aggressive looking as the competition as the last is inspired on those Ninja models from the 1990s and isn’t as refined as the subject of this review.
The Suzuki GS500F is engineered to deliver predictable power and easy to get accustomed with versatility at the lowest possible price. Having a 31.1 seat height, it is destined to middle-sized riders, but can also become the dearest friend of short or female riders.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. Those 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 experiencing 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 a little better in what concerns the front and rear braking systems because, although efficient, they seem a little week, especially at the back.Overall the Suzuki GS500F is a great, reliable package offering performance and handling in a cheap way of transportation. It is exactly what a beginning rider would want from it and more that an experienced one would expect. Setting a successful balance between racing style, day-long comfort and performance to back it up, the 2009 Suzuki GS500F is, unmistakably, the second best decisions that someone who wishes to start riding can do. The first best decision would be to buy protective gear.
OVERVIEW SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE
Bore (in) : 2.92
Bore (mm) : 74
Carburetion Brand : Mikuni
Carburetor Size (mm) : 34
Compression Ratio : 9.01
Cooling : Air
Cylinders : 2
Displacement (cc) : 487
Displacement (ci) : 29.7
Engine Configuration : Parallel Twin
Engine Type : 4-Stroke
Fuel Injector : No
Fuel Requirements : Regular
Fuel System Type : Carburetor
Number Of Carburetors : 2
Ram Air Induction : No
Starter : Electric
Stroke (in) : 2.23
Stroke (mm) : 56.6
Valve Configuration : DOHC
Bore (mm) : 74
Carburetion Brand : Mikuni
Carburetor Size (mm) : 34
Compression Ratio : 9.01
Cooling : Air
Cylinders : 2
Displacement (cc) : 487
Displacement (ci) : 29.7
Engine Configuration : Parallel Twin
Engine Type : 4-Stroke
Fuel Injector : No
Fuel Requirements : Regular
Fuel System Type : Carburetor
Number Of Carburetors : 2
Ram Air Induction : No
Starter : Electric
Stroke (in) : 2.23
Stroke (mm) : 56.6
Valve Configuration : DOHC
TRANSMISSION
Number Of Speeds : 6
Primary Drive (Rear Wheel) : Chain
Reverse : No
Transmission Type : Manual
Primary Drive (Rear Wheel) : Chain
Reverse : No
Transmission Type : Manual
SUSPENSION & STEERING
Front Adjustable Fork Pre-Load : No
Front Adjustable Rebound Damping : Yes
Front Central Suspension Strut : No
Front Suspension Type : Telescopic Fork
Number Rear Shock Absorbers : 1
Rear Adjustable Rebound Damping : Yes
Rear Adjustable Shock / Spring Pre-Load : Yes
Rear Suspension Type : Twin Sided Swing Arm
Rear Swingarm Material : Aluminum / Steel
Steering Damper : No
Front Adjustable Rebound Damping : Yes
Front Central Suspension Strut : No
Front Suspension Type : Telescopic Fork
Number Rear Shock Absorbers : 1
Rear Adjustable Rebound Damping : Yes
Rear Adjustable Shock / Spring Pre-Load : Yes
Rear Suspension Type : Twin Sided Swing Arm
Rear Swingarm Material : Aluminum / Steel
Steering Damper : No
WHEELS
Chromed : No
Front Wheel Diameter : 17
Rear Wheel Diameter : 17
Tube / Tubeless : Tubeless
Wheels Composition : Aluminum
Front Wheel Diameter : 17
Rear Wheel Diameter : 17
Tube / Tubeless : Tubeless
Wheels Composition : Aluminum
TIRES
Front Tire (Full Spec) : 110/70 R17M/C 54H
Front Tire Aspect Ratio : 70
Front Tire Speed Rating : 54H
Front Tire Width : 110
Rear Tire (Full Spec) : 130/70 R17M/C 62H
Rear Tire Aspect Ratio : 70
Rear Tire Speed Rating : 62H
Rear Tire Width : 130
Front Tire Aspect Ratio : 70
Front Tire Speed Rating : 54H
Front Tire Width : 110
Rear Tire (Full Spec) : 130/70 R17M/C 62H
Rear Tire Aspect Ratio : 70
Rear Tire Speed Rating : 62H
Rear Tire Width : 130
BRAKES
Front Brake Diameter (in) : 12.2
Front Brake Diameter (mm) : 310
Front Brake Type : Hydraulic Disc
Front Caliper Pistons : 4
Rear Brake Type : Hydraulic Disc
Rear Caliper Pistons : 2
Front Brake Diameter (mm) : 310
Front Brake Type : Hydraulic Disc
Front Caliper Pistons : 4
Rear Brake Type : Hydraulic Disc
Rear Caliper Pistons : 2
SEATS
Adjustable : No
Backrest Logo Plate : No
Grab Rail or Strap : Standard
Number Of Seats : 2
Seat Height (in) : 31.1
Seat Height (mm) : 790
Seat Location : Driver and Passenger
Seat Material : Vinyl
Seat Specifications : Standard
Seat Type : One-Piece
Backrest Logo Plate : No
Grab Rail or Strap : Standard
Number Of Seats : 2
Seat Height (in) : 31.1
Seat Height (mm) : 790
Seat Location : Driver and Passenger
Seat Material : Vinyl
Seat Specifications : Standard
Seat Type : One-Piece
BODYWORK
Adjustable : No
Air Cleaner Cover : Yes
Belt Guard : No
Body Material : Plastic
Brush Guard : No
Chain Guard : Yes
Construction : Standard
Exterior Covers : Standard
Exterior Guards : Standard
Foot Peg Location : Driver and Passenger
Foot Peg Material : Rubber
Fork Guards : No
Frame : Steel
Front Fender : Standard
Front Fender Material : Plastic
Hand Grip Material : Rubber
Hand Grips : Standard
Hand Guards : No
Heel Guards : No
License Plate : Standard
Light Guard : No
Lower Fairing : Standard
Master Cylinder Cover : Yes
Rear Fender : Standard
Rear Fender Material : Plastic
Rearview Mirrors Folding : Yes
Saddle Bag Guard : No
Spoiler : Standard
Stand : Standard
Stand Type : Kick
Upper Fairing : Standard
Air Cleaner Cover : Yes
Belt Guard : No
Body Material : Plastic
Brush Guard : No
Chain Guard : Yes
Construction : Standard
Exterior Covers : Standard
Exterior Guards : Standard
Foot Peg Location : Driver and Passenger
Foot Peg Material : Rubber
Fork Guards : No
Frame : Steel
Front Fender : Standard
Front Fender Material : Plastic
Hand Grip Material : Rubber
Hand Grips : Standard
Hand Guards : No
Heel Guards : No
License Plate : Standard
Light Guard : No
Lower Fairing : Standard
Master Cylinder Cover : Yes
Rear Fender : Standard
Rear Fender Material : Plastic
Rearview Mirrors Folding : Yes
Saddle Bag Guard : No
Spoiler : Standard
Stand : Standard
Stand Type : Kick
Upper Fairing : Standard
FUEL CAPACITY
Fuel Capacity (gal) : 5.3
Fuel Capacity (l) : 20.OO
Fuel Capacity (l) : 20.OO
COLOURS
Gray
Black
White
Blue
DIMENSIONS
Capacities : Standard
Comment : Standard
Dimensions : Standard
Dry Weight (kg) : 199
Dry Weight (lbs) : 439
Ground Clearance (in) : 4.7
Ground Clearance (mm) : 120
Handlebar Lock : Standard
Height (in) : 45.3
Height (mm) : 1150
Model Year : 2009
Length (in) : 81.9
Length (mm) : 2080
Manufacturer Country : Japan
Manufacturer Recommend Minimum Age : 16
Manufacturer Type : Sport
MIC Model Segment : ON-HWY Sport Bike 0-500cc
Previous Model Year Accessories : Yes
Product Type : Motorcycle / Scooter
Revision Status : Carryover
Weight : Standard
Wheelbase (in) : 55.3
Wheelbase (mm) : 1405
Width (in) : 31.5
Width (mm) : 800
Comment : Standard
Dimensions : Standard
Dry Weight (kg) : 199
Dry Weight (lbs) : 439
Ground Clearance (in) : 4.7
Ground Clearance (mm) : 120
Handlebar Lock : Standard
Height (in) : 45.3
Height (mm) : 1150
Model Year : 2009
Length (in) : 81.9
Length (mm) : 2080
Manufacturer Country : Japan
Manufacturer Recommend Minimum Age : 16
Manufacturer Type : Sport
MIC Model Segment : ON-HWY Sport Bike 0-500cc
Previous Model Year Accessories : Yes
Product Type : Motorcycle / Scooter
Revision Status : Carryover
Weight : Standard
Wheelbase (in) : 55.3
Wheelbase (mm) : 1405
Width (in) : 31.5
Width (mm) : 800
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