Suzuki GS500 Bike Overview
The Suzuki GS500 has received a fairly bad reputation over the last few years with many critics calling it an uninspiring ride which offers just enough to see it through but nothing to write home about. If you are seriously considering a GS500 then you might find this disheartening until you look at genuine reviews online from real owners; these portray the GS500 in an entirely different light and one worth paying attention to.
The GS500 is the ideal first bike if you are after something more than a 125cc scooter. It’s a solid all-rounder which handles itself well when used for commuting. It can get a little shaky when taken up to motorway speeds but this is something you are unlikely to be doing too often when you are first starting out anyway. It is a responsive bike which is forgiving and flexible, with just enough power to get a little fun out of riding but without running the risk that the bike will get away from you. If you need to build up confidence out on the road then you can’t go wrong here.
Perhaps one of the reasons that the GS500 is such a great starter bike is the price. You can’t pick up a GS500 bike new anymore and used prices start at around £900 going right up to £2000. If you can pick a bike up for under £1000 then you are onto a real stunner of a bargain, especially if you are only going to be throwing the bike around. It is simple, it is comfortable and it is cheap; all good reasons to pick up a GS500 and starting your biking journey.
Suzuki GS500 Bike Spec
- Top speed110mph
- Weight174kg
- Capacity487cc
- Average fuel consumption50mpg
- Seat height790mm
- EngineAir cooled, four stroke, parallel twin cylinder
Suzuki GS500 Bike Insurance
Suzuki GS500 Bike Gallery
Owner Reviews
Pros
Fantastic introduction bike to be able to roughhouse with. A solid good all round bike, has been perfect for commuting and any other journeys. Couldn't fault it. This has been fantastic as my first motorcycle. Very forgiving and flexible in the gears to help build up confidence in my riding. Generally a good all-rounder, feel very comfortable on it and has worked as the perfect vehicle to further fuel my interests in motorbikes.
Cons
More powerful, but I'll just have to wait until I do my two years capped at 500CC!
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Gear changes are loose so room for error but sometimes comes across 'clunky'
Engine is more than enough for inner-city commuting. Have enough power to comfortable get out of situations. Engine feels strained when doing high speeds at times on motorways.
More powerful, but I'll just have to wait until I do my two years capped at 500CC!
Super robust, dropped a few times and barely a mark. Definitely an introduction bike. If anything build too well (or may be the years) as had problems getting certain bolts undone.
Disc brakes, solid at stopping every time.
Pros
It's fun to ride and cheap to run as well. Very good bike, good at everything unless you want lots more power.
Cons
A fuelgage would be useful
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It's mid weight , rides smoothly. Plenty of usable power, it takes corners very well in all weathers.
For a mid size 500 commuter, there's plenty of power. Overtakes easily, really good engine.
So very cheap to run, it uses very little fuel and seems to go on forever. Being a 500 it's cheap to insure and tax. service costs are okay. In all very good.
All seems really good, no breakdown or niggles.
One on the back and only one on the front. Brakes seem good though.
Pros
Quite nippy for it's size, i do find it heavy and a bit too high but like i've said thats due to my size. Great first bike, nippy but not too powerful, i'll be keeping this for years i think
Cons
Bit lighter maybe.
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I find it heavy but that's more due to my size than the bike, i found my 125 heavy! It's smooth though and rides like a dream.
500cc, big enough for me, pretty good acceleration for it's size.
Tax just under £60, ins approx £200 and i can do about £200 miles on full tank which costs about £14 to fill. First big bike, i'm limited cos of my height and this has been lowered, still a bit tippy toe but i like the style.
Never broken down but had had issue back in spring which ended up being the 'pick ups'?? Had alot of work done/bits replaced before finally identifying the problem. Runs like a pussycat now.
Brakes very responsive, good grips, no idea what system
Pros
It’s lightweight, easy to ride and fun.
Cons
Power and handlebars.
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This bike is soo light and easy to ride. The gears and smooth and the engine sweet as a nut.
Although the bike has had no issues, you have to keep an eye on areas to ensure rust doesn’t build up.
Parts are cheap, it’s easy to maintain yourself and runs on air.
No break downs, just rust build up on the frame etc.
The brakes work as good as expected for a 1995 bike. The back is useless lol.
2 comments on “Suzuki GS500 Bike”
I have been riding motorcycles since 1961., so I am no newcomer to the sport. In 2009 I was struck from behind by an 18 wheel tractor trailer rig. I was riding a 2003 Triumph Bonneville, a very lovely bike. Because of various reasons I did not get back on a motorcycle until the summer of 2018. I found a 2001 GS500 with 12,000 actual miles on it for $1200.00 (895 Pound Sterling). I have never had a motorcycle that I left “stock” for very long. I changed the exhaust system to a reverse cone megaphone, I changed the handlebars to something closer to clubman bars, I had a mechanic go over the entire bike and he cleaned the carbs, put in a new head gasket and front fork seals. It ran ok before all that but now it runs like new.
The bike is a good bike for someone who is just starting or who is just coming back after a LONG vacation. I am a little off put by its lack of sizzle but then again its about the same as the Bonny which was almost 800cc. I will have to say however that GS stands for “Goes Slow”. Its very disheartening when Smart Cars can give you a run for your money!!
All around I think its a good bike. It is certainly a very reliable motorcycle. As an aside I got 45 mpg on regular with ethanol, 55 will high test ethanol and 65 with premium no ethanol.
Would I like to have my SV650 back? Of course but at 77 I may have outgrown the need for speed!
I have a gs 500 e and My carburetor acts up around 100 to 110 km n looses fuel I’m thinking. Have to knock it down a gear n full throttle it n it will pick it up eventually n then it Flys lol anyone have the same issue? And if so any suggestions???thank u