Suzuki GS500F review

Cheap is all very well, but quality counts for a lot
Cheap
Won’t last the distance

The main problem with the GS500S is that you just don’t get the feeling it will last. The build quality is budget to say the very least. Even a new bike feels tired. The suspension is soft, handling not brilliant and engine weak. But there again it doesn’t cost much. When it comes to cheap commuters Honda’s CBF500 is a much more solid and well build machine and worth the extra money.The main problem with the GS500S is that you just don’t get the feeling it will last. The build quality is budget to say the very least. Even a new bike feels tired. The suspension is soft, handling not brilliant and engine weak. But there again it doesn’t cost much. When it comes to cheap commuters Honda’s CBF500 is a much more solid and well build machine and worth the extra money.

The main problem with the GS500S is that you just don’t get the feeling it will last. The build quality is budget to say the very least. Even a new bike feels tired. The suspension is soft, handling not brilliant and engine weak. But there again it doesn’t cost much. When it comes to cheap commuters Honda’s CBF500 is a much more solid and well build machine and worth the extra money.

Length (mm)2080
Width (mm)800
Height (mm)1150
Dryweight (kg)180
Seats0
Seat Height (mm)790
Suspension FrontTelescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Suspension RearLink type, coil spring, oil damped,
Adjustability RearSpring preload 7-way adjustable
Tyres Front110/70-17 M/C 54H
Tyres Rear130/70 - 17 M/C 62H
Brakes Front2-piston caliper, disc
Brakes Rear1-piston caliper, disc
Wheelbase (mm)1405
Ground Clearance (mm)120
Trail (mm)97
Length (mm)2080
Width (mm)800
Height (mm)1150
Dryweight (kg)180
Seats0
Seat Height (mm)790
Suspension FrontTelescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Suspension RearLink type, coil spring, oil damped,
Adjustability RearSpring preload 7-way adjustable
Tyres Front110/70-17 M/C 54H
Tyres Rear130/70 - 17 M/C 62H
Brakes Front2-piston caliper, disc
Brakes Rear1-piston caliper, disc
Wheelbase (mm)1405
Ground Clearance (mm)120
Trail (mm)97
Cubic Capacity (cc)487
Max Power (bhp)48
Max Power Peak (rpm)9200
Torque (ft/lb)30
Torque Peak (rpm)7400
Bore (mm)74
Stroke (mm)56.6
Valve GearDOHC
Compression Ratio9
IgnitionElectronic
CoolingAir cooled
Fuel DeliveryMikuni BSR34 twin carburettor
Stroke TypeFour Stroke
DriveChain
Cubic Capacity (cc)487
Max Power (bhp)48
Max Power Peak (rpm)9200
Torque (ft/lb)30
Torque Peak (rpm)7400
Bore (mm)74
Stroke (mm)56.6
Valve GearDOHC
Compression Ratio9
IgnitionElectronic
CoolingAir cooled
Fuel DeliveryMikuni BSR34 twin carburettor
Stroke TypeFour Stroke
DriveChain