Segment:
Lightweight Naked Sportbike / Standard Motorcycle
Competitors:
Kawasaki Zephyr, Honda CB500, Yamaha XJ550/XJ600, Yamaha Seca II.
Attributes:
Reliable air-cooled parallel-twin engine, user-friendly ergonomics, affordable maintenance, excellent beginner/intermediate motorcycle.
Engine:
Full engine overhaul, tuning, component diagnosis, piston, cylinder, crankshaft, camshaft, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system.
Fuel System:
Carburetor disassembly, cleaning, adjustment, jetting, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank maintenance.
Transmission:
Clutch operation, gearbox disassembly, assembly, gear selection mechanisms, shift drum, shift forks, maintenance.
Electrical System:
Ignition system, charging system (stator, rectifier/regulator), starter motor, battery, lighting, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, switches, instrument cluster.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake caliper service, master cylinder overhaul, brake pad replacement, brake fluid bleeding, brake line inspection, drum brake adjustment (if applicable).
Suspension:
Front fork service (oil change, seal replacement, spring inspection), rear shock absorber inspection, linkage maintenance.
Chassis And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, swingarm maintenance, wheel bearing replacement, steering head bearing service, fairing removal/installation, seat, tank, and body panel components.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, lubrication points, spark plug replacement, air filter service, tire pressure checks.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical system diagnostics.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly across all major vehicle systems.
Rebuild Refurbish Restore:
Comprehensive guides for full engine rebuilds, gearbox overhauls, suspension overhauls, and complete vehicle restoration.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and gearbox rebuilds, including detailed technical specifications and diagnostic procedures.
Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, parallel-twin
Displacement:
487 cc (specific to GS500E)
Bore X Stroke:
74.0 mm x 56.6 mm
Horsepower:
Approx. 48-50 hp @ 9,200 rpm (model dependent)
Torque:
Approx. 40 Nm (29.5 lb-ft) @ 7,500 rpm (model dependent)
Carburetor:
Twin Mikuni B26-26 carburetors
Fuel Capacity:
17 Liters (4.5 US gal)
Oil Type:
API SG or higher, JASO MA certified motorcycle oil
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.8 Liters (2.9 US qt) with filter change
Oil Change:
Every 4,000 km (2,500 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Cleaning:
Every 8,000 km (5,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 16,000 km (10,000 miles).
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 24,000 km (15,000 miles).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific caliper type)
Fork Oil:
SAE 10W (specific weight may vary slightly by year/preference)
Common Problems:
Carburetor synchronization drift, stator failure (rectifier/regulator burnout), cam chain noise, starter clutch wear, occasional charging system issues.
Manufacturer:
Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan
First Generation:
Introduced in 1977 as GS500.
Gs500E Era:
The GS500E designation became prominent for models featuring updated styling and components, particularly from the late 1980s onwards.
Production Years:
1977-2007 (across all variants)
Manufacturing:
Primarily Japan, with some later production in other global facilities.