Market Segment:
        
        
            Affordable and reliable middleweight naked motorcycle, popular for commuting, beginner riders, and custom builds.
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Kawasaki Ninja 500R, Honda CB500, Yamaha FZR600 (older models), entry-level 4-cylinder bikes of similar displacement.
        
     
    
    
        
            Vehicle Attributes:
        
        
            Simple, robust air-cooled parallel-twin engine, straightforward chassis, excellent fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs, and a vast aftermarket support.
        
     
    
    
        
            Value Proposition:
        
        
            Provides comprehensive technical guidance essential for maintaining, repairing, and optimizing the Suzuki GS500 series, significantly reducing reliance on expensive dealership services.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Systems Covered:
        
        
            Engine, Cooling and Lubrication System, Driveline/Axle, Transmission/Transaxle, Fuel System and Throttle, Electrical Systems, Suspension, Steering, Brake System, Frame, Bodywork
        
     
    
    
        
            Procedures Included:
        
        
            Troubleshooting, Periodic Maintenance, Tune-up, Repair, Inspection, Adjustment
        
     
    
    
        
            Technical Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive; includes step-by-step instructions and detailed illustrations for a wide range of service and repair tasks, suitable for both novice and experienced technicians.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Overhaul:
        
        
            Detailed procedures for top-end and bottom-end engine rebuilds, piston replacement, valve seat work, and crankshaft inspection.
        
     
    
        
            Carburetor Rebuild:
        
        
            Step-by-step guide for disassembling, cleaning, rebuilding, and synchronizing the CV carburetors, including jetting information.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Fork Service:
        
        
            Instructions for disassembling, cleaning, replacing seals and bushings, and refilling fork oil.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Wiring diagrams, component testing procedures for ignition, charging systems, and lighting circuits.
        
     
    
        
            Brake System Maintenance:
        
        
            Procedures for brake fluid changes, caliper rebuilds, pad replacement, and rotor inspection.
        
     
    
    
        
            Torque Specifications:
        
        
            Comprehensive list of torque values for all critical fasteners (engine, chassis, suspension, brakes).
        
     
    
        
            Clearances:
        
        
            Precise specifications for valve clearances, bearing clearances, and general engine component tolerances.
        
     
    
        
            Part Numbers:
        
        
            While this is a service manual, it often cross-references or implies the use of specific Suzuki OEM part numbers, crucial for ordering correct components.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            File Format:
        
        
            Portable Document Format (PDF)
        
     
    
        
            Searchability:
        
        
            Likely text-searchable given PDF format, facilitating quick access to specific information.
        
     
    
        
            Print Quality:
        
        
            High resolution, allowing for clear printing of text and illustrations.
        
     
    
        
            Usage Rights:
        
        
            Downloadable and saveable to PC/MAC, allowing for offline access and printing.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Type:
        
        
            Air-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 2-valve per cylinder, Parallel-twin
        
     
    
        
            Displacement:
        
        
            487 cc (396 cc for early models)
        
     
    
    
        
            Bore X Stroke:
        
        
            70.0 mm x 64.0 mm (approx.)
        
     
    
        
            Compression Ratio:
        
        
            9.0:1 (approx.)
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower:
        
        
            Approximately 48-52 hp @ 9,200 rpm (varies slightly by year and emissions controls)
        
     
    
        
            Torque:
        
        
            Approximately 28-30 lb-ft @ 7,400 rpm (varies slightly by year)
        
     
    
    
        
            Carburetion:
        
        
            Dual Mikuni CV carbs (e.g., VM26SS or BST34)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane or higher recommended
        
     
    
    
        
            Oil Type:
        
        
            SAE 10W-40 API SG or higher (check manual for exact spec)
        
     
    
        
            Oil Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 2.5 liters (including filter change)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Front Brake:
        
        
            Single hydraulic disc (290mm) with 2-piston caliper; later models may have dual discs.
        
     
    
        
            Rear Brake:
        
        
            Single hydraulic disc (250mm) with 1-piston caliper
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specifics)
        
     
    
    
        
            Headlight:
        
        
            Halogen, typically H4 type bulb
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            System:
        
        
            Basic analog instrumentation: speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, engine temperature warning light, neutral indicator, oil pressure light, high beam indicator.
        
     
    
    
        
            Features:
        
        
            No electronic driver assistance features (ABS, traction control, etc.) on most models, reflecting its era and design philosophy.
        
     
    
    
        
            Lighting Type:
        
        
            Standard halogen headlight, taillight, and turn signals.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 3,000 - 5,000 km or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for precise intervals).
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Typically every 10,000 - 15,000 km (check manual for specific plug type and gap).
        
     
    
        
            Chain Adjustment Lubrication:
        
        
            Check and adjust slack every 1,000 - 2,000 km; clean and lubricate regularly.
        
     
    
        
            Valve Clearance Check:
        
        
            Interval varies, often around 20,000 - 30,000 km; requires shims for adjustment (screw-and-locknut on some earlier versions).
        
     
    
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            If applicable (some GS500 variants may be air-cooled only, others have oil coolers). If liquid-cooled, use a high-quality ethylene glycol-based coolant.
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Type:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
        
     
    
        
            Fork Oil Viscosity:
        
        
            Typically SAE 10W fork oil, capacity specified in manual.
        
     
    
    
        
            Common Problems:
        
        
            Carburetor synchronization issues, worn swingarm bushings, cam chain noise (especially on high mileage), clutch wear, and potential stator failures. Rusty fuel tanks are also a common issue on older models.
        
     
    
        
            Preventive Measures:
        
        
            Regular maintenance, proper fuel storage, and addressing minor issues promptly can prevent most common problems.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Manufacturer:
        
        
            Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan
        
     
    
    
        
            Introduction Date:
        
        
            GS500 model line introduced in the early 1980s, with the GS500E variant gaining popularity in the late 1980s.
        
     
    
        
            Key Changes Over Years:
        
        
            Introduction of the GS500F (faired version), minor engine updates for emissions, suspension improvements (e.g., adjustable preload on later models), carburetor upgrades, and cosmetic changes.
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Locations:
        
        
            Primarily Japan, with some production potentially in other Suzuki facilities.