Suzuki GS500 and GS500F

The Suzuki GS500 has been on sale for as long as I can remember. So long that I even rode one many years ago! The internet says it was released in 1989 but I say it was probably earlier. Affectionally known in its early days as the GOOSE* the GS500 is one of a handful of motorcycles that have such a long production run! The GS500 is like the VW Beetle of the motorcycle world except without that style which makes the beetle special. There have been a few changes to the GS500 over it’s 20 years but only to make it meet various legal elements. However I would say that over 95% of the GS remains as  it was all those years ago.

A model does not last long on the market if it wasn’t good at something and I didn’t have to look far to find out. The GS500 is cheap and reliable and meets virtually any country had that learner restrictions. The bonus is that it doesn’t have to be significantly restricted if at all in any way to meet them. 9check with your dealer first) Other features that make it sale-able is the huge fuel tank and styling that looks like an unfaired sports bike. The other bonus is the engine characteristics.

The GS500’s engine may be an old carbureted twin but thanks to older tech it has huge torque reserves which makes any 250cc and 300cc feel underpowered. More Kw means more speed but without torque you’d never get there hence why the 250cc are not highway motorcycles. Around town the GS500 would be a great little bike. I also suspect that the GS500 will be a donor bike for many future caferacers due to the ease of customisation.

The only major problem with the GS500 is the looks. In naked form there is nothing special about it. Admittedly it is arguably a classic design? In faired form (GS500F) it looks better.

So if you’re looking for a cheap commuter motorcycle or learner then you cannot possibly go pass having a look at the G500 or GS500F. My final words would be to ask Suzuki to price it the same as the competitors 250cc and some promotion to that effect should get much more interest!

*It was called the Goose since its model designation was GS500E.