Suzuki GS500 Indepth Walk Around & Review

[TrowaBarton11]

Dang-It...... I accintdentally pressed the thumbs down boutton.... O___O

[michaelrossonline]

@TrowaBarton11 :(.... oh well, there is always at least one dislike

[t0y]

Awesome review. Very helpful.

[lategahndotcom]

Well done! Beautiful and comprehensive walkthrough for a great bike.

[kuldude7119]

Thank you so much for this review

[TheProf74]

Really good video and appreciated. I am 6'2" as well and sat on this and felt fine. I am annoyed that the VStrom650 isn't LAMS approved as it felt just that bit better due to its size.

How often do you go through key consumables like tyres, chains and sprockets?

[michaelrossonline]

@TheProf74 Kwaka does a LAMS bike (Versys & KLR650). VStrom is a tad heavy for a LAMS IMO. As for consumables go: first chain lasted 23k (I only used WD40 as chain lube). 2nd chain currently has 27k on it using Belray Super Clean as chain lube. Changed sprockets at the same time as the chain. This set as well as the chain show zero signs of needing changing soon.

Tyres: OEM rear 23k, 1st Power Demon Rear 17k, on 2nd Power Demon now. OEM Front 30k, on Power Demon front now looking good at 20k

[klancaster6495]

Nice video. I've been riding one of these for a few years, and have loved every ride. I've never been let down or left stranded by it. I agree with all of your points! Great luggage wrack too. That would be great for my student commuting needs.

[michaelrossonline]

@klancaster6495 The luggage rack is great. I use a different bag for work than the one in the video. And the maker (Ventura) have different shaped bags too. Very versatile.

[icecreamhands]

Where do I put the milk?

[DarKRid3R21]

what year is this bike ?

[michaelrossonline]

@DarKRid3R21 The bike in the video is a 2009. The only differences between this one and what the bikes were like in 1989 when Suzuki brought them out are: A slightly different seat at the front (the older seats used to have a small lip that went up the tank), and in 2001 the tank was increased from 17 liters to 20 and the 2 jet carb was replaced with a 3 jet carb. Otherwise, the bike is the same. So all bikes from 2001 on are the same as a brand new bike except for colors.

[DarKRid3R21]

@michaelrossonline thnx !

[XMAKEURAGEX]

@michaelrossonline

Thnx heaps im thinking about getting a bike to learn on for my L's and this one sounds good. Just a quick question, whats the most km's you have riden on your bike in one go and was it comfortable?

[michaelrossonline]

@XMAKEURAGEX Km's I am not sure, 190? Time wise though, two hours. I won't usually go past 90 minutes. Usually 60 to 90 before a stop (even on my 900 hornet). And I've done many 500+km days. *I* find the bike comfy. But you also need to make adjustments to your seating, foot position, upper torso, etc., Before you feel cramped, to relieve the muscles (this is true of all bikes). On long trips I also advise taking along some paracetamol in case you need something extra to help muscles relax.

[wesg77]

does it go like the clackers??

[michaelrossonline]

@wesg77 It can do 100mph+. So fast enough to hurt you if you come off, fast enough to lose your license, fast enough to overtake B-Double trucks. Don't know if you'd say it went like the Clappers, but it will do the job. Just don't expect to outrun an R1, CBR1000, etc.

[codajastal]

Hi @michaelrossonline,

Just wanted to say thanks for this info,

I just bought a secondhand GS500 armed with all the info you have provided on your channel and am extremely happy.

Many thanks

Steve

[michaelrossonline]

@codajastal You're very welcome. And Congratulations! Welcome to the addiction :)

[damian2001111111]

thanks for usefull review...God bless.

[michaelrossonline]

@damian2001111111 Thank you. If you have any questions about the bike please feel free to ask, or visit gstwins and ask the self taught experts there.

[wsbill14224]

You make a good point about faired bikes getting crashed and sporting the oil cooler afterward. Such owners should get rid of the oil cooler. I rode my naked GS500 for 17,000 miles and this bike warms-up slowly. In naked form it doesn't need an oil cooler at all. I would even say that keeping the oil cooler on a naked bike unless you live in hot regions is silly.

[wsbill14224]

I feel sorry for our British and Aussie friends of the GS500. I ride it because I like it. Many of them ride it because it costs a lot more to ride a bike with more performance. To me that isn't right. If you want to ride a bike that has twice the power you should be able to ride one for within 50% of what you were paying to register and insure the smaller bike. To me nothing else makes sense. I have ridden bikes of all sizes, and I gravitate toward mid-size 500 cc or so bikes.

[michaelrossonline]

@wsbill14224 A lot ride it in Aust because it is in a Learner Category. They then think it is only a learner bike, forgetting that is was a Big Boys Bike for years before it got added to the Learner Approved class. Those who ride it know otherwise (wink).

[wsbill14224]

I have a naked 1994 model, and I never give throttle to start, only choke. Then, as it goes to 4,000rpm, I slowly, very slowly, back-off on the choke. Other than that great video on our beloved bike!

[michaelrossonline]

@wsbill14224 I don't give throttle when it is cold but a Small amount when warm. On My bike, this is what works. Depending on the jetting & so forth, slight variances from this would be expected.

My start routine is, full choke to start and leave on full while I attached bag to bike, put on jacket. Then turn down to around 2000 rpm and leave it at that while putting on helmet and gloves. Then ride off sedately for a couple of clicks before turning off the choke. Same routine winter or summer.

[michaelrossonline]

@RB5566 Space limits me to going into great detail here. When you visit gstwins, use the search function and be simple with your questions without involved back story. Start a thread 'what should I look for buying a 2nd GS' and then ask more questions if some answers need clarifying.

Also check out the info/description on this video for general info on buying 2nd hand bikes that I have just added to the bottom.

[michaelrossonline]

@RB5566 Though you asked elsewhere, I'll answer here. THE 1000 vstrom isn't that different to the 650 vstrom. So if the 1000 is too large physically, the 650 vstrom will be no different.

The KLR is over 100 pounds lighter than the vstrom and weighs similar to the GS500. If you can physically handle the KLR you can handle the GS500.

I've covered some known issues in this vid, for more indepth answers to 'what issues' visit gstwins & only ask 'what should I look for when buying a 2nd hand GS?'

[wsbill14224]

Michael, I know exactly what you mean but some guys are never satisfied with the explanations they get. They're the ones who end-up mixing-up ON and RES so they run out of gas! I took to leaving the bike on RES and filling after a certain mileage figure 30 years ago. I have yet to run a bike out of gas. Dirt bikes don't count!

[michaelrossonline]

@wsbill14224 Oh yeah, I've done the old 'drain fuel from one tank into an empty coke can to fill the other tank' trick on dirt bike rides. Pretty hard to run out of fuel on a city. If guys on Harley's that only get 100km before running out can ride without running out, anyone should be able to. ;)

[yamahonkawazuki]

@wsbill14224 same here. 

[wsbill14224]

Dude, you can simplify. With this bike you fill-up every 200+miles. That way you never run out of gas. No need to make it more complicated than it is.

[michaelrossonline]

@wsbill14224 I agree wsbill and it is what I do (fill up every 300kms). However, I have been asked many many times about filling it, hitting reserve, how far can you go etc. Telling people to fill up every 200 miles does not satisfy them... so... I tell them the long way about it so they can discover it for themselves on their own bike.

When I see what is happening with emissions etc., it reminds me of the movie irobot and the characters reaction to a bike that runs on gas. Thanks for commenting

[wsbill14224]

I have one of these bikes. I have been riding a long time. Air-cooled mid-sized fours will outrun this bike, but the GS500 is a very satisfying bike to own. That is why I kept mine. I put a lot of miles on it and I have maintained it. It is the inner half of a GS1000. It has an inner beauty all its own. Here we are in 2011 and we can still buy a new air-cooled motorcycle. Down the line that will be a governmental feat.

[Pwoodie]

17:05. Oil cooler = GS500F noob.

[michaelrossonline]

@Pwoodie The point was not to show GS500F riders that the bike has an oil cooler, but that those who are new to the GS and are looking at a naked, that if the naked has an oil cooler it means the bike was originally an F that has had the fairings removed. It is usually a sign the bike has been crashed because it's cheaper to remove the fairings and turn the bike into a naked than it is to replace the fairings.

[yamahonkawazuki]

@michaelrossonline some choose to do so willingly. another sign of an f is hte black frame. ida loved a black frameon my 2 blue E's. and why would an oil cooler makesomeone a noob as she put it?

[michaelrossonline]

@yamahonkawazuki Yes, I covered that in the vid, that Some Choose to make their bikes naked. But I feel such a voluntary transformation would be forthcoming from the seller. My 09 is naked from the factory and has a black frame. So frame color isn't necessarily a sign the bike was originally a faired bike. But the oil cooler is cause naked just don't have one.

[yamahonkawazuki]

@michaelrossonline very true

[TheUplink777]

I'm considering buying a Motorcycle for the first time. I'm 5'9" 170lbs pretty lean what would you guys recommend for me to learn to ride.?

[michaelrossonline]

@TheUplink777 The GS500 is a very learner friendly bike. A lot of the liter bike riders think of it as just for beginners, but it is not. It can do 100mph fairly easy. Heck, riding in 4th gear it will go from 37mph (60kph) to 87mph (140kph), which is plenty fast enough. Of course, we are biased towards the GS, but we have good reason too - cheap, reliable, plenty of help if you want to wrench on it yourself.

[yamahonkawazuki]

@michaelrossonline you can flog hte hell out of em, they come back for more. mods are easy. as well

[yamahonkawazuki]

@TheUplink777 YES :), ive owned four of them. ( one twice lol ) can buy them used, then usually sell at profit. check out gstwin for more info.

[pfriday2001]

Yeah. I have ridden a 750 Honda and a 900 Kawasaki. Although both were cruiser style bikes, the GS500 was just so easy to ride and just a blast to ride. I really enjoyed your video. Have a good day and ride safe.

[pfriday2001]

I am getting a 1990 GS500E from my brother in the next few weeks. I rode a couple of months back and was absolutely amazed at the power and how well it handled. It has straight handle bars, so I was leaning forward a little more than what you showed on your bike. It was still comfortable to ride though. The power is not too much to be intimidating and still enough to get out of its own way. Also, the curves were a blast to go around with no ill tendencies. I really enjoyed watching your video a

[michaelrossonline]

@pfriday2001 Thanks for enjoying the video. You have discovered how easy the bike corners. Unless you've ridden many other bikes you don't realize it, but the GS corners easier than the majority of bikes out there. Other larger cc bikes need more effort to corner, the GS almost corners itself. Enjoy your bike.

[damian2001111111]

Thanks for superb review.

[michaelrossonline]

@damian2001111111 You're very welcome. Any questions about the bike not covered here or in the comments or info, please ask.

[torontothegood]

100% prefer the simple naked air-cooled version. i'm looking for one.

[michaelrossonline]

@torontothegood Yep, nothing like riding a naked twin :)

[torontothegood]

what a great bike!

[michaelrossonline]

@torontothegood Yep. It's very rare indeed that a bike has a 20+ year build history, like the GS500 has. Alas, I think unless they can work magic to bring the emissions into today's ever tightening standards, the bike will be relegated to those who appreciate at 2nd hand. We shall see, though, cause it is a very good bike.

[mlscinc]

I'm just under 6' and finally got a GS twin last week, after looking for 14+ years. I had you pegged at 6' 2", around 200#. Excellent video- longest one I've ever watched on YT. Now I'm just waiting for a warm, sunny day!

[michaelrossonline]

@mlscinc Thank you for your appreciation. Look after your bike and it will look after you. Keep unnecessary fixes to a minimum (if it ain't broke don't fix it) and you'll enjoy many miles of happy riding. :)

[MegaChad29]

This might seem silly, but how do you fill her up? Does it work the same way as a car, the pump clicks when its full. Or do you have to visually check and look inside until it hits the top? Thanks. Just got my license, and can't afford the DRZ400sm so i'll have to settle for the GS500.

[michaelrossonline]

@MegaChad29 If you jam the nozzle in the tank it will cut out like a car, but you will not be anywhere near full. What I do is, hold the nozzle with both hands with the end Just inside the sleeve of the tank & watch it. As it get close to the top I slow down to reduce splashes. As it reaches the sleeve I slow even more. When it starts coming up the sleeve (note, I am going slow here) I stop. Then I Very Slowly keep filling until I reach the next 50cent or whole $. Fill on the center stand too.

[eoxter]

Thx a lot for your hard work i am getting a license for motorcycle and i'm saving money for GS500 :)

Btw do you know the difference between GS500 and GS500E ?

[michaelrossonline]

@eoxter You're welcome :)

When the bike was introduced in 1989 it had the GS500E designation. It had a 2 circuit carb and 17 liter (4.5gal) gas tank. In 2001 the carbs were changed to a 3 circuit version, the tank increased to 20 liters (5.3gal) and the E dropped from the name. So the E version has the 2 circuit carbs and a smaller tank than those without the E designation which were made from 2001 and on.

The F version was introduced in 2003 & has the oil cooler as shown in the video.

[eoxter]

@michaelrossonline

Thx again

keep up the good work :)

cheers mate.

[giakamozisf1]

I have a Q:

How is it on rainy days. Do you get any watter on you?

BTW, great review!

[michaelrossonline]

@giakamozisf1 Thanks. Well, I have the naked version so yes, if it rains waters gets on you. But this isn't really a problem if you where a rainproof jacket with rainproof pants (or overpants). Bike feels quite stable in the wet too. I've been caught in bumper-to-bumper traffic during a downpour and got saturated. it didn't effect the bike at all, it kept going like nothing was wrong.

[Adnoctumz]

Thanks for your time to make this video man, im a new rider and im searching to buy a bike and i think i will buy the suzuki. This video really helped.

[903apc]

Wow great video. Lots of info!

[michaelrossonline]

@903apc @Adnoctumz Thanks. Glad you found it helpful to you. My 2009 GS500 is nearing 44,000km now and still purring like a kitten. Sweet!

[phineas59]

Useful info here- thanks! Seems like it's getting harder all the time to find much else on YT but sophomoric trash-talking junk.

I'm just returning to riding after 20+ years off the bike. I'm way past caring anything about rocket-like acceleration or mind-numbing top speed. Rather, I value reliability, simplicity and stable, predictable handling. I am seriously considering the GS500F, and your reasoned and informative video has helped me finalize that decision.

Thanks again, and do ride safe!

[michaelrossonline]

@phineas59 Thank your for taking the time to comment. If reliability, simplicy and, stable and predictable handling are what you are after, then the GS500 fits that bill to a T. Performance wise it is close to a Triumph Bonneville or Kawasaki W800 - but it is Much cheaper to buy, run and service / fix :)

[WillBadRacing]

great vid thank you. I've been riding 10 years now and passed my test of a GS500e. I've had lots of bikes since and came off an R1 for not concentrating properly (luckily nothing more than pride and a bit of fairing scratches. Now I have a Gixer Thou (last 4 years) and a 2001 GS500e for pillion/comutes. Love it a much as the day I went from a 125 to direct access 500. Taught me some things I didn't know, so thank you!

[michaelrossonline]

@WillBadRacing Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts. Glad you discovered something new. They are great little bikes. Completely underestimated. Versatile. Just a pleasure to ride.

[TheBrackNinja]

Thanks alot for review! This really looks like a nice bike, sadly my dad won't let me get one (i'm only 19) because he says it's too dangerous...

[michaelrossonline]

@TheBrackNinja You're welcome & it Is a lovely bike. Bikes, like knives, aren't dangerous themselves. Only dangerous when misused and ridden recklessly. Ride steadily and most importantly alertly, without placing yourself into dangerous situations and the rider is fine. These Free videos made by the Aust Govt helps along those lines tinyurl com/3c4t77f as does Twist Of The Wrist II and Ride Like A Pro V as well as professional skills enhancement.

[TheBrackNinja]

@michaelrossonline Thanks for the links! I will check them out, i'm watching all your vids now haha, hope you make more. also do you have any experience with the honda hornet?

cheers!

[michaelrossonline]

@TheBrackNinja I will always make more videos. As I type I have two still to upload. Hornet - I own one, so yeah, I have some experience with it :) It's handling is Very close to the GS500, which saw me sum it as Just Like A GS But More Powerful. A lovely bike to ride. I have the 900 not the 600.

[TheBrackNinja]

@michaelrossonline Wow! I'm thinking of (if my dad allows me) getting a GS 500 first (limited to 34 hp) and then riding it to get some experience, and after that a hornet probably 600. did you ever fall on one of your bikes? If yes, was it bad? I looked up on the stats of accidents on bikes vs cars, and it states that in the US (i'm from Europe) 3 % of the vehicles are bikes, yet they make 12.5 % of the accidents... that's pretty intimidating, what do you think?

cheers!

[michaelrossonline]

@TheBrackNinja Statistically, you're more likely to come off your bike in the first 6 months or 8,000km of owning your new-to-you bike. Cause you haven't yet experienced a majority of handling situations. Next stat is two years of riding cause you think you're better than you really are, push it & come off, or, you Upgraded your bike & now fall into the 1st stat zone.

Overwhelming vast majority of bike offs are rider's fault. Either riding beyond their abilities or placing themselves in danger.

[michaelrossonline]

@TheBrackNinja If you get a GS, keep it until you have ridden 20,000kms. I feel that is a Minimum before someone should get a more powerful bike. Gain level headed experience on handling and reading traffic first. Then the 600 Hornet is a good upgrade, if you still want to by then.

Reckless riders wreck.

I fell of dirt bikes heaps. One road bike off. No injuries. All offs were My fault. Road off was unfamiliar road, decreasing radius corner & target fixation. Drift wide, off into muddy ditch.

[TheBrackNinja]

@michaelrossonline I will do that! Thanks for all the advice, I really appreciate it! I'ma try convince my dad so I can get a gs! really seems like the perfect bike to start with! Thanks again!

[michaelrossonline]

@TheBrackNinja GS is the perfect bike to learn riding on. Very forgiving in all aspects of riding, yet is fully capable. The restricted GS can be Easily derestricted when the time is right.

[daryllwaghorne22]

Very good review and told me all I need to know about the lovely GS500 that I have just got. Thanks.

[michaelrossonline]

@daryllwaghorne22 You're very welcome. And congratulations on joining the GS500 club. Now you will come to understand why this is the best kept secret in the motorcycle world. Also be sure to also pop in to the GS message board for any questions about maintaining your bike, trouble shooting, etc. There's a whole bunch of us who help were we can gstwins.com/gsboard/

[IRELANDsLEPRECHAUN]

Wow, tomorrow I'm hopefully getting a used 1995 gs500e for 2,000 American, it will need some tuning up. Is there anything I should look for in particular as far as something that will degrade it's value. So I'll be able to get it at a better price?

[michaelrossonline]

@IRELANDsLEPRECHAUN There is LOTS to look for when looking at a bike. Such as tire age, tire condition, evidence of damage/drops, missing components, mileage, chain condition as a sign of general lack of care and maintenance, oil condition, and so on and so forth. I always suggest people read this indepth page about buying a 2nd hand bike clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.­html cause there is way more info there than can be imparted in a brief message here

[LoudValves]

great review,very informative,cheers

[06rayman]

Thanks for this vid mate, very informative. 30 minutes of info which confirms for me why so many people love this bike. How do you find the naked gs for slicing through the wind?? How is the Honda 900 going? Cheers and ride safe.

[michaelrossonline]

@06rayman Thanks for finding the info useful. Any other questions, just ask.

I, personally, have no issue with the wind. No issue at 110kph on the freeway or briefly up to 130kph when overtaking. Note, however, that I do ride it daily to work so may be used to it and maybe I have more core strength than others. Either that or the people who complain about windblast need to harden up :)

The Honda's going well. It's also naked. So if wind was an issue I wouldn't have bought another naked bike. :)

[SamuraiGambit]

Question on the cold start - I always run my choke to obtain 3,000 rpm for about 15 seconds and then drop it back. Any reason you run it for a full minute or so when cold?

[michaelrossonline]

@SamuraiGambit The manual suggests 30 seconds. I find however, with mine, that it sits around 2,000rpm easier if I have full choke for around a minute. I should also mention, while it is warming I am putting on my jacket, securing bag to bike. Reduce choke, then slowly put on helmet and gloves which can take another minute or so. Then Slowly ride off. Turning the choke off fully after maybe half a click on the road.

[SamuraiGambit]

@michaelrossonline I just reread the manual shortly before you posted and sure enough, 30 sec is the recommended. Some good tips on warming the bike though. Thanks for the comment back.

[TKTex1]

Awesome review Michael - really enjoyed having a look at your GS500. Thanks for putting the clocks for bikes link up too, I'll be ordering some of those for the Hornet. I'm a little disappointed the Honda didn't come with a center stand as standard. I priced a new unit from Rocklea - over $500!! Can't blame you for holding onto that bike - and thanks for your vids through the Border Ranges on it. Cheers mate!

[michaelrossonline]

@TKTex1 You missed a Great ride today. Man, I enjoyed it so much I want to do the same route again! Re clocks: When you order, you'll probably find their clock/thermo sets on their ebay store & their ebay store is cheaper. Also, double check but you should find the handlebars are 7/8" bars. I got the polished aluminium not the chrome. Also measure between your handlebar clamps - you'll need 3" for the Hornet - the same distance and bar diameter for the GS500.

[chochi70]

great review, clock and thermo you added look real good, I was wonderin where to get a clock from, great tip about the oil cooler, sold my gs500f and miss it, an awesome practical bike.

[rickyny78]

Excellent video Michael!!

Thanks for posting the link at gstwins.

[madjak30]

Wow...very thorough...the only thing I caught that you mentioned but didn't explain was why it is important to switch back from RES to RUN on the fuel petcock...I know it is kinda self explanitory, but not all have common sense...if you forget to return the petcock to RUN after a fill and you usually just run it to the reserve then switch and find a fuel station, you won't have fuel in the tank because you are already on reserve...

And that's picking nits...excellent walk through of the bike!!

[michaelrossonline]

@madjak30 Thanks for mentioning that.

[Nosey103]

Hi from Brisbane! Excellant review and video Michael. My GS500F is going a treat and I am finding it a great bike just like you say.

[michaelrossonline]

@Nosey103 Aya. The best kept secret of the motorcycle world is the little GS500. Underestimated by most for its simplicity. Yet it has a 21+ year build history so the bike must be doing something right ;)

[musicology101]

Great bike.