GS500 vs GS500F --- how different?

[2shay]

Returning to biking after 25 years away, so looking for a good beginner bike.

After doing research, found that the GS500 was my number 1 choice, but it is very hard to find anywhere close by (I'm in the Boston area).

Thinking of instead buying the GS500F new, but am wondering how close the new version is to the older models.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[manofthefield]

They're the same: same engine, frame and just about everything else.  Same carbs etc. as the 01 and 02.  Biggest differences on the F are the fairing (obviously) and an oil cooler.  A few other little things have changed like the ignition stuff, but nothing more than you would expect from yearly model changes.

ps. it took me some time and searching to find my 1998 GS500E, but they are out there.  Try ebay (but I would check the bike out before bidding), cycletrader.com, craigslist.org, and new and used mc dealers' websites

[starwalt]

I was looking at a Spanish made GS (Jan 05 manufacture date) just last week and noticed that the throttle cables have gone dual rather than single for older US models. If this change prior to 04, someone let me know.

The 04+ (US markets) major difference (besides plastics) is the ignition.

- Ignition system more like an ECU. The sensor inputs are now a different timing sensor, a gear position sensor, and a throttle position sensor on the carbs (mechanically the carbs are pretty much the same). Previous models had a two pole timing sensor, a neutral position switch, and no throttle position sensing on the carbs.

-Output to the tachometer is now electric rather than mechanical on the pre 04 machine.

[davipu]

with the carb change in 01 they went to a dual cable design. the 04-05 carbs are different than the 01-02 but they are both 34mm designs.

[funwithtwins]

yea the carbs are the same but jetted a little heavier little more fuel flow and the exaust is a little more free just check an a E compared to an F the F has a much larger exaust can (diameter) a little shorter though for more free flowing exaust when suzuki did this they had to adjust the carbs to pull more fuel to make up for the increased air flow resulting in a few more horsepower not a greatly significant amount but a little.