Do we have a case of too much love? (Dear Suzuki: GS500 SUX)

[Roadstergal]

Unexpectedly uncomfortable, and lousy mileage.  But "It ees better to look good than to feel good..."

[The Buddha]

Not sure I like the FI idea, I agree that low cost and simplicity

Pay a little more up front for FI for simplicity down the line.

Carbs are a pain.  Everything on an FI bike is easier to work on except the brain, and I've never heard of an FI brain going off on a bike or a car.

Now that Srinath said belt drive, the idea is festering in my brain.  I really can't think of any arguments against it.  It's lower-maintenance than chain, and the performance difference isn't going to be noticed on a street bike...
(Yeah, but it's what Harleys have...   )

OK who ever said that FI is simpler ... OK some aspects are easier albeit pricier ... like putting in a chip instead of rejetting ... Chips cost like 250, but putting it on is nearly as easy as putting in gas ... OK ... but those things also wear ... they also need to be cleaned and adjusted and there is more to go wrong ... and when it does it will cost a whole looooot more ...
Cool.
Srinath.

[ratz]

4valves per cyl. ( probably have to watercool it after that)
stronger front suspension aka progressive type springs.
4.5 in rear rim (by 17, Srinath)
racier, lighter pegs/ linkage

[scratch]

Shaft drive!

While I would like to have shaft drive, too, it would be heavier and suck away what little power the engine produces already. And, again the frame would have to be redesigned.

We should look to provide Suzuki easy, inexpensive ways to improve a 1977's engine, late '80's running gear, and a better fuel delivery system without major engine and frame changes.

Srinath - would nikasil lined bores help with the rings sealing better?

Would a Savage engine fit in the GS frame...with the tank?

[RVertigo]

We should look to provide Suzuki easy, inexpensive ways to improve a 1977's engine, late '80's running gear, and a better fuel delivery system without major engine and frame changes.

Yeah...  You got me.   :dunno:

I still vote for FI.

[scratch]

I think making those improvements would encroach to much on the SV line and they don't want to compete with themselves.

If they could produce a supersic GS, that outperforms an SV, with a lower production cost...wouldn't you think they would drop the SV line altogether?

[JetSwing]

I think making those improvements would encroach to much on the SV line and they don't want to compete with themselves.

If they could produce a supersic GS, that outperforms an SV, with a lower production cost...wouldn't you think they would drop the SV line altogether?

only if majority of sv owners are willing to migrate to gs...truth is gs got long ways to before before it would catch up with sv.

[scratch]

I still vote for FI.

I don't think the intake ports allow for a straight shot from a fuel injector.
This is the type of engineering we have to deal with.

I'm not trying to be a naysayer, I'm just trying to be realistic from a manufacturer's view. I've ridden FI bikes, and they're WONDERFUL!, and I would love FI (if it didn't make me want to go out and buy a $2500 tool, that I'd only use once a year), but for our humble, little giant-slayer, it may not be possible.

[RVertigo]

I just hate certain little personality quirks that come with carbureted engines...  Especially in cold weather.

[pandy]

I just hate certain little personality quirks that come with carbureted engines...  Especially in cold weather.

This is a big reason I became a traitor.

[RVertigo]

This is a big reason I became a traitor.

And if I had the money and a place to keep both bikes, I would have already moved to the dark side.  

[natedawg120]

This is a big reason I became a traitor.

And if I had the money and a place to keep both bikes, I would have already moved to the dark side.  

me too.....

[scratch]

Carburetors are what gives bikes character.

[pandy]

Oh...my Baby G is a character all right...    :lol:

[Alphamazing]

Carburetors are what gives bikes character.

If by "charachter" you mean "tempermental and fickle", then yah.

[scratch]

Well, my Yamaha single wasn't tempermental or fickle, but she had oodles of character (and two carbs).

[Alphamazing]

One feature I'd LOVE to see on the GS is a gas tank that rotates. It would be SOOO much better to be able to rotate it backwards to do maintenance rather than having to take it off every freakin' time. That shaZam! gets old.

[Roadstergal]

Or at least a tank Off that is easy to get to.

[Alphamazing]

Or at least a tank Off that is easy to get to.

Yeah, but I'd still like to be able to look at my air filter and carbs without having to remove the whole fricken' tank. It's a pain in the ass trying to do that on your own with a full tank of gas.

[Jazzzzz]

I'm hopping on the FI bandwagon.  Never again will I own a carbed bike as my only bike.  I'm a nerd, so I'd prefer being able to spring for a $300 PC USB III to duck around with my fuel delivery via a laptop as opposed to monkeying around elbows deep in carbs for a weekend.

Better/redesigned petcock (both tank and frame petcock) -- just go to gravity feed already.  I think all Suzukis have the vacuum-based petcocks though, so this is probably barking up the wrong tree.

Slightly more powerful charging system.  My headlights dim when I light up my brakes.  This does not bode well for being able to use heated grips or accessory lighting.

Better stock suspension.

4.5" rear wheel for better tire choices.

Fork drain bolts.