did the earlier GS ('96 and earlier) really make more power? Why?

[ecpreston]

So why, if it's true and not just a change in the way they tested it, did the earlier GS's make more power? Carbs/exhaust a larger diameter or something? Jets? And why would they take away power from the later bikes?

[gsJack]

GS500 power has been very consistant over the years, the first published test in Cycle magazine May 89 issue showed 39.4 hp @ 9500 rpm and 24.5 ft lbs @ 7500 rpm torque.  The last published test I've seen was in Cycle World Nov 04 issue and showed 40.5 hp @ 8600 rpm with 26.7 ft lbs @ 6950 rpm torque.

I've noticed no change around 96 but the quarter mile times dropped almost a full second around 01 and 02.  I have a 02 GS right now and it feels stronger all the way around in every day riding than my 97 did except at the top end where the 97 still felt stronger even though it had 80k miles on it compared to the 02 with about 5k miles on it.

Only significant change for 01-02 that I'm aware of was the change to 3 circuit carbs replacing the previous 2 circuit carbs.  This could explain the mid range performance improvement.  Here's all the published tests I've found:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/jcp8832/GS500tests.jpg