Are GS made in Spain lower quality then one made in Japan?

[Petar]

Hello guys,

I have question.
I recently read that Suzuki GS500 that were made in Spain are lower quality then those made in Japan (1989-2001)?
I'm still looking to buy my GS500 and i can choose between older models made in Japan,and newer models made in Spain.
Just for info,those ''newer'' are between 2002-2006.
Prices are almost the same.

Please tell me what you think.

[twocool]

I've had zero "quality issues" with my '09 Spanish-built GS500.  52,000 miles...still looks like new.

I've never compared a Jap one to a Spanish one, side by side, but it wouldn't surprise me if the Jap one showed slightly higher quality control, and maybe nicer detail work.

But I certainly see no reason to rule out a Spanish built bike.

Bikes are built in all kinds of weird countries these days.  Triumph is made in Thailand! for instance.

I think the issue is how the parent company sets up production and oversees quality control.


Cookie

Hello guys,

I have question.
I recently read that Suzuki GS500 that were made in Spain are lower quality then those made in Japan (1989-2001)?
I'm still looking to buy my GS500 and i can choose between older models made in Japan,and newer models made in Spain.
Just for info,those ''newer'' are between 2002-2006.
Prices are almost the same.

Please tell me what you think.

[ajensen]

The only complaints I've heard about the Spanish bikes is the paint on the frame not being as good or properly applied. I have a 2006 GS500F made in Spain and have had no real problems.

[The Buddha]

I am not impressed with 89-00 frame paint either. IMHO after 96 the engine build quality was worse than before. Earlier ones had worse frame and rust problems.
In fact I am of the opinion that the single worst year is likely a 96. I had one that blew a bearing as well as it rusted profusely. I think it had the worst of the see saw.
97 on frames improved slightly, though the motors were just as bad as the 96.
96 was a weird year for Suzuki, katana's were down graded, that TL-1000 S debuted and I think they were all focusing their energies on the GSXR 750 that they threw all the rest together as fast as they could.
The single most powerful and overall best finish bike I ever had in my hands as owner or mechanic (and there were close to 50 that I worked on, rode and experienced) was se7nty7/Tarzan Boy's 89. A close second is the 95 I bought form Jetswing that I still own, beautiful frame that kept its clean look good motor decent power. I had a 90, my second GS that made rip roaring power but that thing rusted like the dickens.
So I don't think any year had any reason to call itself "better" and likely no year was "worse" outside the margin of error.
Cool.
Buddha.