GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/GS500FK4/

guess this is what yall look for, no fuel injection still 34mm miku's still twin

Based on the successful GS500, Suzuki proudly introduces the 2004 Suzuki GS500F. The new GS500F blends all the reliability and performance of the original machine with an aggressive new look and feel for 2004.

The most distinctive feature of the new GS500F is its fully enclosed fairing, which provides a more aggressive appearance and sportier character. The new fairing features a pair of vertically stacked headlights that bear a striking resemblance to those on the hugely popular GSX-R1000. On either side of the bike, the new fairing incorporates two sharply styled vents feeding fresh air to the engine. Handsome custom cutouts further enhance cooling efficiency, while still showing off the attractive engine cases. Remarkable new looks aside, the new fairing also offers the GS500F rider improved wind protection for improved overall effectiveness of the motorcycle.

The GS500F is powered by a venerable yet reliable four-stroke, 487cc parallel-twin engine. Fed by dual 34mm Mikuni carburetors, the air-cooled motor is lightweight and compact with an abundance of low-rpm torque for easy riding and versatile performance. An easy-shifting six-speed transmission provides plenty of performance.

Supporting the GS500F is a black painted rigid box-section frame with a single shock suspension. A single hydraulic disc with four-piston caliper provides reliable braking in front, while a dual-piston caliper-and-disc combo is mounted out back.

Four-piston (front) caliper ... that's new, isn't it?

yeah, i said the same thing, if the forks are the same, then that caliper should bolt right on the older stuff just got to find out how much they cost, what other bikes use that caliper ect ect

Yeah...
Both looks good, yellow and blue. I think the blue is looking better  :cheers:

They added an oil-cooler ! Look in the "features"  tab.

"New air cooled- oil cooler for more consistent engine temperature and better durability"

The California model is equipped with a Catalyzer.

What was it for the previous generation? (01-02) US$?

Oops... subject line did not show up...

MSRP $4999

Wallpaper...

http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/2004/146_04_suzuki_g5/

the link doesn't work and it's not listed on the site. I think the faring's a bit much. wish it were rounder but costs being a factor I can understand Suzi's position.

Damn it's time for a spec class in racing!! 4-pots would be SO! nice. See what this means is that I can likely retro the 4-pot onto any of my other bikes that all have the same narrow bolt spacing.

er the text clearly says dual-pot. i hope sales fo thru the roof. wish it were cheaper though. it ought to be!

never mind. i can't read. xposed front asnd rear. i think hagon makes a shock. isn't race quality but at $330 it's a DAMN better item. yup, they do

2004 looks awesome :cheers: .  When I bought my 2000 GS, I originally was looking at a GS with a TCP faring.  The guy changed his mind and did not want to sell so I settled for a naked GS.  Don't get me wrong, I like my GS more and more but I like the look of a fully fared bike.  That's why I bought a Katana recently.  

I'm looking forward to more aftermarket stuff for the GS (hopefully retro-fitable).

I dont like fairings one bit, but it is impressive what the Gs looks like with that fairing. I wish there was a way to mount up the light from the K4 onto my 02 model, and keep it lookin good. Did anyone notice if they went back to clip ons, or is it still a bar?

:guns: NINJA look out!! w00t

well this could mean a new wave of GS500 related accessorires and mods too ... depending on sell thru and what the aftermarket companies decide to do :thumb:
hhrrmmm should i trade in my 2002 ....

Four pistons in front, HEY, THEY GOT THAT IDEA FROM ME!!!!!  :lol:  :lol: Hehehe, no seriously, it looks damn cool!! Why the hell did I buy that R6 anyway........ :lol:  :lol: That fearing looks soooooo GSXR alike. I wonder how the gauges look. I think this model will give the GS500 a new life.

Quote from: Rich500Did anyone notice if they went back to clip ons, or is it still a bar?

Same old handle bar which looks silly with the fairing but it will make converting easier for us.

Seems like the same ol' 38 horsepower to me........  The new braking seems cool but you're still going to pay $5K to go slower than an EX....

For the racers this must be good news. Now they can use that 4 piston caliper, the oil cooler and an aerodynamic faring.

Too bad about no bolt-on fuel injector; that would have made one heck of a mod for the older GS's.  I have to wonder about the oil cooler "to increase engine longevity": GS500 already has one of the longest engine life expectancies around (or at least that's my perception).

One question about the fairing:  I like how when I take a turn, my headlamp turns with the steering.  But it looks like with the GSX-like fairing, the headlight will be fixed in-line with the rest of the bike, and not on the line of the steering.  I have no experience with that kind of headlamp, but it seems like the headlight might be pointing off into the weeds a bit during low-speed turns... or maybe the difference would only be noticable at really low speeds (u-turns in the parking lot, etc.)?

The calipers are the same ones on the 01-03 so if you already have those years don't get too excited, it is one caliper off of the SV650.

http://www.lerepairedesmotards.com/actu/2003/actu_030912_suzuki_gs500f.htm

 In french but cool pics. We can see the oil cooler.

One out of two isn't bad. (FI & oil cooler)...

headlight-  There is enough "side scatter" to the headlight that you can see from steering stop to steering stop and even high speed turns arent a problem.  

Yes, getting used to a fairing, headlight, and windscreen that doesn't move with the bars will feel weird at first but you get used to it.

I wished they had detatched the instrument pod and attached it to the fairing but I guess they didn't want to have to redesign the upper clamp and instrument assembly.

looks like it gets a fork brace as well.....

i think its good that the clocks are triple clamp mounted so naked lovers can take off the fairing and use a 7" round

LOL!  Off that frog site.

(http://www.lerepairedesmotards.com/img/motos/suzuki/gs500f/suzuki_gs500f_babe_.jpg)

I call it, "If they only knew...".

From the link with the close-up pics, it looks like it may have real tires this time.  

And I love the black frame. :thumb:

Quote from: V8PintoSeems like the same ol' 38 horsepower to me........  The new braking seems cool but you're still going to pay $5K to go slower than an EX....

oh sure. I race GS's because they are damn CHEAP. Heck, I'm up against 70+HP SV's and get blown into the weeds on any kind of straight. I don't care because I'm out there to have fun. My tires last forever (relatively speaking) and maint is about zilch. Unlike most others I'm not out there to win. I suck. I love to work on technique and skill and give novices on Kat600's and EX500's hell while I'm at it like going around the OUTSIDE of Summit T10. Still, I got 5 trophies last year and I only went to 1 track. It's not about the money, it's about the grin.

But the reason I like the GS's new support is that it keeps the platform viable. As a MSF instructor it gives me no little amount of angst that the other manufacturers have abandoned the newbie rider market. Except faithful Kawi with their EX250/500's. And Suzi's GS has been a staple as well. HOnda is out of the game and Yam doesn't even have anything and hasn't for MANY years now. LOTS of kids (some older than others) come thru my classes and want a sport bike. Well, as great a bike as the Hornet 600 or FZ6 are they ain't newbie material. Ditto Kat600 but that's actually not such a stretch. A fully "tricked out" GS though is a GOOD thing. Otherwise it's GSXR time and we know how that tends to end up...

Big, honkin' Kudo's to Suzi for this move asthetics or not. I already have my street mount so I doubt I'm in the market for one but you bet I'll be recommending GS's all the more!

I can't say that I like the overall look.  Yeah, the fairing looks good, and I love the headlight, but the fairing on the bike doesn't impress.  The front looks so much higher than the rear of the bike that its kind of funky looking.  If you put a Kat shock on the back or something it might raise it up enough to look okay, but I don't like the way it looks stock.  I wonder how other bars (like clubmans or SM bars) would fit with the fairing.  I'd think that it would fit allright from the look of things.  It would be cool to have the option to put buy the fairing aftermarket and put it on an older model GS though.

John L.

Yeah and notice the TPS hanging off the carb?  

(http://www.lerepairedesmotards.com/img/motos/suzuki/gs500f/gs500f_reservoir_.jpg)
:thumb:

Howdy,

Sweet looking little bike! The headlight in the fairing is better than having it on the bars. When you enter a turn, the headlight on the bars actually points AWAY from the direction of the turn because you are countersteering (unless you are going very slow). This means there is less light in the direction of travel than if the light were to just continue pointing straight ahead. Having ridden both types of light setups, I'll take the fairing mounted anyday.

I'm really glad to see they brought this bike back to market with some upgrades. It really is an underrated bike. I love my VFR 800's but the GS is still loads of fun, especially in the tight stuff where raw power is not as crucial.  :thumb:

Quote from: JamesGYeah and notice the TPS hanging off the carb?  


:thumb:

So your saying maybe a partial FI with carbs? I dont see why a carbed bike would need a TPS unless they are doing something with ignition advance and the TPS.

I know of some cars with a "carb" but and injector feeding the carb. The 305 camaro's (92 I know) were like that.

Kawasaki has had TPS on carb'd bikes for AGES. The ZR-7 has it. The ZRX has it, the GPZ had it. I think even the KZ's. It allows the computer to increase the timing so that low-end torque is even better.

Damn, now with the bab-strom I don't know WHAT to do... I just need a winning lotto ticket: GS500e for racing, and the vstrom for commutes... what to do about the ZR now that I've got it tricked out. It's a cruel world indeed!

Yeah Both of the Bandits and the older SV have TPS on their carbs. I think for the GS it signifys that they gave the GS a smarter ignition computer.  :lol:

It will be interesting to see if the same old jetting tricks work on the new bike vs the old (maybe they finally fixed the bikes start up cold bloodedness).

I know how you feel.  I have my YZF the way I wanted it, now the FZ6 and DL650 are neck and neck on my lust meter...

:x

> (maybe they finally fixed the bikes start up cold bloodedness).

ha! not a chance. We can thank the EPA for that one. Still, the same tricks will work. I don't know if the jetting formula is different between -99 bikes and the 01+ but if not, the same home jetting recepies should work a treat. I just wish they'd come down on that price. That bike has been paid for multiple times now. And the SV is what, a scant $800 more? A new GS should be high 3K or 4K even.

still, dont see where it would be difficult to slap slightly hotter cams in the 500 and adapt the SV 650 FI from factory, just a matter of remaping fuel curve and tieing in the crank trigger for Base pulse width whats the throat diam of the 650 TBody?

Quote from: JamesGLOL!  Off that frog site.

 French please.

Quote from: Blueknytstill, dont see where it would be difficult to slap slightly hotter cams in the 500 and adapt the SV 650 FI from factory, just a matter of remaping fuel curve and tieing in the crank trigger for Base pulse width whats the throat diam of the 650 TBody?

Anybody know this?  What the throat diameter of the SV Tbody is?  Also, is it speed density or mass air?

SV carb bodies are downdraft and something like 38-41mm.  GSs are sidedraft and 34mm.

not gonna fit.

Besides, its actually an advantage that the GS retains carbs (rationalization ahead).  We can still use the body of tuning knowledge built on carbs,  Probably still use the same jet kits, K&N filters, and exhausts from the older bikes.

Quote from: JamesGSV carb bodies are downdraft and something like 38-41mm.  GSs are sidedraft and 34mm.

not gonna fit.

Besides, its actually an advantage that the GS retains carbs (rationalization ahead).  We can still use the body of tuning knowledge built on carbs,  Probably still use the same jet kits, K&N filters, and exhausts from the older bikes.

He does have a point people.  Carbs are cheaper to play with than remapping FI.  Also with a new timing retard / advance system maybe there will be no need for advancers on these new models.

We shall see as a new batch od GS500F owners come aboard.  Also I wanna see the stock tires -they look like better rubber than the old bridgestones.  Maybe BT45's from the factory now?  That would be cool  :thumb:

A headlight that doesn't turn with the bars is better.  Think about it.  You're countersteering the bike, which points the headlight off in the opposite direction from where you're about to go.  I'd rather have the light always point ahead.

JamesG, I want you to answer me. Are you pejorative with me ? I don't fell myself welcome here since few months .... am I paranoid ?  :?

you are paranoid. But then again the French have this thing for 'mericans ever since we ... never mind. Your country didn't exactly do themselves any PR favors with the American populace. But I'm sure it was an accidental slip. nothing intended personal like.

Oliver- This is a can of worms you really don't want to open...  
I've tried to avoid political comments on here because they are off topic for one thing, and another we have the common interest in GS500s which overrides them.
So no I don't have anything against you in particular. But against France in general, yeah, they aren't my favorite people right now.

back to topic...

http://www.lerepairedesmotards.com/img/motos/suzuki/gs500f/suzuki_gs500f_.jpg

Sure, black frame and wheels, traditional suzi blue/white, baby-busa fairing. I must have one...I suppose the fairing/headlight might be available sometime? I'll have to research...

I think it looks great. I hope they're planning on selling in US again, against the Kwak 250/500-it's only competition in that under 600cc market. Maybe they realize with the success of the sv650 that there is a market for bikes smaller than 1000cc and without gsxr in front of it.

Its on Suzuki USA's web site so I'm prett sure we are getting it.  :thumb:

I've pretty much convinced the wife to trade up her GS for a new one, and I will definatly be making a copy of it.  Down side is that you have to use that OEM windscreen and for a street bike, that Hayabusa-ish stacked headlight (Thought a Duc 999 style with halogen lamps might be cool too).

Oh the possibilities...

What do you suppose the odds are they did anything with the suspension? Seems to me that's always been the GS's biggest weakness, be nice if they addressed it.

The web site isn't helpful and looking at the pics they look the same. So we are probably looking at the same 37mm damper tubes and the same wheels.

But there are these odd looking things about 3/4 the way down the lower tubes. Can't identify what they are. :?

Again like the motor, better the devil you know...  There are folks here who have had 10 years experiance modifiying and tinkering with GSs.
When we get the new bike, I may just swap the springs and emulators over to the new bike whole (and shock, and pipe, and carbs and filter...)

:mrgreen:

any word on a naked version?

doubt it,  but there are probably quite a few late model new bikes still around.

Never know....depending on how they have it attached, it may be pretty easy to put that fairing on an older model. If that's the case, and you like the naked look better, you might be able to sell the fairing to somebody ( which would probably offset the price increase) and you'd have your nice new 2004 naked GS.

Like others have said, whether you like it or not it's still a good thing....could be hope for an aftermarket now. Here's hoping!  :cheers:

John

Oh, you'd have to get a headlight and signals obviously, but I'm assuming it's unchanged under the plastic, so that wouldn't be so hard to do if that's the case

From some of the pics looks like there brackets mounted to the frame. So that would look bad on a naked bike,  plus the black doesn't look that great without the fairing IMHO.

Quote from: JamesG
I've tried to avoid political comments on here because they are off topic

 I never talked politic here because I think too it is not the right place.

Quote from: JamesG
So no I don't have anything against you in particular. But against France in general, yeah, they aren't my favorite people right now.

 It is bad to hear that. :cry:

Now boys...
(Always wanted to say that!)
You are right in that here is not the place.  The US does great things and some unpleasant things.  We live in a democracy but the individuals did not decide to go or not go to war with Iraq.  As it is the same with the folks of France.  I am sure Olivieeeer was not asked what France's response should have been.

Now if Olivieeeer or any of the other French forum member are French Diplomats it may be a different story.  But here is not the place to discuss it.  
Say it with me:      MOTORCYCLES!

Ah- that feels better.

:mrgreen:
:cheers:

I would only like a partial fairing.....I hope they make a semi naked one!

QuoteI would only like a partial fairing.....I hope they make a semi naked one!

But, it's the lowers that are actually functional.  Keeps your legs warmer.  The screen is too far forward to do much good.

The fairing adds 25 pounds, give or take, so there should be no doubt that there will be a suspension upgrade to go along.

It is a stylish fairing.  As for the high bars, certainly not everybody desires to "assume the position" on a street ride.  I don't.  I quickly weary of seeing out the top of my eye socket.

Quote from: JamesGYeah and notice the TPS hanging off the carb?  


:thumb:

I am quite new to the GS500 and not that mechanically inclined but does TPS means Throttle Position Sensor/Switch?

I think I know what's going on, but please point out the nifty new parts for the uninformed (like big arrow pointing to part in picture)  I guess the addition of the fairing may have necessitated use of the oil cooler?

I have a question... why is Suzuki using the same 3.5" rear wheel when they should know we can't get properly sized good tires?  :?  Well, we could put on 140's but they should think of such things too!

Yep Throttle Position Sensor. Its that black plastic thingy with a wire coming out of it in front of the carb behind the engine cylinder.
Its a potentiometer on the carb that tells the bike's computer how much throttle the rider is giving the bike and then the it calculates what kind of ignition timing to send to the cylinders.
Probably at partial or half throttle it retards the timing for a complete fuel burn/low emisssions but at wide open it probably advances it to make more power.

This made me think of something. For a digital variable ignition to work, it also has to have a engine speed sensor too. So that means it needs something other than the old mechanical cable tach.  I looked at that engine close up, and guess what?  Suzuki finally did away with that gawd damned leaky tach cable!
:cheers:

It also looks to me like there are many more wires below the gas tank. Im pretty sure my GS doesnt have those under there.

granted, remaping fuel and ignition curves are a pain, but these things are becoming more and more common and the little handheld computers are getting cheaper. hell, most of us here have computers, i can see us draging in our brain boxes jacking into the USB ports and dialing them up to what we want. im sure this site would be the first to sport the programs for Downloading.



side draft, down draft, again adapting wouldnt be hard from factory standpoint.    easyer to play with carbs? hmmm, plug in laptop, click, click, execute, you now are ready to race(fuel/ignition program). Again this would be based on a Factory system.

Quote from: sprint_9It also looks to me like there are many more wires below the gas tank. Im pretty sure my GS doesnt have those under there.

Extra wires are more than likely there instead of in the headlight bucket like on the old ones. The plugs look like some that were in my headlight that I had to move back behind when I did the twin headlamps on mine.

I wonder the cost of the new fairing and headlight and other parts to convert my 95 to a full fairing one. It would keep me in my bike much longer than I had planned.  I hope someone makes some frame sliders for the bike now also that will work with the new plastics!

Quote from: JamesGYep Throttle Position Sensor. Its that black plastic thingy with a wire coming out of it in front of the carb behind the engine cylinder.
Its a potentiometer on the carb that tells the bike's computer how much throttle the rider is giving the bike and then the it calculates what kind of ignition timing to send to the cylinders.
Probably at partial or half throttle it retards the timing for a complete fuel burn/low emisssions but at wide open it probably advances it to make more power.

This made me think of something. For a digital variable ignition to work, it also has to have a engine speed sensor too. So that means it needs something other than the old mechanical cable tach.  I looked at that engine close up, and guess what?  Suzuki finally did away with that gawd damned leaky tach cable!
:cheers:

Tks for the enlightement. This baby warrants a closer look. You guys are right in saying that we'll have many mods to look for with the coming of this model. At least we know the ole GS will be here to stay for a long time so it worthwhile investing some serious dough on it.

No center stand with a fairing.  But I like the looks of the new bike, much more stylish than my black/pink 93.  The only concern is with newbies getting lots of plastic... that could become expensive fast.  I driveway dropped my GS twice while learning to ride.  Nevertheless, it was definitely about time for a change.  I know what I hate, and I don't hate this.

Emmett Lyman

It still has the center stand. Notice how the fairing lower ends abruptly under the engine?

I wonder if the fairing could be modified to have RAM air into the airbox...

Hmm...I like RAM air.

It dont go fast enough to have ram air do anything...at 100 ram air is just getting activated atleast on the ZX11.
Cool.
Srinath.

I'm excited that Suzuki brought back the wonderful GS500 lineup. I learned to ride on a '90 GS500E with around 50K miles and thinking about it gives me the "very-first-love" feelin'. It was one easy bike to learn on and was probably the best example of a standard with its up right riding and low seat height. Took all the abuse you wanted to give it, but boy was it a slow dog. But that was also a good thing for a newbie.

I'm hoping its everything the GS500E is, with better brakes and cooling. Actually, in regards to cooling, I've noticed a trend for Suzuki to add oil coolers to their lower-end lineup (e.g., GS500F, SV#) in the past two years. From this forum and the SV forum, it seems that cooling has never really been a problem for Suzuki owners other than in extreme hot weather race track riding. But that's true for almost every other motorcycle. Seems like an added component that isn't really needed for 99% of owners.

I think the fairing is a good thing. It has a sweet "mini-GSXR1000" look,
although if the riding position is anywhere near where it is for the stock GS500E, most of your body would be in the wind with that short windscreen. Might save lives by getting first time riders to think of buying it as apposed to a GSXR600. The only downside it that a new fairing would probably cost $700+. It also seems closer to competing with all the new entry-level bikes out there.

you'd be surprised how effective a screen can be. I wouldn't count it out so soon.