Speaking with my mechanic yesterday, he said, Suzuki Australia has no 2011 model GS500s but Heaps of 2010 models in their main warehouse in Melbourne. And also, that he thinks Suzuki's Leaner Bike will end up just being a Learner Version of the Gladius or GSX650. I have spoken with two other Suzuki Dealers and they cannot tell me anything about 2011 model GS500s. One even has a new F for sale that's Nov 09 :o
I've just done a quick search and can only find 2010 GS500s advertised by dealers and they are all an additional $500 off - nakeds are now $7,390 and F are $7,890 Ride Away (in my state)
Still waiting for official word from Suzuki, but it's looking more and more like 2010 will be the last year for the humble GS500 - which wasn't sold in the EU in 2009 nor any 2010 models in the USA. I'll make a call to Suzuki Australia on Monday to verify.
On the one had it would seem silly for Suzuki Aust to not sell the bike cause it sells well. On the other, Suzuki Japan is not going to make bikes just for the tiny Australian market.
Michael
Pretty sure the GS500 is outta here
Suzuki didn't produce a 2010 model of the GSX-R. They may just be skipping a year of producion. The GS500F still seems like a pretty popular bike, and the GS is dead cheap to produce. I bet they resume production once the warehouses clear out a little.
or slowing production due to the march earthquake / tsunami / nuclear meltdown
Wow, pretty sad.!
Yamaha isn't producing anymore 2011 bikes either. Most dealerships around here cant get any new models of just about anything right now. Everybody has new 2009's and no 2011's. And they want to charge the same since its still a "new" bike. "We still have to pay for it" was the answer the salesman told me yesterday.
Isn't it commonplace for motorcycle models to skip years? Either way, we might be reaching a point where the market is saturated with GS500s. There're always a ton of them available used, which I'd wager is how most people buy them.
Quote from: Pelikan on May 21, 2011, 04:56:19 PM
Isn't it commonplace for motorcycle models to skip years? Either way, we might be reaching a point where the market is saturated with GS500s. There're always a ton of them available used, which I'd wager is how most people buy them.
The GS500 has not skipped any years since its inception.
It can no longer meet the EU Emissions Standards and cannot be sold there. This leaves the USA, Canada, Aust and NZ as the main buyers. We now have 2011 and the USA is selling 2009 models as 2011 models because no 2010 were brought in (made for?) the USA - which is, dare I say, the largest motorcycle market in the world - and it looks like no 2011 models either. We are almost half way though 2011 and no 2011 bikes appear to be available in Aust - last was 2010. Global Suzuki is showing old models, Aust Suzuki is showing 2010 models, Suzuki USA is showing 2009 models. Emissions standards are increasing, GS500 Tech is not keeping up, market is dwindling, previously produced units from 2009 have not sold - and it's 2011.
All manufacturers have a break even point. A sales number which makes production viable. Don't reach that number and it Costs $ to make the bike. The manufacture of the GS500 cannot be supported by Australian sales of less than 1000 units.
I don't think Suzuki can publicly say it will not make any more cause then people won't wanna buy a new bike if they think it's not made any more.
As I said, I'll call on Monday to get their take. So far, all dealers are clueless. One even told me the US market took such a hit, back in Jan or Feb, for the first time ever, Australia sold more bikes than the USA, for that month. We only have like 22 million people, 15 times fewer people than the USA.
Michael
Everytime there is a new model, a discontinuation, or a recall by Toyota I hear about it in the news way before the dealership gets any official notification from Toyota. If motorcycle manufacturers operate the same way you already know just as much as the dealer does ;)
-Jessie
Here's hoping its the end. re-tooling this bike and "modernizing it" could be a smart move for Suzuki I think, theres little offered in this class and if they would do some minor engineering it could be a sweet ride.
(http://www.suzukimotorcycles.com.au/images/upload/working/OriginalGSX650F_L0_GHK_E19_R.png)
GSX650F. Small increase in capacity, more modern head, two more cylinders for smoother operation, catalitic converter for emissions, etc. Still have a LAMS version too. They just forgot to stop selling the old model.
They need a naked version of the GSX650 if they want to use it to replace the GS500.
If they made a naked version they would change the letters, make it GSR650. But no point really, there is already the GSR600 (not in Aus anymore) and soon the GSR750. There is also the Gladius SVF650.
Quote from: lucifer_mr2 on May 22, 2011, 06:10:27 AM
GSX650F. Small increase in capacity, more modern head, two more cylinders for smoother operation, catalitic converter for emissions, etc. Still have a LAMS version too. They just forgot to stop selling the old model.
The GSX 650 F is a 4 cylinder liquid cooled bike that weighs 100lbs more and costs $3000 more than the GS500F. It's closer to being a GSX-R than it is a GS500, and is at best a replacement for the Katana. I have absolutely no stinking idea how anyone could conclude that it would replace the GS500.
The GSX650 is the Katana replacement. At least thats the common consensus.
Just got off the phone with Suzuki Australia. A few points came out...
- 2010 models Were made for the USA - BUT - they had the same color scheme as the 2009 models (which would mean Suzuki doubled up color schemes for consecutive years for the first time. Either that, or, as it is with M'cycle years, a bike is Considered a year if it is made after August of the preceding year - eg. Oct 2009 manufacture is Considered 2010 model bike - or - they simply restamped 2009 bikes with 2010 manufacture plates). So those in the USA looking at New bikes with 2009 colors might actually find they were made in 2010.
- Australia does not make pre-arranged bulk orders for the bikes it gets them in As Needed. Together with our silly govt tarrifs and Standards Testing could be why we pay more for a motorcycle than the same one in the USA. The fellow I spoke with, and I, figured this was the case as no other reason can be had; he doesn't know why Suzuki charges what they do and isn't privy to that info.
- Checking all his sources, he can find NO reference of any 2011 GS500s coming into Australia. He cannot find any reference saying they will not be either. But there are none here now and he can find none on the Incoming List, he assumes we will Not be getting any. He will be letting me know via email when he finds out for sure if the GS500 is going to cease manufacture. I did mention it's more than likely a bike maker would simply stop making a bike without announcement and this may be the case.
- He did find some vague references to a 2011 GS500F being made at some point this year. But again, nothing definitive, nor who for, and he will let me know as he discovers more.
- Regarding the LAMS version of the GSX650, Gladius and SV650, it appears the restriction is Hardwired into the computer chip to prevent easy backyard derestrictions. He mentioned there are some other differences too, which we didn't get in to, but I could see physical throttle restrictions and air flow restrictions as well.
So as it looks at the moment, there are no 2011 models currently being made but some May or may not be made later in the year, but only F models.
In Aust only news, Suzuki mention Free Onroads for the GS500 on their website. Coupled with the extra low prices I am seeing for the new GS500s, it looks like they are trying to get ride of too much stock with older date stamps before the end of the financial year.
Michael
I have a feeling that you hit it a couple of posts back...emissions...same reason Kawasaki ended the Ninja 500, but in Canada they came out with the Ninja 400R which has similar Hp & torque ratings to the GS500...but it is fuel injected and meets the emissions regs...
2009 was the last year for the naked GS500 in Canada and I think 2010 is marking the end of the GS500...they will probably have to come up with a liquid cooled and fuel injected version to meet the emissions, or re-tune and existing bike to be the new entry level bike...
Suzuki has left it without updates for too long, and now it is crunch time... :embarrassed:
Later.
Never been entirely clear in my mind as to where the GS500 motor pack is actually manufactured? Is the motor made at the Gijon, Spain plant or does it come out of Japan?
Certainly some unusually good prices available on the bike in Aus and US right now.
Government standards plus the economy is killing bike sells right now.I wouldn't expect much from Japanese manufactures for a couple years.A lot of them were devastated by the earth quake and subsequent tsunami.I hope those that are still living in Japan make a quick recovery.
Quote from: Twism86 on May 22, 2011, 07:13:43 PM
The GSX650 is the Katana replacement. At least thats the common consensus.
Since the Katana's were GSX600F & GSX750F...yup, the GSX650F is the replacement...it's the Bandit's that need a replacement...
Later.
Quote from: burning1 on May 22, 2011, 04:55:23 PM
Quote from: lucifer_mr2 on May 22, 2011, 06:10:27 AM
GSX650F. Small increase in capacity, more modern head, two more cylinders for smoother operation, catalitic converter for emissions, etc. Still have a LAMS version too. They just forgot to stop selling the old model.
The GSX 650 F is a 4 cylinder liquid cooled bike that weighs 100lbs more and costs $3000 more than the GS500F. It's closer to being a GSX-R than it is a GS500, and is at best a replacement for the Katana. I have absolutely no stinking idea how anyone could conclude that it would replace the GS500.
Couldnt agree more. Its the appeal of this specific class that draws me to this bike. Again, with some minor "modern" enhancements bringing it into the 21st century, I really think it would be a sweet bike. I'd be selling my 09 for one if they did it. I just like this class for multiple reasons...
How does the GSX650 go in the MOST test, specifically the uturn section?
Last time I was at the Suzuki dealership they said the GS500 is no more! :sad:
Mary
So how many brand-new unsold 2009 GS500s do you guys think are left by now?
Quote from: tpelle on May 23, 2011, 12:31:04 PM
So how many brand-new unsold 2009 GS500s do you guys think are left by now?
Thousands,maybe tens of thousands.
10,000 + brand new unregistered GS5s sitting in a warehouse somewhere???.......dont make me laugh.
Quote from: tpelle on May 23, 2011, 12:31:04 PM
So how many brand-new unsold 2009 GS500s do you guys think are left by now?
It's not really relevant. What if there were 300? What if there were 3,000? Assuming it's dead in the water, and my conversation with Suzuki pretty well says it is (not a single 2011 model manufactured yet, no solid plans to make it and only a maybe maybe-not some F models made later in the year - but we'll see), the only thing having more unsold new bikes in stock does is, make new bikes available for a little while longer - or just creates a slightly larger OEM parts supply.
If bikes are brought in on Predicted Sales and all diminishing sales figures are ignored, if 1,200 units sold last year and they blindly bring in another 1,200 but sales dropped by 10%, then they have 120 sitting around. If 3,000 were normally sold and the same number blindly brought in and sales dropped 10% then 300 are sitting around. This does Not include stock the bike store may have itself - or - older stock the warehouse finds tucked in a back corner.
But bike makers don't do things so blindly - well, except Yamaha maybe. But they are overstocked for sure and they are hurting. But, they are only hurting compared to Now. Compared to sales figures from say 5 years ago they are still ahead - the Australian bike market increased at roughly 10% a year for the last 11 consecutive years, so a 10% or 20% drop in sales takes the figure back to what it was a few years ago.
Yamaha killed the FZ6 without any announcement I am aware of. I dare say the GS500 is in its final death throws. Any maybe/maybe not 2011 thoughts are "wait and see" thoughts. If we can sell our remaining stock; if the outlook is good for a Minimal Production Run (the break even run point); etc. Almost half way through the year and no 2011 models even on the production drawing board. Things don't look good for the GS500's manufacturing future.
Michael
Suzuki it's self isn't in great shape. I honestly can't see the GS500 going anywhere though, unless they plan to revamp it. And I don't see that happening until things turn around for Suzuki.
I do wish that Suzuki would revamp the GS500.My idea would be another air cooled fuel injected twin between 400 and 500 cc and offered up as a naked or faired like the SV was.
I'd like to see them slap fuel injectors on it, and leave the rest as-is. :D
The signs are that its bye-bye GS500. As a non-complying niche model, Euro 3 has had a huge impact. It's reported that the Gijon production plant has an all model annual production capacity of 55,000. How many are GS500s? Have a look at the production line photo at........
http://www.acem.eu/NWSL/newsl12/suzukiplant.htm
.......what do you reckon from that line????? 30 a day???? x 230 work days pa= maybe 7000 or so...play with the numbers. And this is a plant that is focussed on the 125cc area and that was forced to close the GS500 line for a while in 2009 following the GFC. Also I think the motor comes from the Takatsuka, Japan, plant which has had tsunami closeures this year.
Meanwhile, the Spanish motorcycle industry in whole ain't too happy See what delightfully named author Tony the Misfit is reporting this week:
Spanish Moto, a not-so-ferocious roar
Economic Newspaper 24/5/11 (I've truncated the story a bit and the syntax is his)
http://economicsnewspaper.com/policy/spain/spanish-moto-a-not-so-ferocious-roar-2650.html
(A Spanish motorcycle employer head) Jose Maria Riaño.... points to a path of hope for the motorcycle and economic recovery will be produced again in Spain Bikes in large numbers. If the industry sees the future with some hope, this is certainly distressing. All alarms are fired in 2009 when Honda announced the closure of its plant in Santa Perpetua (160 fired), which now holds only a witness activities. Yamaha has continued this year's defection closes its plant Yamaha-Palau-Solita i Plegamans with 430 workers, and, just two weeks ago, Piaggio announced that offshoring activity Derbi, leaving the street to 220 workers Martorell factory. At a stroke, Spain was without three of its four major producers, surviving only, and with many difficulties, (is)the Suzuki plant in Gijon. "The situation is particularly dramatic in Catalonia, traditional national bike polo, which accounts for 84% of productive activity in the sector. In the case of Catalonia, survive 12 manufacturers and 43 suppliers employing 7,000 workers, with a turnover of 1,000 million in 2010. "
On a positive note it looks like US bike sales are up this first quarter 2011. Interesting days indeed.
I fear that the world may loose Suzuki Motorcycles due to the world economic issue and the tsunami closures.Suzuki would have to come back with some top self products with really great pricing.I'm waiting for Suzuki to do something along the lines of the Can Am Spyder or a plush trike cruiser like the Honda Gold Wing.I have noticed a decline in sport bikes in my are and that seems to be what Suzuki is pushing.Well sport bikes and off road products.
It's not really that Suzuki's offerings declined, it's that they stagnated. Suzuki used to build some of the best bikes on the market... But Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda, and BMW have all brought really interesting new literbikes to the table, where Suzuki is still producing the same basic bike with a few more parts bolted on (BPF, Monoblock calipers.)
Quote from: burning1 on May 24, 2011, 01:16:49 AM
It's not really that Suzuki's offerings declined, it's that they stagnated. Suzuki used to build some of the best bikes on the market... But Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda, and BMW have all brought really interesting new literbikes to the table, where Suzuki is still producing the same basic bike with a few more parts bolted on (BPF, Monoblock calipers.)
I can agree to that.
Quote from: mister on May 21, 2011, 05:25:01 PM
Quote from: Pelikan on May 21, 2011, 04:56:19 PM
Isn't it commonplace for motorcycle models to skip years? Either way, we might be reaching a point where the market is saturated with GS500s. There're always a ton of them available used, which I'd wager is how most people buy them.
The GS500 has not skipped any years since its inception.
2003? For America, at least, but again I don't think it'd be unusual for it to skip a year regardless of history. And they just did the fairings and all that back in '04. I'd guess they'd want more bikes on the road to consume those parts before they pull the plug.
I don't think we should get too worked up that they're not producing any GS bikes in 2011, but either way they're either going to continue making it, or they're not. Plenty of bikes and plenty of parts out there, so it's really no harm. And at the end of the day the GS is an 80s model in 2004 clothing...
ben, you wanna see sportbikes, come out this way.
While getting a new tire fitted to my GS, a quick walk around the store revealed this...
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hEOqanz1UxA/TdxO7CEy8kI/AAAAAAAAApY/yBlf1QECPpw/SuzukiTU250X.jpg)
A Suzuki TU250X. These are only recent additions to the Australian Market first hitting our shores in April. With a top speed of 121kph (75mph) and only 16hp, they aren't going to be much more than City Commuters. But what gets me excited about them is, they are Fuel Injected. If Suzuki feels it's viable for a cheap FI 250cc, it gives hope to a FI GS500 down the line. Well, I can hope.
Michael
Anyone know if those are available in the US?I haven't seen them and it would be perfect for my GF,if it's short enough.
According to Suzuki's website, it's available here. It's an air cooled single, for what it's worth.
It's in the showrooms in Canada too.
Suzuki jacked the price on the TU250 for some reason. I was interested in one when it first came out in '09 and was priced at $2999 (same as the GZ250) but could never find a dealership around here that stocked one. Now the price has been raised $1000 dollars (and they changed the $2999 price on the '09 page to $3799) which is more than I'm willing to pay for a little beater bike.
-Jessie
Quote from: BaltimoreGS on May 24, 2011, 07:15:57 PM
Suzuki jacked the price on the TU250 for some reason. I was interested in one when it first came out in '09 and was priced at $2999 (same as the GZ250) but could never find a dealership around here that stocked one. Now the price has been raised $1000 dollars (and they changed the $2999 price on the '09 page to $3799) which is more than I'm willing to pay for a little beater bike.
-Jessie
I was just in a Suzuki dealer and they only had a few GSXRs and cruisers.Oh,and one lonely 09 DR200 in white with 0 miles on it.I so wish I could go back and buy that little bike.
Quote from: BaltimoreGS on May 24, 2011, 07:15:57 PM
Suzuki jacked the price on the TU250 for some reason. I was interested in one when it first came out in '09 and was priced at $2999 (same as the GZ250) but could never find a dealership around here that stocked one. Now the price has been raised $1000 dollars (and they changed the $2999 price on the '09 page to $3799) which is more than I'm willing to pay for a little beater bike.
-Jessie
The one I took a shot of was listed as $5,990. Cannot recall if it was ride away or plus on road costs. Either way, with the Aussie dollar doing strong (5990 is currently $6,279US), just another example of us getting ass raped on prices. But it does show FI can be put into a relatively cheap bike. So IF the GS comes back with FI, it shouldn't really add like three grand to the price or anything.
Michael
Quote from: ben2go on May 24, 2011, 07:39:53 PM
I was just in a Suzuki dealer and they only had a few GSXRs and cruisers.Oh,and one lonely 09 DR200 in white with 0 miles on it.I so wish I could go back and buy that little bike.
Dual sports have pretty poor resale value, keep your eye on craigslist and you can find killer deals. Adfalchius picked up a pair of '07 DR200's with under 1,000 miles for $3000 from a motivated seller. Looking at the titles, those bikes had sat in a dealership until 2010 before the original owner bought them :thumb:
-Jessie
Quote from: ben2go on May 24, 2011, 06:22:20 PM
Anyone know if those are available in the US?I haven't seen them and it would be perfect for my GF,if it's short enough.
Yep I've seen them at a couple of dealers in Minnesota. Not a bad looking bike if you ask me, but I like that style.
Quote from: mister on May 24, 2011, 05:42:03 PM
While getting a new tire fitted to my GS, a quick walk around the store revealed this...
A Suzuki TU250X. These are only recent additions to the Australian Market first hitting our shores in April. With a top speed of 121kph (75mph) and only 16hp, they aren't going to be much more than City Commuters. But what gets me excited about them is, they are Fuel Injected. If Suzuki feels it's viable for a cheap FI 250cc, it gives hope to a FI GS500 down the line. Well, I can hope.
Michael
My brother bought a second hand one in Sydney a few years ago, they've been here (in very small numbers) for a while. The motor is straight out of the GN250.
Just found this on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Suzuki-TU250X-Motorbike-CAIRNS-/230624841831?pt=AU_Motorcycles&hash=item35b24fd067
Would be cool if they fit the 500 motor in that frame. Looks like it would cafe up nice with a few after market bits and bobs.
With double the torque the frame was designed for, it would probably handle like one of these:
(http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery/Kawasaki%20H2%20750%2072.jpg)
I would really have a tough time complaining if they replaced the GS with a GSR500 that scales down the design of the GSR750 a bit.
Quote from: bombshelter13 on May 27, 2011, 09:29:19 AM
I would really have a tough time complaining if they replaced the GS with a GSR500 that scales down the design of the GSR750 a bit.
Now, that has my vote...but who knows what Suzuki will do... :dunno_black:
Later.
Nosed around and came across a Jan '11 interview with Suzuki Spain top honcho Juan Carlos Andrés Aguado. Situation is Spain is m/c mkt down 5%in 2010 and cld be down 14% this year. Suzuki Spain has its admin staff on 6 hour days and has industrial agreement that production line could be significantly halted in period to March 2012. Seems that unions did not OK this agreement. Factory focus now on 125cc range. Factory capacity c55k.
Using auto translation from:
http://www.elcomercio.es/v/20110124/economia/2012-lanzaremos-nueva-moto-20110124.html He said:
What fall accumulates Gijon factory production since 2007?
"Between the end of 2007 and 2010 the fall was 65% and estimate a further decline this year of between 15 and 20%. We will be below the 16,000 units less than they projected when we presented the case.
"If projections are met, how many units will be manufactured?
"Around 13,000. It's a delicate situation where temporary measures would not be enough and would have to take structural measures.
- What is what is affecting them most? The lack of liquidity, the drop in demand ...
"Above all, stop the export markets. 80% of production is for export market, European, mainly Italy and the United States. The Italian market has been virtually stopped and orders that fate has fallen over 35%. The American also. Spent the last fifteen consecutive quarters of falling. 2011 will be a year very delicate.
"Yes. Fall similar to the rest. For vehicles over 125 cc. have been the best-selling brand, but the market has fallen dramatically. Was at 400,000 units per year and closed 2010 in the environment of 170,000.
- Threatening the future of the factory?
"No, but we have to keep making adjustments to suit the situation and rely on the U.S. market recovery.
- What levels of production would be sustainable?
"In the medium term, think 40,000 units is unthinkable. 2011 will be a very difficult year and delicate.
- When will the new models announced?
"We're working to launch new models in the first half of 2012 to when we expect that market expectations have improved and reach 16,000 units.
- What features will the new model?
"It will be a new model of 125 cc. and 250 cc. modernizing our existing range. It will target the U.S. market this year hopefully we will be recovering.
Thanks for posting the interview
Quote from: noworries on May 28, 2011, 02:54:17 AM
- What features will the new model?
"It will be a new model of 125 cc. and 250 cc. modernizing our existing range. It will target the U.S. market this year hopefully we will be recovering.
Something may be lost in translation, but it looks like the new model will target the US market and will be 125cc and 250cc. Must be a dirt bike.
Tx, Paulcet, Seems Suzuki Spain may be in a bit of a bind. Big factory, demand for product way down, union issues, and the Japanese tsunami problems won't have helped either. Maybe a Spanish speaker could have a look at the article and draw out the subtle stuff me and my auto translate wouldn't ever get. I couldn't really understand the production layoffs proposed by Aguado...it seemed to suggest that they would only operate 150 days in the Jan '11 to March '12 period. I got a feeling too that Suzuki management and workers couldn't come to a mutual industrial agreement and Suzuki went to the legal process and got a unilateral one. There also seems to be an argument on other Spanish forums that the Spanish workers feel that government and owners have dudded them by letting almost all the Catalonian based motorcycle factories close/move away. There's also frequent comment that the Chinese are presenting a real threat to European based motorcycle production. Whatever, none of this stuff is really going to be positive for our favourite bike.
Maybe they're bringing over the GSR250? Meh... it's big brother is much nicer looking.
After this thread was started, someone else also started a "Is The GS500 On The Chopping Block (http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=57995.msg657364#msg657364)". In that thread I wrote the following....
QuoteA few of us have been (and actively are) keeping our eyes on this for some time now. I started a thread about it here a while ago - http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=56385.0 and I was going to update it with some of the following...
I again spoke with the local dealer. He said.... the 2011 models would be coming later in the year, maybe early next year (even though that is 2012). A quick trip into their store two days ago revealed a 2010 Nov bike for sale (brand new) so they obviously still have overstock from last year (I even saw a Brand New bike with a 2009 plate a couple months back.)
In Australia, the naked SV650 was replaced with the 650 Gladius. Interestingly, in 2009, Suzuki Japan showed a 400cc Gladius at the Tokyo Motorshow. They Claimed it was for their local market - where getting a license to ride larger than 400cc is quite difficult so 400cc bikes sell well. But, this resleeved 650 motor would make an easy swap for Suzuki to weed out the GS500 and have their Gladdy 400 as its replacement - this is MY speculation.
While the US market was without new imports in 2010, Australia still got them. And there are some stores passing off 2010 bikes as 2011 because if it is made after August in a calendar year it can be claimed as the following year's model. But so far, we are yet to see any true 2011 manufactured bikes. We regularly check and as soon as we get a straight answer either way we will be announcing it. Sadly it is hard to get an answer cause local country Suzuki branches are not really told what's what by Suzuki HQ in Japan - eg, Aust Suzuki will not be told of bike shipments until they are already on the boat.
As soon as we know, we'll let you know.
But things are not looking good. For one, Aust and Can are not large enough markets to warrant continued manufacture. The GS500 has failed to meet Eu Emissions Level 3 standards so cannot be sold new there anymore - but - they are a large market and I don't think Suzuki would forego it without a fight. Enter the Gladdy 400cc?
More to come as we find out more.
Michael
Well, here is an update of sorts...
I have been into and called several Suzuki dealers and have always been given an answer I would call "spin". None would admit to the GS being phased out - like who would buy a bike no longer made, right? And none of them actually knew of a 2011 bike though, nor had any seen one with a 2011 plate on it. As you've seen, I've been Told Stories on When a 2011 bike would hit their stores cause they all had either 2009 or 2010 bikes. Until today...
There is a Suzuki dealer which is known to be one of the highest selling dealerships and NOT part of a chain. They have a coffeeshop and every Saturday riders pull up to have a coffee.
Anyway. I popped in there today and found two GS500s with 2011 manufacture plates on them. The naked had a date of 01/11 (Jan 2011), while the faired version had a 04/11 (April 2011) date. Granted, these are the same colors that the 2010 models bikes had down here in Australia so we could also be looking at bikes that have been restamped - or - stamped when they went out the door but made earlier. Sorry, I didn't think to check out the engine numbers at the time. When I remarked that they were 2011 dates so that meant the rumors of the demise of the GS500 are not accurate, he just came back with, it sells too well for them not to make it (can't have sold too well if it's almost December and they're selling a Jan stamped bike.
Here they are...
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8ujaTSn-fFM/TtBnSL_vN5I/AAAAAAAAAzk/mxMwaQCVxGI/s640/GS500-2011Nakedsm.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-eXskM1h7oIk/TtBnSaYqcAI/AAAAAAAAAzo/7xoKEqsBdHA/s640/GS500-2011Fairedsm.jpg)
Obviously with 2010 colors - as sold down here in Australia - we still don't have a Genuine 2011 seeing as Suzuki change colors each year. So it remains to be seen if we will get a 2011 stamped bike with alternate colors instead of a bike stamped 2011 but with 2010 colors.
As always with this unfolding saga... More to come as we find out more.
Michael
Thanks for the update Mister. I'm curious, where were the new GS's you spotted manufactured? Spain?
Quote from: Falcon01 on November 26, 2011, 04:55:39 PM
Thanks for the update Mister. I'm curious, where were the new GS's you spotted manufactured? Spain?
See the little Emblem on the bottom of the fork of the faired bike? That comes from Spanish made bikes. So going by that, it was made in Spain. I didn't look closely enough at the plate to see its manufacture location though. Just wanted to see the date.
Michael
I've noticed that emblem on my bike before but never paid any attention to it. Learn something new everyday. I'm glad to know that the GS isn't going away yet. None of the dealers in my area have had any in stock for many months. I think I bought the last new GS available in this area back in January.
Yeah, both dealers I stopped by said the Gs500 is no more. :dunno_black:
Mary
They should re-release it with fuel injection :icon_mrgreen:
UPDATE - April 2013
As has been mentioned in the numerous threads started on this topic, we are keeping an eye on this and have some updated info.
First, as we would all know by now - or if you don't, then now you do - Suzuki has closed its manufacturing plant in Spain where the GS500 was getting made and is now using it, or part of it, as a Distribution Base only. The Spanish govt offered incentives but Suzuki said "No" and has taken their business to India.
Since 2010, we have seen Brand New GS500s down here in Australia. In 2011, 2012 and still now in 2013 we have them. However, they all have the same 2010 color scheme. As Suzuki changed colors with each year's manufacturing run, the conclusion to be drawn is, all these bikes are really just 2010 made bikes. And before they are put on a ship and sent to Australia they have a Compliance Plate put on them. Eg. The latest GS500 I saw had a 11th of Dec date stamped on the plate, even though it was 2010 colors.
I have official word from a Dealer that...
1: The GS500 is no longer being made. I don't think this is a surprise to anyone but it is the first official word we have on it.
2: Suzuki IS bringing out a new 500cc class bike to replace it - but - will not say exactly what it is, or When it will be released.
We mutually think it will be when the stocks on hand of existing GS500s runs out or reaches a certain Low number.
*I* think it will be a 500cc version of the Inazuma (pictured below) because...
Current GS500 prices for a naked are around $5,990 ride away (Theses are Aussie prices - this is Low for Aust prices) Current price of a New Inazum 250 are $4,990 ride away. This leaves wiggle room above the 250cc's price while keeping it below the more pricey 650s on the market.
The Specs for the Inazuma are too large for a viable (compared to the competition) 250 and are more aligned with the existing GS500. Eg...
Wheel Base1430, Seat Height 780, Weight 183kg (wet) - Inazuma 250
Wheel Base 1405, Seat Height 790, Weight 193kg (wet) - GS500 (GS has a 7 liter larger gas tank which accounts for additional weight)
In my opinion the Inazuma is a 500cc size bike but with a 250cc motor. But even there, standing next to one looking at the motor it looks like it would be a 500.
But, getting a 500cc version of this 250 is just my opinion. So, now that the word is officially out (in this unofficial way), we wait to see what the new 500 will look like. If it ain't the Inazuma it will be some equally odd looking thing, going by the Gladius and Inazuma which are Suzuki's last two recent offerings.
(http://i.imgur.com/oAs6gan.png)
Saw one of these on the road the other week and in passing I thought hmmmm looks ok.
Some dimensions to help translate mister's post from Aussie English to Yankee English:
(http://www.gs500.net/gallery/data/500/2013_Small_Bike_Dims.jpg)
There she is in Colombia.....
http://www.suzuki.com.co/motocicletas/gs-500-377
new production/old production/out of Gijon/put together in Colombia/fallen off the back of a truck in Bogata...who knows?...but it's GS500s in red and in black. Looks like the beastie might not be completely dead yet. Has the production line gone to Colombia, are the the Suzuki Sons of Nippon using up the end of their GS500 engine stocks ('cos was never convinced that the Spanish did the hard engine building stuff)? One day all will be revealed!
What is clear is that it's the burgeoning wide Asian market that's generally titillating the Suzuki marketeers and the supporting design teams.
The red bike pictured is a photoshop. Not saying you cannot get it red but That pic is photoshop.
I'd say, Suzuki is trying to get rid of the last of their stock into any country that will have them. If that's Colombia so be it.
True about the Asian countries. A lot of bike makes are using them for manufacture and/or assembly etc. Hard to compete with their lower labor costs.
I saw the Inazuma a fortnight ago in person, and took it for a test ride. It's actually quite nice.
If the new "GS500" looks like the Inazuma, and they make a faired version of it, I'll have it along side of the existing GS. I think the Inazuma looks brilliant.
I think with Honda coming out with all their 500cc bikes this year, Suzuki has to step up or get out...they don't really have a bike under the 650cc category (sport/standard category) Even their DRZ400SM is getting long in the tooth!
I doubt Kawasaki will go into that market, since they just added the Ninja 300R with FI and have the current Ninja 650R...too close.
We'll see, I guess!
Later.
Suzuki currently offers these sub 500cc motorcycles,granted they do need something a little more updated in a 500cc.Still,these bikes have their places.
DR-Z400S
DR-Z400M
DR200SE
GW250
TU250X
I mentioned the DRZ400...I wouldn't mind one of those in either form...S or SM...the 200, not so much unless it was only for around town or as a trailie. Doesn't get up to hiway speeds with me on it (that's what I was on for my road test luckily the maximum speed was only 80kph...
I kinda forgot about the TU250X, but it's over priced and under powered...cool little bike though. But at a price of $5299 here in Canada when you can get the Honda CBR250R for $4499 (actually on sale right now for $3999 on the website), or the Kawasaki Ninja 300R for $5799...well I know where I would spend my money (I'd be riding a Team Green Machine)
The GW is so outdated...kinda sad that they've let it go (hasn't been on the Canadian site since before 2011)...I've never ridden one, or the S40 bigger brother for that matter.
We don't get the Inazuma up here in Canada, which is weird since we usually get more small bikes than the American market... ??? I've heard it has enough power to get up to hiway speeds & is a decent little bike, and it has to be with the competition of the Honda CBR250R & the new Kawasaki Ninja 300R...but if they come out with even a 400cc with FI it would sell, but with Honda coming out with their 500cc parallel twins...well, who knows?
Later.
The largest dealer network down here is holding a LAMS ride day. That is, you get to ride on any one of their Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme bikes. The list is...
Honda: CBR250, CBR500, CBF500, CBX500, CB400, CBE125, VT400
Kawasaki: Ninja 300, Ninja 650RL, ER-6NL, KLR650
Yamaha: YZF-R15, XJ6-NL, FZ6R, XVS650 Classic
KTM: 200 Duke
Hyosung: GT250R, GT650R, GV650
Suzuki: Inazuma250, SFV650U, GSX650FU
NOTE: The GS500 is a LAMS bike - but - it is not listed as an Option to be ridden, and thus bought. We already mentioned we have official word from a dealer it's not being made - something we were certain of but lacked any kind of word on. Now, as if any more proof is needed, the stocks must be running real low now for it not to be an option on a Learner Approved Bikes ride day. Specially considering, it and Honda's CB400 would be the top two selling learner approved bikes in the country.
Anyway. Hopefully, soon, we will have some pic type news with the latest Suzuki 500.
We hear in here that Suzuki Spanish production line closed down and all equipment from the floor has been sold now We hear that some production equipment was bought by some of the factory worker. Things like milling machines so to start their own minor businesses in the town of Gijon. Sad day for our loved GS500 motorcycle.
Quote from: Vindicate on June 25, 2013, 08:31:11 AM
We hear in here that Suzuki Spanish production line closed down and all equipment from the floor has been sold now We hear that some production equipment was bought by some of the factory worker. Things like milling machines so to start their own minor businesses in the town of Gijon. Sad day for our loved GS500 motorcycle.
To bad they didn't buy out supplier and keep supplying parts for the GS.Any parts that are GS spec will start drying up pretty soon because these bikes are wrecked by new riders learning to ride.Once I get my six finished,I will be parts hoarding so I will have spares.
crap
We hear thant many of the inventory of parts and spare-parts has been sent to Colombia from the Spanish factory. I do not know if that is true. Today you can buy new GS500 in Colombia from Suzuki but so expensive for the Colombia motorcycle person. We hear too in Brazil in the media that many Spanin Suzuki workers now have no jobs atall. The ex-workers are in government training courses and recieving unemployment benefit money. Sad.
If you like here is link to picture of new Colombian GS500 2013 year model. The colour available is red and black in that country. Photograf has zoom that allows full inspection of photograph. I like the sidebag holding frame on this motorcycle.
http://moto.mercadolibre.com.co/MCO-23887793-suzuki-gs-28605-2013-_JM
This is black Colombian 2013 year model. You click on photograf and it provides many views. Nice motorcycle. Made in Suzuki Colombia factory.
http://moto.mercadolibre.com.co/MCO-23864348-suzuki-gs-500-500-cc-o-mas-2013-_JM