Hi, I am new to riding and I have been searching for a Canadian 2001-2004 GS500.  Are there any mechanical improvements that would make one year's model better than the other?

At  the Suzuki web site, the 2004 model was listed as having a "new" oil cooler.  Is this an advantage ie. engine longevity?  Have there been any minor upgrades that would make a difference?

Thanks.

Can't speak for Canada & U.S. but apart from the oil cooler there are no significant differences (on U.K. bike)I am aware of.

The oil cooler came with the "F" model and like anything else there are oppinions and pros and cons. Personally I think you would have to be doing a heck of a lot of miles to utilise an oil cooler but i can't see any harm in it. On some bike (Kawasaki ER5) the position of the cooler makes simple engine jobs quite irksome, like changing the plugs but as far as I know Suzuki have avoided that.

Possibly the fairing created the need for the cooler??

One of the big plus points with the GS is it's basic simplicity for home-wrenchers and some will see the cooler as a slight step in the wrong direction.

Thanks for the info and your opinion. It helped to clarify my question.  Now all I have to do is wait for a good condition GS to come on the market in Toronto.