The title of the Clymer GS500 repair manual says 1989-2002.  Is it still applicable for an '04 ?

From what I've read, there don't seem to have been too many changes to the  model in the last couple of years.

Thanks!

The "up to 02" manuals will give you about +90% coverage of your typical service needs.  The biggest change, beside the obvious bodywork,  is the electrical section of the 04+ GS now has a different ignitor and the tachometer is electric rather than mechanical. This means the schematics of either aftermarket publisher will differ from the 04+.

The ignitor is more akin with an Engine Control Unit (ECU - "computer"). The tach is fed from this and the signal generator feeding the ECU is single coiled rather than double coiled.

I have a Suzuki manual and the 04+ shematics have links here on GSTwin. Do a search and learn a new feature!  

If you want a recommendation...buy the Haynes if you are new enough to wrenching...it has excellent history and COLOR photos and schematics. (I have all three, but I am a book junkie.   )

Edit:Come to think of, the oil cooler shown in the Suz book isn't in any of the pre 03 books either.

Carbs, bodywork, fairing, and the front forks are also different.