For me until yesterday it was a 2010 plate. I was looking at the new 250 suzuki at the suzuki shop and was curious to how long they were holding onto the GS500. Found some with 8/2012 plates(stilll made in spain)

No longer available in the USA.  Emissions related I imagine.  Mine was made 3/2009...you win.

Dread, I think you'll find the Date on the plate to be meaningless as the Color is from the 2010 models. What you're seeing is a 2010 built bike with a different date stamped on the plate to give the impression it's a 2012 built bike.

When I looked at the Inazuma I was trying to find a label or something that would indicate it was a 500 engine - like how the BMW F650GS has the 800cc label on the steering head. I found nothing of the kind.

Michael