Here is my observations over the older 500E and the newer 500F.

I had checked out one of our GStwin ppl in Sacramento. His brand new 2004 has the following differences over the 2001 that i ride.

1. Tires: Stock 500F comes with BT45 spec "R". My bike has replacement BT45 spec "H". Not sure if the R denotes Radial
2. Front forks: They are different. For one the new forks have a symbol on them that I have only seen on Italian Scooters. Its kinda like an Angel. Its a sticker on it. Externally it is not shaped like our 2001 forks. Thickness wise (outer diameter) its the same. The fork caps on the front forks are different. We have a nice rubber peice on top of the fork cap that needs to be unscrewed and then you use a 1/2" rachet drive to get the fork caps off.  The new 2004 has a nut on the end, you can take off with a C-Wrench. Size of the wrench is unknown.
3. The 500F has a BIGGER exhaust outlet. Morphologically it looks exactly the same as the 2001 model of mine, execpt the outlet is bigger, about an inch wider over all in diameter. This gives it a better sounding exhaust note.
4. The jetting on teh 2004 is a lot better than my 2001. The RPM levels drop off much faster than I remember my 2001 doing at the same mileage. Granted mine has got 10K+ on the clock and some messing around in teh carbs, but the stock 2004 has better jetting from teh factory, hence the engine is more responsive.
5. The speedo and tach have different needles.. its not the thick needles we are used to seeing, its a bit more pointy.
6. What we believe is a TPS sensor on the 500F. Its on the right side. However until one of us opens it up (with someone from this board who is familar with teh old engine) they can explain that to us.
7. To check oil the 2004 users have to take off the right side fairing to get to it. Its not easy to check oil without taking it off, there isnt much room to pull the dipstick out all the way -> score 1 for the older models.
8. New 2004 models come with the oil cooler - a much needed accessory for the older ones.
9. The seat on the 2004 is softer or as I may say it, more comfy than my 2001. The texture on the seat is different too.
10. The key on the 2004 is LONGER than the 2001 key. Suzuki has changed the key.

Its 5:30 am PST im going to bed.. if i remember more differences I will post them..

TGG

oh before i forget.. some videos that i took with my Canon A70.


<Right click - Save As>


2001 GS500E
http://webpages.csus.edu/~sac53708/2001GS500.wmv

2004 GS500F
http://webpages.csus.edu/~sac53708/2004GS500F.wmv

As said elsewhere: "R" is for rear, "F" is for front. (On the BT45, that is)

Quote from: The_good_guysome videos that i took with my Canon A70.

I guess you each filmed the other person experiencing your own bike?

(LOVE the gentle accent, Manjul.     Sends me back to India....  Reminds me of some good friends I made over there!)

PS - What happened to 3 of the 4 handlebar clamp bolt covers on your '01?  If you say that you shattered them getting them out, I'll say ... Yep, I understand!

Quote from: Kerry

Quote from: The_good_guysome videos that i took with my Canon A70.

I guess you each filmed the other person experiencing your own bike?

(LOVE the gentle accent, Manjul.     Sends me back to India....  Reminds me of some good friends I made over there!)

PS - What happened to 3 of the 4 handlebar clamp bolt covers on your '01?  If you say that you shattered them getting them out, I'll say ... Yep, I understand!

I didnt shatter them.. i only had 2 of them on the bike to begin with.. and i lost one of them somehow.. dont ask me how..

not like it makes a diff by it being there..

I didnt realise i had such a thick accent. My GF says i do not. I guess if I slow down my speech I dont sound indian.

"7. To check oil the 2004 users have to take off the right side fairing to get to it. Its not easy to check oil without taking it off, there isnt much room to pull the dipstick out all the way -> score 1 for the older models. "

:lol:
Ah, no.

You don't have to remove the fairing to check the oil.   I find that there's plenty of room to remove the dipstick, unless you've got like Andre The Giant hands or something.  Now if the dipstick is screwed in really tight (fresh from factory and after 600 mile service), I do have to use a pair of needlenose pliers to start it, but after 1/10th of a turn it's easy to remove and replace.   I can post pics if necessary.

Of course, I *DID* manage to drop my bike while checking the oil last week, but it wasn't because there wasn't enough room.      

welll it sure didnt look like there was enough room.. but if you say so.. you are right.. cause you do own a 2004..

The 2004 is a damn sexy bike no matter how you slice it.

You forgot the oil cooler.  Perhaps it will help keep the engine cooler and last longer.

Manjul is Indian?  I wonder if he will teach me the secret to making curry lamb and aloo nan like my favorite restaurants make :mrgreen:  Best damn ethnic food I have ever eaten is Indian.  If any of you all ever have a chance to go to an Indian food restaurant -do it!

Quote from: johnYou forgot the oil cooler.  Perhaps it will help keep the engine cooler and last longer.

See item #8 on Manjul's list:

Quote from: The_good_guy8. New 2004 models come with the oil cooler - a much needed accessory for the older ones.

Please excuse the quality, these were taken with my phone...

Ok, so there isn't *tons* of room, but it's certainly enough to take the dipstick out and check the oil w/o removing anything.