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Naked Motorcycles

1997Suzuki GS500

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The 1997 Suzuki GS500 is a simple, reliable twin, a favourite of learners and riding schools. Its air-cooled 487cc parallel twin makes 52 hp and 41.2 Nm through a six-speed gearbox and chain. A 770 mm seat, 193 kg wet weight and 17-litre tank make it easy and economical.

Capacity
487.0 ccm
Engine
Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox
6-speed
Dry weight
169.0 kg
Seat height
770 mm
Power
52.0 HP (38.2 kW)
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years
Other years 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 39Agility 61Comfort 60Off-road 4Touring 42Road manners 76
Off-road & trail4%
Cornering60%
City riding78%
Daily riding82%
Touring45%
Two-up55%
Track38%
Best for
An everyday do-it-all commuter and budget-friendly standard. Handles city errands, back-road fun and light weekend touring without fuss.
Built for
A no-nonsense, dependable parallel-twin standard. Modest but linear power, light handling and bulletproof simplicity define its friendly, unintimidating personality.
Not ideal for
Not for speed-hungry riders chasing supersport thrills, hardcore tourers wanting wind protection and luggage, or anyone needing off-road ability.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us
At 770mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1997 Suzuki GS500, with a moderate knee angle of around 115 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

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Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
487.0 ccm
Power
52.0 HP (38.2 kW)
Torque
41.2 Nm (4.2 kgf-m) @ 7500 RPM
Engine type
Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.3077 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke
74.0 x 56.6 mm
Compression
9.0:1
Cooling system
Air
Fuel system
Carburettor
Starting
Electric
Ignition
CDI
Valves per cylinder
2
Lubrication system
Wet sump
Transmission
Gearbox
6-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Chain
Clutch
Wet MultiPlate
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1405 mm
Overall length
2080 mm
Overall width
800 mm
Overall height
1060 mm
Seat height
770 mm
Dry weight
169.0 kg
Wet weight
193.0 kg
Fuel capacity
17.00 litres
Ground clearance
150 mm
Oil capacity
2.60 litres
Reserve fuel capacity
3.50 litres
Chassis & suspension
Frame
Double-cradle frame
Front suspension
Telescopic forks
Rear suspension
Monoshock absorber
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Single disc
Rear brakes
Single disc
Front tyre
110/70-17 54H
Rear tyre
130/70-17 62H

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted
Specification 199319971999200520102016
Capacity 487 cc 487 cc 487 cc 487 cc 487 cc 487 cc
Dry weight 169 kg 169 kg 169 kg 173 kg 174 kg 173 kg
Seat height 770 mm 770 mm 790 mm 790 mm 790 mm 790 mm
Fuel capacity 17 L 17 L 17 L 20 L 20 L 17 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Suzuki GS500?

The 1997 Suzuki GS500 has a Capacity of 487.0 ccm (29.72 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Suzuki GS500 have?

The 1997 Suzuki GS500 has a Power of 52.0 HP (38.2 kW).

How many gears does the Suzuki GS500 have?

The 1997 Suzuki GS500 has a Gearbox of 6-speed.

What is the torque of the Suzuki GS500?

The 1997 Suzuki GS500 has a Torque of 41.2 Nm (4.2 kgf-m or 30.4 ft.lbs) @ 7500 RPM.

How much does the Suzuki GS500 weigh?

The 1997 Suzuki GS500 has a Dry weight of 169.0 kg (372.6 pounds).

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