1998Suzuki GS500

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The 1998 Suzuki GS 500 is an accessible naked bike perfect for beginner and intermediate riders seeking an affordable, reliable commuter. Known for its lightweight frame, manageable 45 hp twin-cylinder engine, and forgiving ergonomics, it excels as an entry-level machine that's easy to live with daily.

Capacity: 487.0 ccm
Engine: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 169.0 kg
Seat height: 790 mm
Power: 45.0 HP (33.1 kW)

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What’s new for the 1998 Suzuki GS500

vs the 1997

Spec	1997	1998
Power	52.0 HP (38.2 kW)	45.0 HP (33.1 kW)
Torque	41.2 Nm (4.2 kgf-m or 30.4 ft.lbs) @ 7500 RPM	40.0 Nm (4.1 kgf-m or 29.5 ft.lbs) @ 7400 RPM
Seat height	770 mm (30.3 inches)	790 mm (31.1 inches)

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

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?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 790mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1998 Suzuki GS500, with a relaxed knee angle of around 120 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: 45.0 HP (33.1 kW)
Torque: 40.0 Nm (4.1 kgf-m) @ 7400 RPM
Engine type: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2663 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: 790 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	1993	1998	1999	2005	2010	2016
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	790 mm	790 mm	790 mm	790 mm	790 mm
Fuel capacity	17 L	17 L	17 L	20 L	20 L	17 L