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Naked Motorcycles

2011Suzuki GS500

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The 2011 Suzuki GS500 is a simple, durable parallel twin widely used by learners. Its air-cooled 487cc parallel twin makes 52 hp at 9,200 rpm through a six-speed gearbox and chain. A 790 mm seat and 193 kg wet weight make it easy to ride and cheap to run.

Capacity
487.0 ccm
Engine
Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox
6-speed
Dry weight
174.0 kg
Seat height
790 mm
Power
52.0 HP (38.2 kW) @ 9200 RPM
⇄ 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 37Agility 65Comfort 60Off-road 10Touring 45Road manners 65
Off-road & trail10%
Cornering60%
City riding70%
Daily riding72%
Touring45%
Two-up45%
Track35%
Best for
Best suited as an everyday commuter and learner-friendly machine that can occasionally handle a spirited backroad ride.
Built for
Simple, air-cooled, carbureted, and mechanically uncomplicated, it rewards riders who value low maintenance and predictable, unintimidating behavior over outright performance.
Not ideal for
Not the right choice for riders seeking high-speed touring comfort, passenger-friendly long hauls, or any serious off-road capability.

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 790mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2011 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
52.0 HP (38.2 kW) @ 9200 RPM
Engine type
Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.2989 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
Torque
Not on record - add it
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
174.0 kg
Wet weight
193.0 kg
Fuel capacity
20.00 litres
Ground clearance
130 mm
Reserve fuel capacity
3.50 litres
Chassis & suspension
Frame
Double-cradle frame
Front suspension
Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Rear suspension
Link type, coil spring, oil damped, spring preload 7-way adjustablee
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Single disc
Rear brakes
Single disc
Front tyre
110/70-M17
Rear tyre
130/70-M17

Specs last verified against published sources: .

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 199319992005201020112016
Capacity 487 cc 487 cc 487 cc 487 cc 487 cc 487 cc
Dry weight 169 kg 169 kg 173 kg 174 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 20 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 2011 Suzuki GS500 has a Capacity of 487.0 ccm (29.72 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Suzuki GS500 have?

The 2011 Suzuki GS500 has a Power of 52.0 HP (38.2 kW) @ 9200 RPM.

How many gears does the Suzuki GS500 have?

The 2011 Suzuki GS500 has a Gearbox of 6-speed.

How much does the Suzuki GS500 weigh?

The 2011 Suzuki GS500 has a Dry weight of 174.0 kg (383.6 pounds).

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