Naked Motorcycles
1981Suzuki GS 500 E
21 fields on record
The 1981 Suzuki GS 500 E is an air-cooled middleweight from Suzuki's GS range of the early 1980s, built around an inline-four rather than the later twin. Its 486cc four makes 46 hp in full-power form and drives through a six-speed gearbox and chain. A 225 kg wet weight and 17-litre tank make it a solid everyday bike.
- Capacity
- 486.0 ccm
- Engine
- In-line four, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Wet weight
- 225.0 kg
- Seat height
- Not on record
Know it? Add it → - Power
- 46.0 HP (33.8 kW)
What’s new for the 1981 Suzuki GS 500 E
vs the 1980| Spec | 1980 | 1981 |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 46.0 HP (35.0 kW) @ 9250 RPM | 46.0 HP (33.8 kW) |
Other years
1980
1981
1982
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- It's built as an everyday commuter and learner-friendly naked bike rather than a performance or adventure machine.
- Built for
- Its air-cooled parallel-twin delivers mild, predictable power with an easygoing, no-drama personality.
- Not ideal for
- It's not the right choice for riders chasing high-speed thrills, aggressive track cornering, or serious off-road use.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Engine
- Capacity
- 486.0 ccm
- Power
- 46.0 HP (33.8 kW)
- Engine type
- In-line four, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2044 HP/kg (wet)
- Bore x stroke
- 53.0 x 55.8 mm
- Compression
- 8.5:1
- Cooling system
- Air
- Fuel system
- Carburettor
- Starting
- Electric
- Valves per cylinder
- 2
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top speed
- 148.0 km/h (92.0 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Dual disc
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Front tyre
- 3.25-19
- Rear tyre
- 3.75-18
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 | 1980 | 1981 | 1990 | 1994 | 1999 | 2003 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 486 cc | 486 cc | 487 cc | 487 cc | 487 cc | 487 cc |
| Dry weight | — | — | 169 kg | 169 kg | 170 kg | 173 kg |
| Seat height | — | — | 785 mm | 785 mm | 790 mm | 790 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 17 L | 17 L | 17 L | 17 L | 17 L | 20 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Suzuki GS 500 E?
The 1981 Suzuki GS 500 E has a Capacity of 486.0 ccm (29.66 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Suzuki GS 500 E have?
The 1981 Suzuki GS 500 E has a Power of 46.0 HP (33.8 kW).
How many gears does the Suzuki GS 500 E have?
The 1981 Suzuki GS 500 E has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
How much does the Suzuki GS 500 E weigh?
The 1981 Suzuki GS 500 E has a Wet weight of 225.0 kg (496.0 pounds).
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