Naked Motorcycles
1988Suzuki GS 500 E
29 fields on record
The 1988 Suzuki GS 500 E is a simple, reliable twin that became one of the most popular learner bikes of its era. Its air-cooled 487cc parallel twin makes 47 hp and 40 Nm through a six-speed gearbox and chain, for a top speed of about 148 km/h. A 785 mm seat, 225 kg wet weight and 17-litre tank suit commuting.
- Capacity
- 487.0 ccm
- Engine
- Parallel Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Dry weight
- 169.0 kg
- Seat height
- 785 mm
- Power
- 47.0 HP (34.6 kW)
What’s new for the 1988 Suzuki GS 500 E
vs the 1982| Spec | 1982 | 1988 |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 46.0 HP (33.8 kW) | 47.0 HP (34.6 kW) |
| Torque | — | 40.0 Nm (4.1 kgf-m or 29.5 ft.lbs) @ 7500 RPM |
| Dry weight | — | 169.0 kg (372.6 pounds) |
| Seat height | — | 785 mm (30.9 inches) |
| Wheelbase | — | 1410 mm (55.5 inches) |
| Compression | 8.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
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.
Will it fit you?
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usEngine
- Capacity
- 487.0 ccm
- Power
- 47.0 HP (34.6 kW)
- Torque
- 40.0 Nm (4.1 kgf-m) @ 7500 RPM
- Engine type
- Parallel Twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2781 HP/kg (dry)
- Bore x stroke
- 74.0 x 56.6 mm
- Compression
- 9.0:1
- Cooling system
- Air
- Fuel system
- Carburettor
- Starting
- Electric
- Valves per cylinder
- 2
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top speed
- 148.0 km/h (92.0 mph)
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1410 mm
- Seat height
- 785 mm
- Dry weight
- 169.0 kg
- Wet weight
- 225.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 17.00 litres
Chassis & suspension
- Front wheel travel
- 120 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 115 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Dual disc
- Front brakes diameter
- 310 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Rear brakes diameter
- 250 mm
- Front tyre
- 3.25-19
- Rear tyre
- 3.75-18
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 | 1988 | 1990 | 1994 | 1999 | 2003 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 486 cc | 487 cc | 487 cc | 487 cc | 487 cc | 487 cc |
| Dry weight | — | 169 kg | 169 kg | 169 kg | 170 kg | 173 kg |
| Seat height | — | 785 mm | 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 1988 Suzuki GS 500 E has a Capacity of 487.0 ccm (29.72 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Suzuki GS 500 E have?
The 1988 Suzuki GS 500 E has a Power of 47.0 HP (34.6 kW).
How many gears does the Suzuki GS 500 E have?
The 1988 Suzuki GS 500 E has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the Suzuki GS 500 E?
The 1988 Suzuki GS 500 E has a Torque of 40.0 Nm (4.1 kgf-m or 29.5 ft.lbs) @ 7500 RPM.
How much does the Suzuki GS 500 E weigh?
The 1988 Suzuki GS 500 E has a Dry weight of 169.0 kg (372.6 pounds).
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