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Naked Motorcycles

1998Suzuki GS 500 E

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The 1998 Suzuki GS 500 E is a durable naked bike widely used by learners and riding schools. Its air-cooled 487cc parallel twin makes 45 hp and 40 Nm through a six-speed gearbox. A 790 mm seat, 186.5 kg wet weight and a 17-litre tank make it easy and economical.

Capacity
487.0 ccm
Engine
Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox
6-speed
Dry weight
171.0 kg
Seat height
790 mm
Power
45.0 HP (33.1 kW)
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years
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
Speed 35Agility 63Comfort 58Off-road 15Touring 45Road manners 62
Off-road & trail15%
Cornering60%
City riding75%
Daily riding78%
Touring45%
Two-up40%
Track30%
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 us
At 790mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1998 Suzuki GS 500 E, 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) @ 7500 RPM
Engine type
Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.2632 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke
74.0 x 56.3 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
171.5 km/h (106.6 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1410 mm
Seat height
790 mm
Dry weight
171.0 kg
Wet weight
186.5 kg
Fuel capacity
17.00 litres
Chassis & suspension
Front wheel travel
120 mm
Rear wheel travel
115 mm
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Single disc
Front brakes diameter
310 mm
Rear brakes
Single disc
Rear brakes diameter
250 mm
Front tyre
110/70-17
Rear tyre
130/70-17

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 198019901994199819992003
Capacity 486 cc 487 cc 487 cc 487 cc 487 cc 487 cc
Dry weight — 169 kg 169 kg 171 kg 170 kg 173 kg
Seat height — 785 mm 785 mm 790 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.

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Suzuki GS 500 E?

The 1998 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 1998 Suzuki GS 500 E has a Power of 45.0 HP (33.1 kW).

How many gears does the Suzuki GS 500 E have?

The 1998 Suzuki GS 500 E has a Gearbox of 6-speed.

What is the torque of the Suzuki GS 500 E?

The 1998 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 1998 Suzuki GS 500 E has a Dry weight of 171.0 kg (377.0 pounds).

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