2001Suzuki GS 500 E

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The 2001 Suzuki GS 500 E is an accessible naked bike ideal for beginner and intermediate riders seeking an affordable, reliable commuter. Its lightweight 487cc twin-cylinder engine delivers manageable power with excellent fuel efficiency, while the comfortable ergonomics and low seat height make it approachable for riders of various statures. Known for straightforward dependability and low maintenance costs, it remains a popular entry-level choice.

Capacity: 487.0 ccm
Engine: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 173.0 kg
Seat height: 790 mm
Power: 34.0 HP (25.0 kW)

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What’s new for the 2001 Suzuki GS 500 E

vs the 2000

Spec	2000	2001
Power	47.0 HP (34.6 kW)	34.0 HP (25.0 kW)
Top speed	170.0 km/h (105.6 mph)	160.0 km/h (99.4 mph)
Dry weight	169.0 kg (372.6 pounds)	173.0 kg (381.4 pounds)
Fuel capacity	17.00 litres (4.49 US gallons)	20.00 litres (5.28 US gallons)

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

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?

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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 2001 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: 34.0 HP (25.0 kW)
Torque: 40.0 Nm (4.1 kgf-m) @ 7500 RPM
Engine type: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.1965 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: 160.0 km/h (99.4 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1410 mm
Seat height: 790 mm
Dry weight: 173.0 kg
Wet weight: 186.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 20.00 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	1980	1990	1994	1999	2001	2003
Capacity	486 cc	487 cc	487 cc	487 cc	487 cc	487 cc
Dry weight	—	169 kg	169 kg	170 kg	173 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	20 L	20 L