Hi all,

I am looking for your opinion on the Suzuki GS500 in terms of reliability and quality. I have never owned one and would like to know. The idea is to travel from Alaska to Terra del Fuego so I need something which will hold up. I do not plan on doing much offroad, only when neccessary.

Here is a picture for example: http://www.ozmoto.com/Suzuki%20GS500.jpg

Thanks
Hans

Its not so much the off-road you have to be concerned with as the crap roads. Any bike will do as they say, but most folks opt for a dual purpose bike over a road bike for long trips.

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Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...

The GS500 has been around since forever, like 1989. In '03 Suzuki brought out the "F" full faired version. If you get one cheap enough, could work out. Great fuel economy and big tank. Should have range of over 225 miles. Solid, reliable bike. A bit wheezy at low RPM and cold blooded. Carb fiddling should solve that, open air box up too for better throttle response. The original "naked" model would be the better travel bike. This bike is easy on tires, chain/sprockets. Common tire sizes should be available world wide. Bullet proof motor, air cooled, carbs, good lights, solid rear subframe for luggage. Suspension weak, needs heavier springs for serious travel. Limited ground clearance, be careful off road or hitting pot holes.

This shot from girl friend testing a new '10 GS500F.

The Suzuki two valve twins have actually been around close to a decade and a half longer than that Mickey, starting life as the GS400 in the mid seventies before transmogrifying into the GS425 in '79, GS450 in '81 and finally the GS500 in the late '80s. The only real change to the design was in the move to plain bearings (from roller bearings) from the GS425 to the GS450.

I owned a GS450S in '82 and it was a very solid performer. Well geared and could hold high speeds in 6th easily.

I agree with you re the naked version being a better travel bike. I don't subscribe to the view that off road bikes are needed for international travel and think the GS500 would be an ideal allrounder wherever you go - including long stretches off the asphalt.

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Garry from Oz - powered by Burgman

Hi!

Could you tell us why did you pick this bike specifically? Is there something about it in particular? I would recommend Suzuki DL650 if going for the newer version of the gs500 - as mentioned by Mickey. We're leaving for south america this year on a DL650 which in standard has got more ground clearance than gs500 and we're thinking of changing the suspension to be even higher. I would really think about it if I were you. GS500 is a good bike but for the purpose of going Alaska to Tierra Del Fuego I don't think it's the best choice - specifically as mentioned by Mike - the bad roads.

Then on the other hand I was always of an opinion that it doesn't matter what bike you take. All will do the job - maybe a little more maintenance and problems - but all will get the job done. I think you need to like the bike you're travelling on. If you fancy GS500 GO FOR IT! It'll be fine. I fancy my DL650, some people go RTW on a R1, some on Harley Davidsons, triumphs or 125cc mopeds, some people use BMW or KTM. IT DOESN'T MATTER!

Go for it and let us know how you get on!
Andy

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I own a 2002 GS500, and I'd suggest that the shim adjusted valve clearances could be a potential problem if you're going to have trouble getting hold of them. The clearances are quite close - 0.03 to 0.08mm and (possibly exacerbated by it running a bit lean) I have to swap a shim at most services (3.5-4k miles). Corroded electrical connections have also been a problem and have given some unusual symptoms. However mine was a riding school bike before I bought it so it's not had the easiest life.

Not too big - not too small, fits nicely in the middle. Definately capable of the task at hand. Very reliable and robust motors, proven over time. Delivery drivers were very fond of them, sure beats the normal old 125 and 250cc's.
Have fun.

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To those who say it can't be done - stand aside for those who are already doing it.

Hi,
I wonder if anybody tried to fit taller suspensions on a 500 gs?
i kinda like the idea of an Aircooled bulletproof twin,minimun electronics,
and great availabillity of spare parts in SA for this model.
it is just too low for some parts of my planned trip..

Vistar

I have started a trip from Ireland and I intend to go to Japan. I have a '97 GS500, which I used for commuting and a few trips before, and since it's worth nothing I will just use it for as long as it goes. I have done 13k miles on it so far in a year.

My experiences:
-it can be very economical, 80mpg on main roads, 50mpg in cities
-since it's a street/urban bike, wind protection and sitting position is not perfect for touring
-i am traveling alone at the moment, but i am thinking of taking a girl i met on the way with me... and it's going to be a struggle to find place for her and her luggage
-the valve clearance is a big headache, i would prefer being able to adjust it myself, but you have to have decent tools and access to parts to do it
-i don't know how long the fork seals will last, but they usually went every 8k miles in ireland (some bad roads).. this might be an issue once i leave europe
-it's small, which is a big benefit in city traffic, but it disappears once the bike is loaded and with a passenger it's becoming a disadvantage

I am seriously thinking about getting a bigger bike on the way somewhere, and would advise you to rethink this idea, too.

I haven't thought about a tougher suspension, but I have been on bad roads and off road with the bike and it seemed to hold up relatively well.

Regards,
Zoltan

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You can follow my travels on my blog.

point to note

i had a very low speed off (broken arm) on my gs500

the bike however does not drop well, forks bars tank all ruined

this was a 10mph drop

wouldnt want to drop it and have that amount of damage somewhere seriously remote

The Colombian police forces were using some GS500 bikes in the cities when I went through in 2010, so that might be a good place to look for any replacement parts.

As far as capability I thought a ninja 250 was a fine bike for the trip, even two up. The GS500 is approximately the same class. Downsides are that horrific petcock assembly and having the carry a whole shim kit.