The Suzuki GS500 Custom: A Timeless Classic With A Modern Twist

The Suzuki GS500 Custom: A Timeless Classic with a Modern Twist

The Suzuki GS500 Custom, a motorcycle that embodies the perfect balance of retro charm and modern practicality, has carved a unique niche for itself in the world of motorcycles. While it may not boast the raw power of a sportbike or the off-road prowess of an adventure tourer, the GS500 Custom offers something more: a timeless aesthetic, a forgiving and accessible riding experience, and a surprisingly capable platform for customization. This article delves into the intricacies of the GS500 Custom, exploring its history, design, performance, and the reasons why it continues to be a popular choice for riders of all levels.

A Brief History:

The Suzuki GS500 series, launched in 1989, was a groundbreaking motorcycle that set the standard for middleweight motorcycles for years to come. The GS500E, the original iteration, was a naked sportbike that quickly gained popularity due to its affordability, reliability, and versatility. However, it was the GS500F, introduced in 1994, that truly cemented the GS500’s legacy. This fully faired model offered improved aerodynamics and wind protection, making it a more comfortable option for longer rides.

The GS500 Custom, launched in 1999, took a different approach, embracing a classic cruiser aesthetic. It featured a low-slung profile, a comfortable rider triangle, and a distinctive "bobber" design that harked back to the golden age of motorcycling. While it shared the same engine and chassis as its naked and faired siblings, the Custom’s unique styling and relaxed riding position set it apart, appealing to a different segment of riders.

Design and Aesthetics:

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1 The Suzuki GS500 Custom: A Timeless Classic with a Modern Twist

The Suzuki GS500 Custom’s design is a testament to timeless aesthetics. Its low-slung profile, with a seat height of just 27.6 inches, gives the rider a feeling of being one with the machine. The wide, swept-back handlebars provide a comfortable and relaxed riding position, perfect for cruising down open roads or navigating city streets.

The most striking feature of the GS500 Custom is its classic "bobber" design. The minimalist rear end, with its single-seat setup and chopped fenders, gives the bike a clean and uncluttered look. The chrome accents, including the exhaust pipes, mirrors, and headlight surround, add a touch of elegance and sophistication.

While the GS500 Custom’s design may appear simple, it is far from basic. The bike features a well-constructed frame, a robust suspension system, and a comfortable and functional riding position. The attention to detail in the design is evident in the quality of the components and the overall aesthetic appeal of the motorcycle.

Engine and Performance:

The heart of the Suzuki GS500 Custom is its 471cc, air-cooled, parallel-twin engine. This engine, shared with the GS500E and GS500F, is known for its smooth power delivery, reliability, and impressive fuel efficiency. While it may not be the most powerful engine in its class, it is more than capable of providing a satisfying and engaging riding experience.

The Suzuki GS500 Custom: A Timeless Classic with a Modern Twist

The GS500 Custom’s engine produces a respectable 48 horsepower and 33 lb-ft of torque. This power is delivered smoothly and progressively, making it easy to ride in a variety of conditions. The engine is also surprisingly responsive at lower RPMs, making it ideal for navigating city traffic.

The GS500 Custom’s engine is known for its durability and longevity. With proper maintenance, it can easily last for thousands of miles, making it a reliable companion for long-distance journeys. The engine is also relatively easy to work on, with many parts readily available, making maintenance and repairs a straightforward process.

Ride and Handling:

The Suzuki GS500 Custom is known for its comfortable and forgiving ride. The suspension, a combination of telescopic forks in the front and a single shock in the rear, effectively absorbs bumps and imperfections in the road. This makes the GS500 Custom a comfortable motorcycle for cruising down highways or navigating rough city streets.

The GS500 Custom’s handling is nimble and predictable. The low center of gravity and the responsive steering make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and navigate corners with confidence. While it may not be as agile as a sportbike, the GS500 Custom’s handling is more than adequate for its intended purpose.

The Suzuki GS500 Custom: A Timeless Classic with a Modern Twist

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Braking:

The Suzuki GS500 Custom is equipped with a single disc brake in the front and a single disc brake in the rear. While these brakes are adequate for everyday riding, they may feel a bit underpowered when compared to modern motorcycles with dual-disc setups. However, the brakes provide sufficient stopping power and are easy to modulate.

Customization:

One of the most appealing aspects of the GS500 Custom is its potential for customization. The bike’s minimalist design and readily available aftermarket parts make it a blank canvas for riders who want to personalize their machines. From changing the seat to adding custom handlebars and exhaust systems, the possibilities are endless.

The GS500 Custom’s popularity among custom builders is a testament to its versatility. The bike can be transformed into a cafe racer, a tracker, or even a modern bobber, depending on the rider’s taste and preferences. The availability of aftermarket parts, from performance upgrades to aesthetic enhancements, makes it easy to create a truly unique and personalized motorcycle.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

Affordable: The GS500 Custom is one of the most affordable motorcycles in its class, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious riders.
Reliable: The GS500 Custom is known for its reliability and durability, making it a great choice for both daily commutes and weekend adventures.
Easy to Ride: The GS500 Custom’s forgiving engine and comfortable riding position make it easy to ride for riders of all skill levels.
Versatile: The GS500 Custom can be easily customized to suit the rider’s taste and preferences.
Fuel Efficient: The GS500 Custom’s fuel-efficient engine helps save money on gas.

Cons:

Underpowered: The GS500 Custom’s engine, while reliable, may feel underpowered compared to some modern motorcycles.
Basic Brakes: The GS500 Custom’s brakes are adequate for everyday riding but may feel underpowered in demanding situations.
Limited Luggage Capacity: The GS500 Custom’s single-seat setup and minimalist design offer limited luggage capacity.

Conclusion:

The Suzuki GS500 Custom is a motorcycle that defies categorization. It is a classic cruiser with a modern twist, offering a blend of timeless aesthetics, accessible performance, and endless customization potential. Its affordability, reliability, and comfortable ride make it an ideal choice for riders of all levels, from beginners to experienced enthusiasts. While it may not be the most powerful or technologically advanced motorcycle on the market, the GS500 Custom offers something more: a timeless appeal, a sense of freedom, and the opportunity to create a truly unique and personalized motorcycle.

Beyond the Review: A Look at the Community and Legacy

The Suzuki GS500 Custom has cultivated a passionate community of riders who share a love for the bike’s classic design, its affordability, and its potential for customization. Online forums and social media groups dedicated to the GS500 Custom are filled with stories of riders sharing their experiences, offering advice, and showcasing their customized creations.

The GS500 Custom has also become a popular choice for motorcycle schools and training programs. Its forgiving engine and easy handling make it an ideal platform for new riders to learn the fundamentals of motorcycle riding. Many riders who started their journey on a GS500 Custom have gone on to own and ride more powerful motorcycles, but they often retain a fondness for the bike that introduced them to the world of motorcycling.

The GS500 Custom’s legacy is one of accessibility, versatility, and timeless appeal. It is a motorcycle that has stood the test of time, proving its worth to riders of all generations. While the GS500 Custom is no longer in production, its influence can still be seen in the modern motorcycle market, inspiring new models that embrace classic design cues and accessible performance.

The GS500 Custom remains a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, yet effective, motorcycle design. It is a bike that offers a unique combination of retro charm and modern practicality, making it a compelling choice for riders seeking a motorcycle that is as much about the journey as it is about the destination.

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