nastybun

Ok, time for a full media release! I have a new bike! It’s a 2007 Suzuki GS500.. just a small step up from the postie.. Specs courtesy if the font of all knowledge.

Engine

* Type: Four-stroke, air-cooled Parallel Twin Cylinder, DOHC, two valves per cylinder
* Displacement: 487 cc
* Bore/Stroke: 74.0 mm x 56.6 mm
* Fuel System: Mikuni BSR34SS
* Ignition: CDI, maintenance-free battery
* Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
* Engine Redline: 11,000 rpm
* Horsepower: 47 hp @ 9200 rpm (34.3 kW)
* Torque: 29.5 ft·lbf (4.1 kg-m) @ 7500 rpm (40 Nm)
* Fuel Economy: 50-60 mpg (3.9 to 4.7 litres to 100 km)

Drive train

* Transmission: 6-speed
* Final Drive: #520 chain
* Front Sprocket: 16 tooth
* Rear Sprocket: 39 tooth

Brakes

* Front: Single hydraulic disc 310 mm, Dual-Piston Calipers
* Rear: Single hydraulic disc 250 mm, Dual-Piston Calipers

Wheels and Tires

* Front: 110/70-17 tire
* Rear: 130/70-17 tire

Suspension

* Front: Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
* Rear: Link-type, 7-way adjustable spring preload

Dimensions & Geometry

* Length: 2,080 mm (82 in)
* Width: 800 mm (31 in)
* Height: 1,060 mm (42 in)
* Seat Height: 790 mm (31 in)
* Wheel Base: 1,405 mm (55.3 in)
* Ground Clearance: 155 mm (6.1 in)
* Rake (89-00): 25° 30′
* Rake (00+): 25°
* Trail (89-00): 95 mm (3.7 in)
* Trail (00+): 97 mm (3.8 in)
* Weight: 174 kg (380 lb) (dry, manufacturer claimed)
* Fuel Capacity: 20.0 L (~1,220 cu in)

It’s pretty awesome! I have the oomph to keep up with traffic and more gears than I know what to do with. I’ve adapted pretty well to using a clutch again, I’ve only stalled it once so far! Went for a big ol’ ride today following El Bobovitch on his scooter (a 125), we went to a scooter place so he could test ride something gruntier. On the way back I popped in front and peeled off to find my own way back.. not that it made much of a difference with all the traffic around. Still, I’m very happy with my purchamachase. Should do me well for the foreseeable. Presuming the tacho keeps working… it wasn’t for a while today, but it cut in when I was nearly home. We’ll see..

Further pictures.