High Speed Cars

2010 Suzuki GS500F

2010 Suzuki GS500F

The 2010 Suzuki GS500F features styling that is inspired on the GSX-R championship-winning machines as, starting with 2004 it presents a full fairing with the purpose of increasing rider comfort by providing an aerodynamic sport appearance.

In order for the bike to really stand out with its new fairing, Suzuki also redesigned the fuel tank, seat, and rear end of the motorcycle. It resulted into a versatile entry-level model styled like a superbike machine but which still retains the comfort given by the relaxed riding position of the handlebars and seat.

Despite the presence of a full fairing, the Suzuki GS500F isn’t as aggressive looking as the competition as the last is inspired on those Ninja models from the 1990s and isn’t as refined as the subject of this review.

The main color combination remains the same as in 2008 – White/Blue – while graphics discretely change.

Test Ride

2010 Suzuki GS500F

The Suzuki GS500F is engineered to deliver predictable power and easy to get accustomed with versatility at the lowest possible price. Having a 31.1 seat height, it is destined to middle-sized riders, but can also become the dearest friend of short or female riders.

Its four-stroke, twin cylinder, 487cc, air cooled DOHC engine provides it with all the needed power while it is still economical, but most importantly, dependable. Those 34mm Mikuni carburetors should receive all the credit for that as they are the needed element from a chain of pieces that form a reliable engine with smooth power delivery.

While experiencing corners I opened up the throttle in order to see if the strong acceleration affects in any way, but the bike remains properly balanced. I wanted to see how the bike behaves under these conditions because beginners often do similar mistakes and their ride has to be very forgiving so as they won’t meet the asphalt. The Suzuki GS500F certainly is, and its riders won’t have the “joy” to notice they haven’t made the right choice.

A more experienced rider will tell you that the bike is great for in-town cruising or highway use because it features a six-speed transmission which shifts smoothly and allows the rider to extract the best out of that twin cylinder engine. I did exactly that and I have to say that once you get used to it, transformation is the word my friend.

Steering is very precise and this completes the bike’s friendly character. I have tried to simulate some usual mistakes but this motorcycle has the tendency of establishing its cornering line and if the rider doesn’t lean enough or it leans a bit too much, it is very easy to correct and rearrange during the corner.

2010 Suzuki GS500F

One of the systems that contribute to the super friendly behavior is the suspension system. The telescopic front fork and link-type rear suspension feature both adjustable preload and provide great comfort while efficiently going from point A to point B or running down the highway in top gear.

The bike could have got a little better in what concerns the front and rear braking systems because, although efficient, they seem a little week, especially at the back.

Overall, the Suzuki GS500F is a great, reliable package offering performance and handling in a cheap mean of personal transportation. It is exactly what a beginning rider would want from it and more that an experienced one would expect.

Price

Beginner bikes have to be cheap in order to sell and until now the GS500F made no exception as a 2009 model year featured the suggested retail price of $5,499, just like the competition. Suzuki presents it as the first solution to your commuting needs and motorcycling passion, so we reckon a 2010 model won’t get over $6K.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine and Transmission

Displacement: 487cc
Type: twin-cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled DOHC
Bore Stroke: 74.0 mm (2.913 in) x 56.6 mm (2.228 in)
Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
Fuel System: BSR34, twin
Lubrication: Wet Sump
Ignition: Electronic ignition (Transistorized)
Transmission: 6-speed constant mesh
Final Drive: D.I.D. 520VM, 110 links

Chassis and Dimensions

Suspension Front: Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Suspension Rear: Link type, coil spring, oil damped
Brakes Front: Disc brake
Brakes Rear: Disc brake
Tires Front: 110/70-17M/C (54H), tubeless
Tires Rear: 130/70-17M/C (62H), tubeless
Overall Length: 2080 mm (81.9 in)
Overall Width: 800 mm (31.5 in)
Overall Height: 1150 mm (45.3 in)
Seat Height: 790 mm (31.1 in)
Ground Clearance: 120 mm (4.7 in)
Wheelbase: 1405 mm (55.3 in)
Curb Weight: 199 kg (439 lbs)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 20.0 L (5.3/4.4 US/Imp gal)

Features & Benefits

2010 Suzuki GS500F

Key Features

Full fairing for increased rider comfort and an aggressive sport look in an entry-level package

Oil cooler - Air-cooled oil cooler for more consistent engine operating temperature and increased engine durability

Rear suspension - Easily accessible 7-way preload adjuster of rear suspension allows quick tailoring to rider’s preference

Read more »

2008 Honda Nighthawk Review

No comments

Lightweight. Dependable. Performance packed. And as easy on your wallet as it is to use. That’s the Nighthawk, Honda’s 250cc all-arounder that goes way beyond what typically defines an intro bike (although it is peerless in that respect). Whether a total beginner or a seasoned vet, the Nighthawk offers every rider the perfect combination of performance, Honda reliability, and perhaps best of all, value.

Introduction

The Nighthawk is where full-size motorcycling meets small-sized budgets in a lightweight, easy-to-use package. Being introduced as the cheap and reliable naked bike that is supposed to initiate beginners in the world of motorcycling, the 2008 Honda Nighthawk, following the previous introductions, completes that exact purpose and more.

History

1991 Honda Nighthawk

Honda fist launched the Nighthawk series in 1982 featuring relatively big models initially produced in three sizes, CB450SC, CB650SC, and CB750SC. These models were more than inspired from the existing CB’s but they were enough styling and substantive improved in order to be introduced as brand new.

1987 was the year of sporty motorcycles and cruisers but the Nighthawk series didn’t fit any of the descriptions so Honda quickly adapted. This meant that no Nighthawks were going to be produced until the manufacturer would decide where the company needs to be directed.
Now, the Honda Nighthawk continues its purpose of initiating new riders while still bringing an old feel with its looks and standard features.

Competition

I kept thinking at a strong competitor for the Nighthawk and I simply couldn’t find it. Honda produces this fun providing motorcycle in order to offer variety and affordability in a general competitive market but no other manufacturer targeted this area because it is not a very important segment and they all know the naked bike expert.
The GZ250 is also styled so you’ll fit right with your riding buddies. It has classic Suzuki styling – long, low and lean – which doesn’t make it quite the competitor for our naked Honda. Suzuki considers the machine as being standard and this was enough for me to arrange a battle between the two although I already know the winner.

2008 Honda Nighthawk and Suzuki GZ250

Exterior

The Nighthawk is probably the simplest machine featuring the Honda signature but this does not necessarily mean that reliability and comfort aren’t covered in smooth lines and healthy design characteristics.