GS500 max speed in top gear?

haisam10

haisam10

Well-known member
I started taking my 1994 GS500 onto the highway. I was surprised how slow the bike is on the highway. In top gear, revving at 7500-8000 RPMs, I am at 120-130. It takes alot to gain speed from here and requires some tucking. I weigh about 225 and am just curious if this is normal? Definitely going to upgrade next year. Need more POWER.
 
According to some souces, the gs500 is capable of 177 kph under ideal conditions. In the real world, some have seen 165 kph (F model) indicated. GPS verified speed would probably be a bit slower. Did a PO swap a smaller sprocket in? It's supposed to be a 16-tooth.

IIRC, my engine ran around 7000 RPM at 120 kph indicated in 6th gear. You really need to downshift if you want passing power. Redline is 10k, isn't it? It's a good little engine, but it has it's limits. I'm surprised Suzuki didn't drop in a detuned 650 Burgman motor to modernize it.
 
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That seems a little slow.
How many km, when was the last oil change?

All i can say is that i used to have one, and on the 1/4 mile i have time slips to prove it can do over 90mph, and it still has a more in it. Btw, i was about 160lbs at that time.
 
At 225 (with gear?) he's roughly the same weight as myself, so he's not that far off. It seems a little high, but who knows how accurate the tach is. Check the sprocket (15T or even 14T is possible), then do basic maintenance (oil, plugs, filter, maybe some seafoam).
 
Alright, seems to be normal. I have to say that it is a great bike to learn on but it is slow on the highway. I believe it has stock sprocket configuration but I have an extra smaller sprocket as well. I will definitely be upgrading this bike next year for something sportier. Is the speed difference between this and a ss 600 significant? Engine isn't much bigger but I know they are configured for speed.
 
haisam10 said:
I started taking my 1994 GS500 onto the highway. I was surprised how slow the bike is on the highway. In top gear, revving at 7500-8000 RPMs, I am at 120-130. It takes alot to gain speed from here and requires some tucking. I weigh about 225 and am just curious if this is normal? Definitely going to upgrade next year. Need more POWER.
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My GF has a GS500f, and I've had it "indicated" 170 kph - all stock gearing. I estimate that to be a real world 155 kph with me on it (230 lbs).
The bike has no trouble at all getting to 140, with both me and my GF on it...
 
I happen to know that an EX500 is capable of 200 indicated.. I would be very surprised if GS500 maxed out at 165 (or even 177).
 
That is slow. My 40 year old 350 can do that and I'm no lightweight either. Something's not right.
 
I have a 2006 GS500F. I'm the 5th owner (counting dealership). I went 160~ on the highway w/ no problems a week or two ago. It could still go higher but I wasn't going to keep going at that speed and get a ticket lol

EDIT: Full tuck, I weigh 150
 
Lynart said:
I have a 2006 GS500F. I'm the 5th owner (counting dealership). I went 160~ on the highway w/ no problems a week or two ago. It could still go higher but I wasn't going to keep going at that speed and get a ticket lol

EDIT: Full tuck, I weigh 150
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Is that 160 on the speedo? or 160 actual kph?
 
I had 1989 GS500 naked (with round headlight) and was able to get it to around 170 (according to GPS) and it still had some room to go. I am ~180lbs, bike had around 44K at the time but was in top mechanical condition. 120-130 was my typical cruising speed on the highway and I had no problems passing others and taking it to 150-160.
Something is wrong with your bike or the way you accelerate.
 
Lynart said:
I have a 2006 GS500F. I'm the 5th owner (counting dealership). I went 160~ on the highway w/ no problems a week or two ago. It could still go higher but I wasn't going to keep going at that speed and get a ticket lol

EDIT: Full tuck, I weigh 150
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You were worried about a ticket? I'd be worried about insurance costs over the next 6 years let alone a ticket..or my bike.
 
Why is everyone mentioning weight when referencing their top speed? Sure, weight plays a big role in acceleration, but unless you have a limited distance to achieve top speed, it will largely be irrelevant to terminal velocity. Of course, if you are really are a fat bastid, it may affect aero.
 
My hyosung 250 tops out at 165 (on speedometer), so I would be surprised if your gs did too
 
haisam10 said:
I started taking my 1994 GS500 onto the highway. I was surprised how slow the bike is on the highway. In top gear, revving at 7500-8000 RPMs, I am at 120-130. It takes alot to gain speed from here and requires some tucking. I weigh about 225 and am just curious if this is normal? Definitely going to upgrade next year. Need more POWER.
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all of this is 100% normal.

Trying to accelerate in top gear at such low RPM's on a GS500 will yield exactly those results (disappointing acceleration).
If you are going 120-130, and wish to accelerate, simply chose a more appropriate gear, (like 5th or 4th).

Saying you need a more powerful bike cause you are using the wrong gear - says you don't actually need a more powerful bike.
 
djltoronto said:
all of this is 100% normal.

Trying to accelerate in top gear at such low RPM's on a GS500 will yield exactly those results (disappointing acceleration).
If you are going 120-130, and wish to accelerate, simply chose a more appropriate gear, (like 5th or 4th).

Saying you need a more powerful bike cause you are using the wrong gear - says you don't actually need a more powerful bike.
Click to expand...

Ah, this might be it. Someone said redline is 10k on this bike? That seems way too low to me!
 
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