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GS500E

Very good bike. These things have been around for years. Very reliable machine and will take a ton of abuse.

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Tru dat. That engine has been around since at least 1980. Started as 400, then 450, and 500. All the bugs should be out by now - not that there were any. I had a 450 Suzie and it was virtually flawless. The only minor problem I had was a minor oil leak (yeah, Jap bikes leak, too)on the shifter shaft and I'm convinced that was my doing. The things I did not like were - Tendancy for valve ping when not using high octane - especially in warm weather. and The goofy Suzuki petcock which was either reserve, on, or prime - NO OFF. The later was the demise of my Suzuki. I left the petcock on prime and let it sit for about a year and a half. No matter what I cleaned or how well I cleaned it, it was never the same. If those petcocks are still the same, my only recommendation would be to see about a Pingle. Oh, one more - Ride the crap out of it. I think you'll find it absolutely delightfull...