Kawasaki Ninja 500r Vs. Suzuki Gs500f

Kawasaki Ninja 500R vs. Suzuki GS500F

Time-honored Twins together again

DON CANET

PRIOR TO DELVING INTO THIS COMPARISON, I FIGURED A little background check was in order. As I dredged up past Cycle World tests pertaining to either of these entry-level 500cc Twins, I found that in nearly every case we’ve pitted the pair against one another-as we’re doing here-or included both in large-scale bargain-bike shootouts. I also discovered that neither of these seemingly inseparable Twins had received much CO7 love since the mid-’90s.

A shame really, as few bikes over the past 15 years have offered novice or cash-strapped riders a more non-intimidating or affordable means to sport ride. If there’s any truth to not being missed until you’re gone, then it would seem to be true for the GS500. Having become a naked wallflower in the Suzuki model line since its 1989 introduction, the little GS500E went AWOL last year, only to resurface in ’04 wearing an “F” and an all-new GSX-R-inspired full fairing.

Like clockwork, the Kawasaki Ninja 500R has reported for duty every year since 1987, remaining basically the same since getting a major update (wheels, brakes) a full decade ago.

Riding the tide of several CW Ten Best accolades earned in its youth, the former EX500 supports the old adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”

Now as then, there’s a call for fundamental bargain bikes among today’s high-tech, higher-priced hardware. So how do these two familiar foes stack up?

While each is powered by a half-liter, four-stroke, dohc parallel-Twin, the simple air-cooled, four-valve GS mill is clearly outgunned by the eight-valve, liquid-cooled Ninja engine. Revving the GS between 8000 and 10,500 rpm is a must to get anywhere quickly, whereas the Ninja offers enough lowto midrange power to provide a more relaxed riding experience. With either bike, busy revs bring an increase in engine vibration. The Kawi’s vibes feels more Twin-like-as in coarse, yet pleasing-while the GS remains the smoother of the two until it’s spun up to where the real power resides. Once there, the tradeoff is a high-pitched buzz through the tubular handlebar and a blurred rear view through its otherwise very effective fairing-mounted mirrors. While vibration doesn’t hamper the Ninja’s mirrors, they don’t offer nearly the rear-flank coverage enjoyed on the GS.

KAWASAKI NINJA 500R

$4799

Ups

Great value Healthy low-end power for its class Solid handling at speed

Downs

Unnatural low-speed steering Nothing new to shout

Both bikes have a bar-mounted choke lever for easy warmup, with the Ninja being the first to ride away smoothly following a cold start. Both offer mellow throttle response, smooth clutch operation and easy-shifting six-speed gearbox action, making either a great learner’s tool. Novice riders may find the Kawasaki’s Positive Neutral Finder feature useful when coming to rest at stoplights. Riders with small hands will also appreciate the Ninja’s adjustable clutch and front brake levers, allowing shorter reaches from the grips. Both bikes offer other standard convenience features such as a centerstand and passenger grab handle, and provide a means to lock your helmet-something missing from many of today’s bikes. The Ninja’s keyoperated single helmet lock is very clumsy to use, however,

whereas hanging a pair of lids from the Suzuki’s underseat hooks is a snap. Speaking of seats, both bikes have relatively low seat heights and nicely shaped saddles that offer decent long-range comfort.

Consider the GS500F’s 5.3-gallon fuel tank and fuel-efficient engine, its comfortable ergonomics, supple suspension and functional wind protection. What Suzuki has done is transform a city dweller into what may be the most economical sport-touring mount you can buy.

Even so, the Ninja 500R remains as the better handling and performing of the two. It’s also priced less than the GS for the first time in history.

But what’s in a few hundred bucks anyway?

While out riding the G S, I received an unsolicited thumbs-up from some cool cat headed the opposite direction aboard his snakeskinned Gixxer 1000. No doubt he mistook the GS’ stacked headlight fixture for that of a big GSX-R.

Kawasaki Ninja 500R: $300 less than last year.

Suzuki GS500F: $600 more than before, but with a full fairing.

Duping cool Gixxer dudes: Priceless.

SUZUKI GS500F

$4999

Ups

Back-in-black chassis treatment New fairing looks good and works great! Large fuel tank offers extended range

Downs

Price hike isn’t matched by a performance boost Weight gain isn’t offset by a power gain