Suzuki SP 500 (1981-83)

The Suzuki SP 500 motorcycle was produced from 1981 to 1983 and featured a four-stroke, single-cylinder, SOHC engine with a capacity of 498cc. The bike had a compression ratio of 8.7:1, air/oil cooling, and a wet sump lubrication system. The Mikuni BS40SS carburetor and PEI pointless ignition system helped to start the bike with a kick. The motorcycle had a maximum power of 26 kW/36 hp at 6500 rpm and maximum torque of 42 Nm/4.3 kgf-m/31 lb-ft at 5000 rpm. The wet, multi-plate clutch was paired with a five-speed constant mesh transmission and final chain drive. It had a front telescopic fork suspension and rear swingarm dual shock suspension with adjustable spring load and compression damping. The bike’s stopping power came from 150mm drum brakes at both the front and rear, while the 3.00-21 front tire and 4.60-18 rear tire provided the necessary grip for riding. The SP 500 had a wheelbase of 1461mm, ground clearance of 270mm, and seat height of 870mm. It weighed 139kg and had a fuel capacity of 9 litres with an additional 2-litre reserve. The Suzuki SP 500 received positive reviews from Rider Magazine, with its durable build and off-road capabilities making it a solid choice for adventure riders.

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Technical specifications:

Make Model: Suzuki SP 500

Year: 1981 – 83

Engine: Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves

Capacity: 498 cc / 30.4 cu in

Bore x Stroke: 88 x 82 mm

Compression Ratio: 8.7:1

Cooling System: Air/oil cooled

Lubricaiton System: Wet sump

Induction: Mikuni BS40SS carburetor

Ignition: PEI pointless

Starting: Kick

Battery: 6V, 4Ah

Max Power: 26 kW / 36 hp @ 6500 rpm

Max Torque: 42 Nm / 4.3 kgf-m /31 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm

Clutch: Wet, multi-plate

Transmission: 5 Speed, constant mesh

Final Drive: Chain, #520

Primary Reduction: 2.39:1

Final Reduction: 3.36:1

Rake: 29.5

Front Suspension: Telescopic fork, Showa 36 mm, air/oil damped

Front Wheel Travel: 195 mm / 7.7 in

Rear Suspension: Swingarm, dual shocks, coil springs, adjustable springload and compression damping

Rear Wheel Travel: 195 mm / 7.7 in

Front Brakes: 150 mm Drum

Rear Brakes: 150 mm Drum

Front Tyre: 3.00 -21

Rear Tyre: 4.60 -18

Wheelbase: 1461 mm / 57.5 in

Ground Clearance: 270 mm / 10.6 in

Seat Height: 870 mm / 34.3 in

Dry Weight: 139 kg / 306 lbs

Fuel Capacity: 9 Litres / 2.4 US gal / 2.0 Imp gal

Fuel Reserve: 2 Litres / 0.5 US gal / 0.4 Imp gal

Review: Clement Salvadori, Rider Magazine