Suzuki DR500S (1980-81)

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The Suzuki DR500S was a motorcycle produced between 1980 and 1981, equipped with a four-stroke, single-cylinder, SOHC, 4-valve, TSCC engine that had a displacement of 498 cc / 30.4 cu in, delivering a power of 26 kW / 36 hp @ 6500 rpm and a torque of 42 Nm / 4.3 kgf-m / 31 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm. The bike was air-cooled and had wet-sump lubrication with a Mikuni 35SS slingshot induction and PEI pointless ignition system. The engine was connected to a wet, multi-plate clutch and a five-speed constant mesh transmission with a chain, O-ring final drive, and gear ratios of 1st 2.42 / 2nd 1.63 / 3rd 1.63 / 4th 1.00 / 5th 0.83:1. The motorcycle had a 1465 mm / 57.7″ wheelbase, 870 mm / 34.3″ seat height, and 270 mm / 10.6″ ground clearance. The front suspension incorporated telescopic Showa 36mm, oil-damped, while the rear suspension utilized a swinging arm with an adjustable spring preload, gas/oil damped, and adjustable compression damping. It was equipped with drum brakes on the front and rear wheels, measuring 150 mm in diameter, and the bike had a fuel capacity of 9 litres / 2.4 US gal / 2.0 Imp gal, with a top speed of 136 km/h / 84.5 mph. The dry weight of the motorcycle was 128 kg / 282 lbs, and the wet weight was 148 kg / 326 lbs. The Suzuki DR500S was a reliable, versatile motorcycle that could handle multiple types of terrains and situations, and was well-liked by many riders in its time.

Technical specifications:

Make Model: Suzuki DR 500S

Year: 1980-81


Engine: Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves, TSCC
Capacity: 498 cc / 30.4 cu in
Bore x Stroke: 88 x 82 mm
Compression Ratio: 8.9:1
Cooling System: Air cooled
Lubrication System: Wet sump
Induction: Mikuni 35SS, slingshot
Ignition: PEI pointless
Starting: Kick
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, O-ring
Gear Ratios: 1st 2.42 / 2nd 1.63 / 3rd 1.63 / 4th 1.00 / 5th 0.83:1

Primary Drive Ratio: 2.39:1
Final Drive Ratio: 3.36:1
Front Suspension: Telescopic Showa 36mm, oil damped
Front Wheel Travel: 230 mm / 9.1″
Rear Suspension: Swinging arm , adjustable spring preload, gas/oil damped, adjustable compression damping
Rear Wheel Travel: 220 mm / 8.7″
Front Brakes: Drum, 150 mm, expanding
Rear Brakes: Drum, 150 mm, expanding
Front Tyre: 3.00-21
Rear Tyre: 4.60-18
Dry Weight: 128 kg / 282 lbs
Wet-Weight: 148 kg / 326 lbs
Wheelbase: 1465 mm / 57.7″
Seat Height: 870 mm / 34.3″
Ground Clearance: 270 mm / 10.6″
Fuel Capacity: 9 Litres / 2.4 US gal / 2.0 Imp gal
Fuel Reserve: 2 Litres / 2.1 US qt / 1.8 Imp qt
Top Speed: 136 km/h / 84.5 mph

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