Suzuki DR500
1981—1982

I have tried to tell DR 500 model history on this page as I know it. This page is still under construction. I would be grateful of any contributions — sales brochures, magazine ads, magazine articles, pictures, specs, facts, corrections etc. Please scan the material in JPEG format (large enough that all the details are visible) and send them to me. Please tell me the source and the publication date if possible. If you send me pictures of your own bike, please follow these instructions.

1981 Suzuki year code: X

1981 Suzuki DR500S, White with blue stripes

1981 Suzuki DR 500 S Overall Length: Overall Width: Overall Height: Seat Height: 870 mm (34.3 in) Wheelbase: 1465 mm (57.7 in) Ground Clearance: 270 mm (10.6 in.) Dry Weight: 148 kg (326 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 498 cc single SOHC 4-stroke. 32.5 hp (23.9 kW) @ 6 500 rpm, 37.4 Nm (3.81 kg-m) @ 5 700 rpm Here's even larger picture.

1982 Suzuki year code: Z

1982 Suzuki DR 500 S Overall Length: 2 200 mm (86.6 in) Overall Width: 870 mm (34.43 in) Overall Height: 1 220 mm (48.0 in) Seat Height: 875 mm (34.4 in) Wheelbase: 1 465 mm (57.7 in) Ground Clearance: 270 mm (10.6 in) Dry Weight: 128 kg (282 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 498 cc single SOHC 4-stroke. 36 hp (26 kW) @ 6 500 rpm, 42 Nm (4.3 kg-m) @ 5 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1982 Suzuki DR 500 S Overall Length: 2 200 mm (86.6 in) Overall Width: 870 mm (34.43 in) Overall Height: 1 220 mm (48.0 in) Seat Height: 875 mm (34.4 in) Wheelbase: 1 465 mm (57.7 in) Ground Clearance: 270 mm (10.6 in) Dry Weight: 128 kg (282 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 498 cc single SOHC 4-stroke. 36 hp (26 kW) @ 6 500 rpm, 42 Nm (4.3 kg-m) @ 5 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1982 Suzuki DR500S Specifications (Finland)
Overall length:
Overall width:
Overall height:
Seat height:	870 mm (34.3 in)
Wheelbase:	1465 mm (57.7 in) +-15 mm
Ground clearance:	270 mm (10.6 in.)
Dry mass (weight):	128 kg (282 lbs.)
Engine:	Air-cooled single cylinder 4-stroke, TSCC
Valve system :	SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Maximum power output:	36.5 hp (27 kW)/ 6.500 rpm
Maximum torque:	43 Nm (4,4 kpm)/ 5.700 rpm
Bore:	88.0 mm (3.465 in)
Stroke:	82.0 mm (3.228 in)
Piston displacement:	498 cc
Compression ratio:	8.9 :1
Carburetor :	Mikuni 35SS slingshot
Air cleaner type:	Polyurethan foam element
Generator:	6V 50W
Battery:	None
Ignition:	Suzuki PEI pointless
Head light:	15/15 W
Starter system:	Primary kick
Lubrication system:	Wet sump
Clutch type:	Wet multi-plate
Transmission type:	5-speed constant mesh
Gearshift pattern:	1-down, 5-up
Primary drive ratio:	2.39: 1
Gear ratios
1st gear:	2.42: 1
2nd gear:	1.63: 1
3rd gear:	1.63: 1
4th gear:	1.00: 1
5th gear:	0.83: 1
6th gear:	22/23
Final drive ratio:	3.36: 1
Final drive:	0-ring chain
Front suspension:	Telescopic Showa 36mm, oil damped
Rear suspension:	Swinging arm , adjustable spring preload, gas/oil damped, adjustable compression damping
Front suspension stroke:	230 mm (9.1 in.)
Rear suspension travel:	220 mm (8.7 in.)
Front brake:	Drum brake, 150mm diameter
Rear brake:	Drum brake, 150mm diameter
Front tire size:	3.00-21
Rear tire size:	5.10-18 (4.60-18 in Japan)
Fuel tank capacity incl. reserve:	9 liter (2.4 US gal.)
Reserve:	2 liter (0.5 US gal.)
Recommended retail price in Finland:	17,200 FIM (November 1982)

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