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Edition:
Suzuki DR 500 S - [1983]
This edition of the Suzuki DR 500 S is the 5 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1983. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1984 Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura and the 1984 Honda CB 750 SC Nighthawk S.This particular Suzuki DR 500 has a 498cc Air cooled, Two stroke, V-Twin Petrol powerplant with 1 cylinders and Carburettor.
An alternative V-Twin engine, Off-Road style motorbike includes the Kawasaki KLX 250 Camo - [2020]
The 1983 DR 500 shares its V-Twin engine and Off-Road style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Kawasaki KLX 250 Camo and the 2020 Kawasaki KLX 230 Single Cylinder. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the DR 500's Off-Road style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2020 Kawasaki KLX 250 Single Cylinder | 2020cc.2020 Kawasaki KLX 230 Single Cylinder | 2020cc.
Weighing in at 148 kgs (326 lbs) this makes the Suzuki DR 500 S in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 Triple or the 2025 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT, give or take 50kg.
The 1983 Suzuki DR 500 shares the same bhp with the Honda X-ADV 745 - [2025]
In terms of power the 498cc 4 valve V-Twin 1 cylinder engine produces 36 bhp (26 kW) @ 6500 rpm similar to the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [57.8 bhp (43 kW) @ 6750 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [36.1 bhp (26 kW) @ 12000 rpm].
The SOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 30.9 lb-ft (41.9 Nm) @ 5000 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [50.0 lb-ft (67.7 Nm) @ 6500 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [17.8 lb-ft (24.2 Nm) @ 8100 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Suzuki DR 500 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 1995 Yamaha SZR 600 SOHC has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1983 Suzuki DR 500 S.
The 1983 Suzuki DR 500 S has a Power to weight ratio of 243.2 bhp per ton and 209.3 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1983 DR 500 competing with the 1995 Yamaha SZR 600 SOHC [268.1 bhp\ton] and the 1972 Yamaha TX 750 SOHC [268.0 bhp\ton].
If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Suzuki DR 500 generating around 209.3 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2015 Suzuki Boulevard - Intruder C 90 T BOSS [234.2 lb-ft per ton] and the 2013 Suzuki Boulevard - Intruder C 90 T BOSS [234.2 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 15.2 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 15.5 secs, this makes the Suzuki DR 500 S similar in acceleration to the 2023 Yamaha YZF-R3 DOHC (15.2 secs) and the 2022 Yamaha YZF-R3 World GP 60th Anniversary Edition (15.2 secs). This Suzuki DR 500 S also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).
Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1983 Suzuki DR 500 S and the 2015 Suzuki GSX-R 125 Slingshot Plus
When talking about the performance of the 1983 Suzuki DR 500 S on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 0 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 2015 Suzuki GSX-R 125 Slingshot Plus (0 secs) and the 2012 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom ABS (0 secs).
The 1983 version of the Suzuki DR 500 S has a maximum speed of 85mph.
Top Speed of the 1983 DR 500 equals the 2018 Yamaha XVS 650 V-Star Custom
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1983 Suzuki DR 500 S then how about a 2018 Yamaha XVS 650 V-Star Custom (96 mph) and the 2016 Yamaha XVS 650 V-Star Custom (96 mph).
