| Engine | Suzuki GS500 | Kawasaki ER5 |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 487 cc | 498 cc |
| Max power | 47 hp (@9 500 RPM) | 50 hp (@9 000 RPM) |
| Max torque | 30 lb ft (@7 500 RPM) | 18 lb ft (@7 200 RPM) |
| Redline | 11 000 RPM | 10 500 RPM |
| Idling speed | 1 200 RPM | 1 200 RPM |
| Management | Carburetor | Carburetor |
| Layout | DOHC Inline-2 | DOHC Inline-2 |
| Compression | 8.00:1 | 9.80:1 |
| Oil capacity | 3.03 quart | 3.22 quart |
| Oil type | 10W40, Motul 300V 10W40, Shell Rotella 10W40 | 10W40 |
| Spark plug type | NGK DPR8EA-9, DENSO X24EPR-U9 | NGK DR9EA, DENSO X27ESR-U |
| Cooling | Liquid | Liquid |
| Valves | 4 | 8 |
| Bore | 74.0 mm | 74.0 mm |
| Stroke | 56.6 mm | 58.0 mm |
| Weight to power | 8.72 lbs/hp | 8.51 lbs/hp |
| Power to weight | 286 hp/2500lbs | 293 hp/2500lbs |
| Battery type | 12V 11Ah | 12V 10Ah |
| Gearbox | Suzuki GS500 | Kawasaki ER5 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Sequential | Sequential |
| Clutch | Wet | Wet |
| Drive | Chain | Chain |
| Chain type | DID. 520VM, 110 links | |
| Gears count | 6 | 6 |
| Primary ratio | 2.714 | 2.652 |
| Final drive | 2.437 | 2.47 |
| 1. gear | 2.461 (48 mph) | 2.571 (45 mph) |
| 2. gear | 1.777 (67 mph) | 1.722 (67 mph) |
| 3. gear | 1.38 (86 mph) | 1.333 (86 mph) |
| 4. gear | 1.125 (106 mph) | 1.125 (102 mph) |
| 5. gear | 0.961 (124 mph) | 0.961 (120 mph) |
| 6. gear | 0.851 (140 mph) | 0.851 (135 mph) |
| Chasis | Suzuki GS500 | Kawasaki ER5 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame type | Steel cradle frame | |
| Front susp. | Telescopic fork | Fork |
| Rear susp. | Link type | Dual shock |