Okay, so you are not going to turn heads if you arrive at Brands Hatch and park your GS500 Suzuki alongside the GSX-R race reps and 996 Ducatis. Then again, nobody buys a commuter for pose value.
But if you are tired of the long hours you spend travelling to work every day, stuck in traffic jams or standing on railway platforms, then the GS500 is the answer to your prayers.
Although the parallel twin GS500 has been updated for 2001, it is beginning to show its age - Suzuki added it to the range in 1989 as a cheap sportsbike. The latest model features short one-piece handlebars, a larger sculpted fuel tank, new seat, tail piece and rear light. There's also a frame-mounted passenger grab bar.
But it is still an economical commuter, with a reputation for day-in, day-out reliability. It is also pretty light for a full-size motorcycle at 173kg (381lb) dry. Compliant suspension gives a comfortable ride around. The front fork is adjustable for preload, while the rear suspension features a seven-way adjustable spring.
The silver-painted steel chassis gives plenty of feedback, and the low-maintenance 51bhp four-stroke, air-cooled DOHC 487cc motor has enough stomp to beat any sales rep in his Mondeo away from the lights.
Top speed is a touch over 110mph, and you should get over 50mpg. That's a range of 220 miles from the 4.4-gallon (20-litre) petrol tank.
Loads of training schools use the GS500 to teach riders the basics. So if the bike can stand the abuse of a new learner every day, you know it's built to last.
