Search Results for “"suzuki rg500"”

Suzuki November 19, 2020 posted by Donn

Loose Cannon – 1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma

Almost ten years after developing their RG Γ 500 Moto GP bike, Suzuki introduced the road-going version, and even with required street equipment the performance was beyond the norms. Like this one, many were imported on the left coast, but not all have had such careful stewardship over the years.

1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma for sale on eBay

The Gamma shared engine dimensions with the race machine, but had a shock damper between the twin crankshafts and the clutch, and claimed “just” 95 hp ( racers were estimated at 120 hp ). A factory cassette gearbox is fitted, allowing at least a theoretical quick change of ratios. Two strokes of the time used moving exhaust ports to stretch the power band down to 5,000 rpm, and the RG’s are controlled by the Suzuki Automatic Exhaust Control system, in concert with the ignition. Anti-dive forks and Full Floater monoshock took care of the staggered 16-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels.

With just enough photos to wet a buyer’s whistle, the owner can expect a message and visit from any really interested party. Still this RG looks very stock and undamaged, with mostly nice finishes left on the alloys and paint. Hyperbolic comments and specs ( reviewed top speed 147 mph, wet weight 386 lbs. ) from the eBay auction:

Street legal MOTO GP bike from the 2 stroke good old days!! Legally registered in the state of Washington (now with collector plate) and was registered in Oregon. BONE STOCK with just less than 19,667 kilometers on the speed-o (12,220 miles). This is a 200 MPH insane 250 lbs. Rocket!! that I just can’t seem to open up in my area of WA (too many cops). So my baby just sits in a heated garage/shop. Bike has ALWAYS been in a garage, and never used in bad weather!! My loss your gain – first $37,500 gets it!! Also comes with some extra parts to update it, if you so desire. Katana wheels, modern swing-arm, passenger seat, extra forks, NEW euro front turn signals, shop manual, and some other bits and bobs.

The RG500 had a limited market, was expensive to put together, and up against the new GSX-R’s – so in hindsight its green/white/checker run was no surprise. In contrast, the racing RG and subsequent RGV-500 had a ten year run on the circuit. Total production was under 10,000 units, but its only North American import was north of the border, so it’s a rare sighting here. More study is required at this sort of ante, but the owner seems open to offers.

-donn

Featured Listing September 29, 2020 posted by Mike

Featured Listing: 1985 Suzuki RG500 Walter Wolf

The world of motorcycle collecting is undeniably a global affair. One need only to look at today’s Featured Listing to know why: a rare Japanese sport bike made even more exclusive through the association with an Austrian-born Canadian businessman and F1 entrepreneur, collected and protected by a knowing individual in Portugal. Somehow that all makes perfect sense.

Featured Listing: 1985 Suzuki RG500 Walter Wolf

Walter Wolf – a massive motorsports enthusiast – made his fortune in oil drilling, supplying drilling tools and supplies worldwide. Wolf parlayed that fortune into the circus of F1, propping up an early team with Frank William’s at the helm. For another tie-in to the two-wheeled realm, Wolf also purchased that remnants of Lord Hesketh’s F1 operation. When Frank toook key staff and created his own team under the Frank Williams Engineering banner, Wolf continued under the Wolf brand, winning a few races. Notable drivers included Keke Rosberg, Jody Scheckter, James Hunt and Bobby Rahal.

Wolf was also interested in motorcycle racing, sponsoring several teams including Japanese champion Masaru Mizutani. The Walter Wolf Edition RG500 celebrates a unique personality and branding through unique graphics, wheels, colors and “W” instrumentation. The recipe is pretty simple: start with a rare bike (the RG was made available for a scant 2 years), and run off a stand-out special edition in low numbers. Today the Walter Wolf edition RG500 is cherished by collectors in the know.

From the seller:
Suzuki RG500 Walter Wolf Edition unrestored.
Year 1985 with 26000km.
2 Original keys plus many original parts.
Portuguese Documents.
Please feel free to ask me more pictures or videos.
Transport to UK costs around £550 and will be Chas Mortimer Logistic Ltd collecting this bike.

Price: $19,000 GBP (approx $24,000 USD)
Details: eBay auction
Contact: Francisco Godinho

Despite the rarity, there were several different variants of the WW Edition RG500 depending upon locale. Some markets received livery with red wheels and a matching red seat (North America). Others offered the WW bodywork and instruments but different wheels and seat. There was even a silver edition for Singapore, and an extremely limited model offering in Japan commemorating Masaru Mizutani.

Today’s Featured Listing is located in Portugal, although the seller has identified shipping options for the UK. US-based buyers might need to contact the seller for logistics to transport the bike to the States, but given the number of bikes in this seller’s collection I’m sure that should not be an issue. The bike has Portuguese paperwork, and looks to be one of the European models. Have questions? Reach out to Francisco for more details. If you want to stand out from the crowd – or simply pull away from it in a cloud a delicious blue smoke – a rare Walter Wolf Edition is just the ticket you need. Check out all of the details and Good Luck!!

Featured Listing: 1985 Suzuki RG500 Walter Wolf

Suzuki December 1, 2019 posted by Donn

Chi Slamma Gamma – 1986 Suzuki RG500

Fully ten years after Barry Sheene won the GP world championship on his RG500, Suzuki had tamed the beast for the showroom. Though the delay missed the window of opportunity in the U.S., many examples have been imported, and this looks like one of the finest.

1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma for sale on eBay

Unthinkably complex in this day of 400cc singles, the RG was actually two 250cc twins geared to a common lay shaft, which was protected by a shock damper on the road machine. The low-profile 28mm Mikuni carburettors and their air shared filter are wedged against the sides of the fairing, with disc induction valves underneath. Suzuki’s Automatic Exhaust Control power valve system and expansion chambers made their way aft closer to the centerline. Alloy chassis and cast frame connectors are seemingly more modern than the earlier race bike, the seat fairing covering the upper exhausts and stretching all the way to the footpegs.

With just over 6,000 miles, this Chicago resident is even better looking than the odometer would suggest, with no evident runs, hits, or errors. The owner says this in the eBay auction:

As you can see from the photos in the photo section as well as the body of the description, the machine has had absolutely no restoration performed to any part of it. The condition is exactly what it looks like in the photos. I looked at a quite a few of these bikes before I finally bought this one, and I’ve never seen a better original one before or since.

The paint on all of the fairings, tail section and tank is original, and have never had any type of paintwork or touchup. The fairings have never had any type of cracks or damage. The bike has never been in any type of accident or been dropped at any time.

The RG500 runs and rides the way you expect a machine with this type of mileage to run. All of the mechanical components have been checked over to ensure they work properly including the clutch and brakes. The fuel delivery system was also completely gone through this season and functions perfectly.

Suzuki began the square four saga with two 125’s making 250cc, and offered a 400cc variant alongside the 500 in appropriate markets. But the RG500 was the race winner, and the great powertrain was in a 340 lbs. ( dry ) package, a power-to-weight ratio that was years ahead of its time. Bidding is quite active but hasn’t met the reserve, and we’ll be keeping an eye on this one.

-donn

Yamaha November 27, 2019 posted by Aaron

Wild Wolf: 1986 Suzuki RG500 Walter Wolf

If you’re not into oil drilling and late-1970s Formula 1, you might be nonplussed at the handsome red and purple livery that graces this otherwise-standard 1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma. But, under the alliterative name and the cool-if-dated graphics lies a story of early business success followed by a longshot investment in a passion project that just so happened to pay off.

1986 Suzuki RG500 Walter Wolf for sale on eBay

After making his money selling oil drilling parts, Austrian-via-Canada businessman Walter Wolf in 1975 bought most of the Williams Racing Team and all of Hesketh Racing and made a go at Formula 1 ownership. Soon after, he rebranded the team with his name, hired Jody Scheckter and won the first race his team entered with the new branding. Not bad. After another couple seasons, Wolf got bored and sold the team, but the cool graphics and handsome livery needed somewhere to land.

Enter, the 1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma. With Wolf’s colors painted on, Suzuki had a defacto special edition of the already potent twin-crank parallel four two-stroke GP hero. This one is a Japanese market model that landed in South Africa in 2013, where it received a mechanical refresh less than 120 miles ago. Throw some new tires at it, and the 95-horsepower knife’s edge animal will be ready to be a backroads thrill seeker or garage display artifact.

From the eBay listing:

Thanks for taking the time to view my listing on this extremely rare Suzuki RG500 Walter Wolf.
She was imported from Japan in 2013 and formed part of a private collection until recently.
Cosmetically and mechanical the vehicle is an superb condition. She starts on the first kick every time, even from cold with the help of the choke.
The RG has been serviced less than 200 Km ago which included steering neck and wheel bearing replacement as well as complete carburettor refurbishments.
The period correct tyres that’s currently fitted are fine for display purpose however I would recommend that they be replaced if the Gamma is going to be ridden with some proper enthusiasm as Suzuki intended.
Here’s a link to the 360 degree view and engine sound: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSlSKVJnTEQ&feature=youtu.be

Worldwide shipping cost to:
Europe: $850
U.S.A, Canada :$950
Asia and Australia: $970
Shipping cost includes crating, insurance and handling.
The shipping will be taken care of by a trustworthy reliable agency that specialize in transporting motorcycles across the globe.

Please contact me should you require any additional info.

As you can hear and see, this thing idles like a champ and is in truly immaculate cosmetic condition. At $18,500, this special edition of a rare bike is priced as what it is, but there’s no doubting that some lucky collector will roll home with an absolute gem.

Wild Wolf: 1986 Suzuki RG500 Walter Wolf

Sport Bikes For Sale March 19, 2019 posted by Donn

RG Bargey – 1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma

Suzuki developed the RG500 in the mid-1970’s as their Moto GP weapon, and the updated Gamma was offered in road trim only from 1985-87. Here is a Canadian import that is in special condition and ready to ride.

1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma for sale on eBay

Based on the square four two-stroke first raced by British rider Barry Sheene, the RG500 Gamma has two crankshafts, with a gear driven clutch between them. Except for a shock damper to protect the cranks from transient loads, the engine is very similar to the race machine, making 95 hp at 9,000 rpm. Looking between the fairing and the engine, you’ll see four low-profile 28mm flat slide carburetors, each connecting directly to the disk valve on the cylinder. Suzuki’s SAEC automatic exhaust control tailors the header volume depending on engine speed and throttle setting, widening the 500’s torque band from 5,000 to its peak at 9,000 rpm.

The alloy chassis looks ahead with its massive triangulated steering head, though brakes seem smallish at 260mm, and the wheel sizes are the de facto -80’s standard 16 and 17 inches. Single adjustable 38mm forks work in concert with the Full Floater monoshock. The pillion is hidden under a faux-mono cover, and the rear exhausts sail out under the seat console.

Coming from a suburban Philadelphia independent, this RG has been stateside since 2000, and has just under 20,000 miles. No more history in the comments but it has been re-commissioned after some downtime and has new tires. From the eBay auction:

Cosmetic condition as you can see in the pics is excellent. There are some very minor nicks but on the whole the paint and decals are glossy and unmarred. While not quite concours ready, it is in exceptional rider condition. We’ve included a owner’s manual, service manual and set up manual – all in good shape. There are 2 original factory keys, as well.

We’ve had our resident two-stroke tech go through the bike after a prolonged storage. Air cleaner was renewed, fluids freshened, tank drained, carbs cleaned, etc. Bike started easily and runs well with no clutch slippage. Slight rotor chatter was felt on braking but otherwise rides and handles fine. Tires are brand new Avons mounted on what appears to be Dymag wheels. The anti-dive valves have been blocked off.

Suzuki campaigned the RG from 1974 to ’85, and then as a more modern RGV from ’86-2001. But the short run of the road machine has honed its legend. Reviews praised the quick steering, good suspension, and of course the power, which would happily take the engine right through 10,000 rpm. This one is not an unused collector, and the starting bid reflects the very nice rider condition. Going to be watching this one !

-donn

Suzuki February 2, 2019 posted by Mike

Wolf of Wall Street: 1986 Suzuki RG500 Walter Wolf

Before we start and this gets out of hand, you *might* remember when you could buy one of these for $12. Or $1500. Or maybe even $10k. Those days are gone. The fact is this sub 10,000 mile RG500 Walter Wolf edition Gamma is on eBay for just a tad shy of $33,000. And while the market will vote with the wallet, it doesn’t really matter if this bike sells. You see, the market has already spoken in the form of the motorcycle auctions held in Las Vegas in late January. There, record prices were realized for all sorts of stuff that you might remember selling for a lot cheaper. The market is up, and the stuff we like to collect is rising on that tide. Thus, we are looking at a very expensive 1986 Gamma in rare clothing.

1986 Suzuki RG500 Walter Wolf for sale on eBay

Beneath the purple, red and gold paint and beyond the white faced gauges, a Walter Wolf Gamma is really just a Gamma. That is to say, it is a marvelous twin-crank, square four two stroke that rips like it came straight off the racetrack. This was the unobtanium treat that US buyers were categorically denied. Enterprising enthusiasts soon learned to import the RG as a used bike – often from just over our northern border – and hooligan behavior ensued. Along with blue smoke and the sound that only a two stroke on the pipe can make.

From the seller:
Rare Suzuki RG500 Walter Wolf Limited Edition!

If not familiar with the Walter Wolf, the bikes were never sold in the US. Approximately 100 were sold in Canada. This example here was imported from Alberta BC. This bike sits in my collection and is in excellent condition, with only 15665 km (9734 miles). The bike is free of common stress cracks around the various panel mounting points. Tires have good tread although I would recommend replacing if plans are to ride the bike.

The instrument housing foam shows some deformation, however a new replacement will be included along with a service manual. This bike is an excellent clean example of a Walter Wolf to ride or put in a collection! If not familiar with the value of Walter Wolf’s, included in the pictures is a recent sale. This bike showed 33400km.

Walter Wolf was a Canadian business man and something of a motor sport legend. Originally from Austria but self made in Canada as an oil man, Wolf poured his money into racing – investing in Frank William’s Formula 1 team and running his own Wolf Racing F1 operation. He had the money and the drive, and sponsored both automobile as well as motorcycle racing. Today, the Wolf brand is celebrated by a couple of different branded products – such as this wonderful Walter Wolf RG500, a tribute of Wolf colors and logos. The Walter Wolf Edition RG500 (there was also a 400 and 250 model) was released to the home market (in power restricted format) as well as Canada (estimated 100 units) and Western Europe. There are slight differences between each of the market-specific models largely due to local regulations (i.e. headlights, turn signals, etc). Japanese market bikes utilize a specific WW gauge package, while Canadian bikes make due with stock RG units. Logo placement is also slightly different between the markets.

Real and authentic WW models are few and far between. We have seen WW replicas on these pages before, so buyers do your homework, research and analysis up front. With only a graphics package separating a rare Wolf from a regular RG, it is not that difficult to build a replica. Today’s WW RG500 looks pretty clean, has enough miles to be a rider without so many as to be clapped out. Check it out here, although the pictures are (unfortunately) low res. I’m sure there will be many comments about how absurd the price is, but the seller counters with a photo directly from the Mecum auctions. Haters will hate, but the Las Vegas auction is the bellwether for collector pricing – and as of today, prices are running high. Hard to tell if there is enough here to ignite the kind of bidding war that drive top auction prices, but for now there is a very rare and cool Walter Wolf edition RG500 Gamma waiting for you on eBay. And you didn’t even have to go to Vegas. Good Luck!!

Wolf of Wall Street: 1986 Suzuki RG500 Walter Wolf

Suzuki July 25, 2018 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: Not a garage queen! Resto-mod 1986 Suzuki RG500

The issue with a lot of the little two-stroke terrors that we feature is that they’re rare and often in museum-quality condition; original down to the pre-mix molecules. Not only is riding around on 20-year-old Dunlops a shame for a bike’s originality, it’s a pretty much guaranteed emergency room visit. So, too often the compulsion is to let a low-mile piece of history keep its odometer on the skinny end and tell tall tales with your friends.

1986 Suzuki RG500 for sale on eBay

This 1986 Suzuki RG500 has solved the conundrum for you. Odd-sized original wheels with limited modern rubber options? Gone. Horrifying 1980s brakes? Replaced with much less puckery hardware. Primitive front and rear suspension? Jettisoned in favor of springs and shocks that don’t wet noodle when things get twisty. But it retains the soul and the guts and the intent that it rolled out of Hamamatsu with.

From the eBay listing:

This RG500 bike is a Canadian import, titled and registered in USA. Motor has been rebuild and tuned by the Gamma guru Rick Lance. It is on first over bore and rebuild with OEM Suzuki spares at no-expense spared. List of upgrades include bored out carbs, tripod LG air-filters with upgraded jets and larger radiator from GSXR. Bike also has LG clutch upgrade, Fox-shocks as the rear suspension with LG ride height strut, 3 and 4.5in wheels with new rubber front and rear respectively. The bike has all braided lines with front brakes upgraded and suspension rebuild with RaceTech springs. Finally its has the famous Tommy Crawford pipes and LanceGamma fiberglass bodywork with beautiful paint.
There are small cracks in the solo seat cowl but can be easily fixed as the bodywork is fiberglass.

Collectors looking for all original bike please move on, this Gamma is built to be ridden with all the period correct mods.

Bike sold as is. No warranty.

Please contact Tom with all inquires and questions. 401-578-3338.

Thank you

The motor rebuild was done by RG500 guru Rick Lance, and the bike is adorned with a raft of LanceGamma mods and parts, which takes the sting out of the asking price somewhat. This is also something of a unicorn: a bike with the fire of a 500cc two stroke and the handling of a sweetheart modern sportbike.

Featured Listing: Not a garage queen! Resto-mod 1986 Suzuki RG500

Suzuki May 31, 2018 posted by Tad Diemer

Canadian Stroker: 1986 Suzuki RG500Γ for Sale

Suzuki’s RG500Γ “Gamma” didn’t actually use a detuned version of the racing RGB500’s engine, but at least shared that machine’s square four two-stroke configuration, so it looked and felt like it could have been developed from the real thing. The specifications were certainly unlike anything else on the road: twin cranks, disc valves, four cylinders and 498cc, surrounded by a lightweight aluminum frame.

A quartet of very compact Mikuni flat-slide carburetors tucked in on the sides of the engine and fed the liquid-cooled two-stroke, a six-speed cassette gearbox kept the engine on the boil, and Suzuki’s “Full-Floater” suspension system and anti-dive forks helped put the power to the ground.

That square four turns fuel and air into a combination of power and heavy smoke that dribbles out of the four separate exhausts at idle. Once “on the pipe,” it puts a claimed 95hp through the impossibly skinny 120-section tire, enough to easily motivate the 340lb dry weight. Handling and braking were both exemplary in 1986, but have obviously been far surpassed.

The feeling is still there though and, in spite of Suzuki’ Automatic Exhaust Control power valve that helped give the lightweight machine a more manageable powerband, the bike was still a very raw experience. Which is exactly what makes it such a desirable bike today: it’s a race-replica that does more than just look the part.

From the original eBay listing: 1986 Suzuki RG500Γ for Sale

The bike has never been plated or crashed. Have owned it since 1990. Very low mileage, very fast and reliable, 1 -2 kick starts (usually 1). The only mar on the cosmetics is 4 small dimples , the result of a board sliding over and contacting the tank while in storage. Can put the winning bidder in touch with the shop that did the engine work. The shop owner races a gamma in vintage Class, he is the predominate specialist in Eastern Canada. The entire engine, including the crankshafts and powertrain have been rebuilt and/or inspected, the invoices exceeded $6,000 US and can be emailed to the winning bidder. My storage people can also do crating, export documents and shipping (Div. of Tippet Richardson Int.) Shipping are dependent on destination, an advanced quote can be provided.

There hasn’t been much activity so far, but the opening bid was set at $18,000 and the seller is in Canada, which may be limiting interest in the bike. While I think this color and graphics scheme is very flattering, it may also be that purists prefer the classic blue-and-white Suzuki scheme. Hopefully, we’ll see some interest over the next couple of days!

-tad

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