“B” Is For Bitchin: 1983 RGB500 MK8

“B” Is For Bitchin:  1983 RGB500 MK8

That “B” means a lot, this isn’t your buddy’s RG500.  Not to take anything away from the street-going Gammas, but the RGB version of this bike is the true factory Grand Prix bike made available to well-heeled teams in very limited numbers. With no concessions to the EPA, DOT or any other federal agencies, the RGB500 was designed with a single goal in mind: win 500cc GP races.

With a square four, 500cc two stroke powerplant, disk-valve induction, full floater rear suspension and leading caliper, anti-dive front fork, this RGB500 represents the latest racing technology available in the day. And how well did it work? While the ’83 season was dominated by Freddie Spencer and Kenny Roberts (with Spencer stealing the title with only 2 points to spare), Randy Mamola managed to capture 3rd overall in the standings riding a RGB500.

From the seller:
New ground up rebuild..race ready…will need break in, as it has a new top end. No known history, as bike came from Japan years ago. Depending what you plan to do with it, I have a large inventory of parts that cover MK 7 & 8 and can be purchased separately.
All new glass work and paint. All hydraulics have been rebuilt….has original race slicks for display only. Comes with original stand.

RSBFS has listed a few of these RGB models in the past, including one from this same seller (check out this 1981 model or this 1982 bike). And thanks to the RSBFS research staff, we have this great video of Randy Mamola hot-dogging on a 500cc GP bike in anger (in this case a Cagiva). Watching tires light up as these big two strokes come up on the pipe just gives me chills!

This RGB500 is available now. While it does not have any documented racing history (according to the seller it was imported out of Japan), it is still a full-fleged RGB racing machine and is thus very rare and very valuable. The BIN figure is $40,000, although the seller is open to other offers. This sounds like a reasonable price for the pristine condition and appearance, and is listed for much less than earlier examples we have witnessed. The lack of history and spares does detract from the value, but the bike appears to be priced in line with others of this caliber. For more information and details, click the link and jump over to the auction. This bike is definitely worth checking out!

Ian and MI