Today’s Suzuki RGV250Γ VJ22A is still a rare sight here in the USA, in spite of them now being eligible for import. 250cc two-stroke sportbikes have a small but fierce following here and all share a similar template: two cylinder liquid-cooled powerplants, six-speed gearboxes, stiff aluminum frames, and triple disc brakes. But the devil, as they say, is in the details and the little Suzuki managed to have its own distinctive flavor of performance, compared to other bikes in the class.
The “Gamma” went through a number of iterations before arriving at the VJ22A model seen here. Originally called the RG250, that bike’s parallel twin was swapped for a 90° v-twin in 1987 and it was rechristened the RGV250. The second generation of that bike seen here was introduced in 1991 and featured extensive updates and improvements.
Unsurprisingly, the liquid-cooled two-stroke engine displaced 249cc, with a bore and stroke of 56mm x 50.6mm, and was mated to a de rigueur six-speed gearbox. As with all of the bikes in the class, the package was light and relatively powerful, and Suzuki’s was even used to motivate the Aprilia RS250 with only cosmetic changes.
In terms of function, two-strokes are simpler and lighter than their four-stroke counterparts, but the little v-twin was packed with a raft of high-tech engine management systems, all with their very own impressive-sounding acronyms: Suzuki’s Advanced Power Control [SAPC] power valve now had AuTomatic Exhaust Timing Control [ATEC-II] that used a sensor to change the exhaust valving between three settings for optimal flexibility in real-world riding, helped along by a Multiple Digital Ignition System [MDIS].
Earlier versions used an 18″ rear wheel, but the VJ22 used 17″ wheels at both ends, somewhat simplifying tire choice for anyone looking to ride one on track or in the canyons on fresh rubber today. That new rear wheel was connected to the chassis by a new and very distinctive asymmetrical “banana” swingarm that featured both cast and extruded components. The dramatically curved right-hand section of the swingarm allowed for the two exhaust chambers to hug the bike and maximize cornering clearance.
This example is obviously the very desirable Lucky Strike Replica, certainly ironic for a two-stroke “smoker.” I can’t say whether or not the bodywork is original, but the brake rotors and exhaust are not. Both are of high-quality though and wouldn’t bother me in the least if I had the cash to splash on this bike.
From the original eBay listing: 1992 Suzuki RGV250 VJ22A for Sale
Bike is sold with a clear California title in previous seller’s name. I bought this bike a year ago from Bring a Trailer 7/7/22.
Health issues require I sell off the rest of my two stroke collection. Including (3 Honda NSR250SP MC28s) and my RGV250S VJ23A Export Full Power.
This 1992 RGV250SP is an easy starter! JDM import. Japanese Domestic Market import. 1992 model year. California titled as a 2000. This is not a bike for leisure riding. jetted rich for revs. Likes to live between 8500 & 11,500 RPMs. Arrow expansion chambers and silencers. Just replaced mechanical water pump seal with genuine Suzuki parts.
Bike has two flaws:
#1 I was out riding and shifter lever peg went bye bye! Pictures show a temp resolution until original is found. #2 bike needs a horn
Selling because of health issues. Gonna try and keep up with you guys and the questions. Gonna do my best. Need prompt pickup after sale. I am aware of the difficulties involved with shipping bikes. Bank money transfer desired.
This is a really clean bike, if the photos are to be believed. Or maybe I’m just a sucker for shiny paint… Interestingly, this Γappears to be from the same collection as the Honda NSR250R Rothmans Replica we posted a couple weeks back. Bidding is up to around $10,000 with very little time left on the auction, but I assume there will be a rush of bids closer to the end of the auction, since that’s relative peanuts for a Cali-titled RGV in such desirable livery.
-tad
I hope people realize that jdm vj22’s lucky strikes were not SP models. It was just a limited color choice. So it’s still a jdm restricted bike.
Hey Tad, I sold Karl my set of 3 NSR250-SP’s, ’94 Rothman, ’95 HRC and ’96 Repsol and can vouch for all 3 SP’s being very low km, 100% genuine OEM Honda bodywork and, all 3 still wear their original paper fender stickers with the VIN, paint code and model designation. They are REAL ones. It took me a few years to put that caliber of all the MC28SP’s together. I would not want to try and do it again today in 2023! Honda only produced 1,500 (or less) MC28SP’s each year from 1994-1996 and that caliber of bike is very expensive and hard to find in Japan today.
The VJ22 was imported by a friend of mine in CA. years ago and he sold it to Karl via B.A.T. Like Paul Harvey used to say, That’s the Rest of the Story.
They look like they’re really nice bikes from the photos.