Posts by Category: Suzuki

Warning!

We have 15 years of archives. Please note that posts over a year old may have been updated to point to similar bikes available to bid on eBay.

Suzuki April 29, 2022 posted by Mike

Portuguese Perfection: 1985 Suzuki RG500 Gamma

I’m not sure exactly what is going on in the sun-drenched land of fine port wines, but some amazing motorcycles are being cleared out of a collection and all are RSBFS worthy. In today’s case, just on the off chance that you were in the market for a pristine RG500 Gamma with low miles, let us share some of the details.

1985 Suzuki RG500 Gamma for sale on eBay!

The Suzuki RG500 should need little introduction on these pages, but if you Rip Van Winkled your way through the 1980s then a brief refresh might be in order. Designed to be a 500cc GP racer for the street, the big Gamma was of two-stroke configuration and utilized a square four engine arrangement (think of it as a siamesed pair of parallel twins connected at the crank). This was very much in line with the race bike, which was long before the four-stroke days of the current MotoGP. Intake and breathing was via 4 carbs synchronized through disk valves. And since two-strokes are very sensitive to exhaust pressure, the Gamma had four independent chambers; one for each cylinder. The frame of the Gamma was box-sectioned aluminum with castings for the headstock welded on. Front forks were high-tech air-adjustable with anti-dive, while the Full Floater rear suspension made due with preload only. As was in vogue in the day, the front hoop was a diminutive 16 incher, with a standard 17 inch wheel in the rear. Figure 95 HP pushing a 340 pound (dry) package; when the tach swings above 6,500 RPM, you’d better be holding on.

From the seller:
Suzuki RG500 GAMMA, mint condition.
With only 1060 Miles or 1700 KM and year production 1985, this is a very rare bike.
Complete JollyMoto Exhausts, make an astonishing sound.
Gsxr Wheels and front brake spacer to use original caliper.
Portuguese documents.
You can see by the photos, there in not even one single scratch or dent.
Original painting and decals all over the bike.
It has 2 keys.
Feel free to ask more pictures.
Bike is located in Portugal – Lisbon, but we work with Chas Mortimer Ltd to ship bikes to UK. You can also call them and ask for a feedback – shipping price is included.

This particular example has a popular mod that does away with the dreaded 16″ front rubber. It also sports some of the ultimate two-stroke pipe porn in the form of Jolly Moto chambers. Not only do the Jolly Motos weigh less than the stock pipes, they flow much better as well. That adds a power gain to the HP column, and an additional smile factor inside the helmet. They also make a fabulous sound at full song. The rest of the bike looks to be in pretty good condition overall (based on the photographs). Asking price is $32,500 US, with the seller open to offers. These are reasonably rare bikes that do not come up for sale all that often, although we do see Canadian bikes more frequently imported in the US. Given that this eclipses the 25 year mark for used bikes, importation into many States might be easier. Check out all of the details and photos here, and Good Luck!!

Suzuki April 21, 2022 posted by Dan

1989 Suzuki GSX-R750R RK available in Portugal

The Suzuki GSX-R750R RK has to be among the top 10 for collectors who folow the homologation era superbikes. 500 RK’s were produced with the first 50 going to Canada. Japan kept the most with 200. And the UK received their batch of 50 from the 200 that went to Europe as a whole. Long story short, this is a rare motorcycle no matter where it’s listed.

1989 Suzuki GSX-R750R RK for sale on eBay

From the seller:

Suzuki Gsxr 750 RR RK, mint condition.

With only 1436 Miles or 2299 KM and year production 1989, this is a very rare bike.

Only 400 unities were produced.

It has rear shock Ohlins, racing footpegs and brembo braking lever.

Original footpegs included on the sale.

Portuguese documents.

You can see by the photos, there in not even one single scratch or dent. Original painting and decals all over the bike.

It has 2 keys.

Feel free to ask more pictures.

Bike is located in Portugal – Lisbon, but we work with Chas Mortimer Ltd to ship bikes to UK. You can also call them and ask for a feedback – shipping price is included.

Francisco has purchased Featured Listings on the site before and this example looks just as collection worthy as his previous offerings. This eBay listing shows a buy-it-now of $29,500.

From the brochure:

1989 Suzuki GSX-R750R RK available in Portugal

Suzuki March 23, 2022 posted by Mike

Nobody Puts Baby In a Corner: 1986 Suzuki RG500 Walter Wolf

Of all of the fun, cool and very rare motorcycles we post here on RSBFS every day, few bikes get me as excited as a Walter Wolf edition of the mighty Suzuki RG500 Gamma. Festooned with the livery of Canadian businessman, motorsports enthusiast and general all around very rich guy, the Walter Wolf livery was available in both 250cc and 500cc Gamma variants, and was largely a cosmetic affair. Sporting what looks like black or dark blue – but in sunlight is actually a deep purple – the WW models came with livery-specific bodywork and instrumentation.

1986 Suzuki RG500 Walter Wolf for sale on eBay

The 500cc Gamma is no stranger to these pages, and enthusiasts everywhere have been viewing these brutal, square-four two strokes as road going GP bikes. In truth, these were more potent than the RZ500 competition, and sharper than most sport bikes of the era. They also held in reserve a lot of potential which could be coaxed out by clever and respected tuners, making them a bit of the holy grail for those seeking the combo of rarity, smokiness and outright speed.

From the seller:
Been sitting for years , ridden once and put into storage serious offers around $50.000, plastic needs repair , but not paint

To be honest, there is not much to go on with this one, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth the effort. The seller claims it is in excellent shape, but also notes the plastics are in need of repair – but not paint. That could mean something non-visible, such as mounting tabs on the back being broken off (not uncommon). Zooming in on the photos show some minor scuff and wear, but I imagine this would clean up nicely. There appears to be a “ran when I parked it” vibe going on here, so it is not obvious if it currently runs. But if it’s been sitting I would recommend a leak down test to ensure the crank seals are still tight; nobody here wants to see this beauty seize. There is no detail in the ad on the total number of miles (kilometers) travelled, however a close up of the speedo shows 13,098 KMs, which equates to just over 8,100 US miles.

This is both an auction as well as a Buy It Now, however the starting bid and the BIN number are one and the same – just under $48k USD, or 60K in Canadian dollars. That is big money for a lot of (unclean) unknowns, but those unknowns need not be bad. There might be a real gem here – after all, it’s a freaking RG500 Walter Wolf Gamma! Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

Nobody Puts Baby In a Corner: 1986 Suzuki RG500 Walter Wolf

Suzuki March 21, 2022 posted by Donn

Indoor Outdoor – 1997 Suzuki TL1000S

Though most RSBFS TL1000 love is lavished on the R-models, the TL1000S was the original customer for Suzuki’s big twin and has its own supersport vibe. Today’s example looks very good for the miles and has just a few decent mods.

1997 Suzuki TL1000R for sale on eBay

More than one manufacturer tried to chase the success of Ducati’s 916, and Suzuki brought some innovative engineers to the task. Their 996cc L-twin used a combination of gear and chain cam drive, resulting in 125 hp and a distinctive sound. Air scoops presented fresh air to the throttle bodies, incorporating multi-point fuel injection. The trellis frame looks familiar but is all aluminum. Suspension was a match of USD forks and a rotary shock which helped keep the wheelbase under control, but had a tough time dealing with heat from the drivetrain.

This very SoCal TLS shows 17,530 miles, and has a bit of an outlaw look with carbon mufflers, no rear mudguard, and a seat fairing with built-in turn signals. It has the typical replacement monoshock, and the Corbin looks a little tire but could have a new cover economically. The paint might be a little too shiny but the decals look correct, and the red calipers and levers aren’t overdone. A walkaround – video – says the tires are new, and there’re no cam belts to renew. Just a note or two from the eBay auction –

Low miles, new tires, fresh paint, Needs nothing. Carbon pipes. Sounds amazing. Corbin seat. I will load more pics and a video if there is any interest. Lots of torque and is great in the turns. Very fun and unique bike. Extremely clean.

Suzuki soon returned to the winning GSX-R racing formula, leaving the TL-1000S and R with a short-ish model run. The engine was a winner though, and lived on in the SV and V-Strom 1000’s, as well as Bimota’s SB8K. Our last TLS went quickly and seemed like a bargain, hopefully the reserve will allow a successful bidder this time.

-donn

Suzuki March 1, 2022 posted by Mike

Canadian Envy: 1983 Suzuki Katana 750

With respect to our neighbor to the North, there is much to be jealous of – from curling expertise to community-based healthcare, the too-cool look of the Mounties, half of the Niagara Falls, and so much maple syrup you could float a hockey stick. But for most of us, Canada represents the gateway to an entirely different motorcycle market. In fact, the largest percentage of the grey market forbidden fruit comes down through the US-Canada border. And in some cases – like today’s striking 1983 Suzuki Katana 750 – it has remained in Canada awaiting import.

1983 Suzuki Katana 750 for sale on eBay

US buyers had access to the original Katana with 1100cc power. There was also a 1 liter model built to homologate the bike for racing. But for the American riding public, the big bore bike was really the only option if you lusted after the Hans Muth design. Other markets received a number of different capacity models that looked like the big Katana, including today’s 750 model. The only smaller “Katana” models here in the States during this era were warmed over GS bikes, lacking the visual punch of the original. Canada, on the other hand, were the recipients of multiple Katana models, all true to the original. Such as today’s 750.

From the seller:
1983 Suzuki katana 750 Canadian version in exellent shape with 49000km , has a small blem on nose , pictured , all stock except pipe . It was completely disasembled cleaned all parts painted and bearings replaced or greased , new chain , brake lines, pads ,oil and tuned ready too ride . The bike is not showroom but very nice has one blem on front fairing and lower side cowl everything works has it should.

For riders below the border, this is an oddity for sure. US Katanas did not come in color, nor did they vary greatly in capacity. I really like how this has the period correct Kerker hanging out proudly, the two-tone seat, and the hawk-bill windscreen that mimics the original. Perhaps not as rare or coveted as, say, a Gamma, we don’t find the smaller Katanas very often. I think they look great; the design continues to hold up well nearly FORTY years on. The seller notes it is not museum perfect, but I certainly wouldn’t kick it out of the bed for eating crackers. Check out all of the details on this stunner here, and then share your Katana stories. Good Luck!!

Suzuki February 8, 2022 posted by Donn

Strange Magic – 1982 Suzuki GS1000SZ with Lockhart lowers !

Suzuki’s stylish flagship was a released as an 1100cc model, but also homologated for superbike racing with just a liter, but racing cams and carburetors. Here’s a collector that was nicely upgraded, put in hibernation for 35 years, and has recently been fawned over to a museum-ready level.

1982 Suzuki GS1000SZ for sale on eBay

Though the Katana made do with a fairly conventional chassis, its clip-ons and factory rear sets made for a riding position poised for action. Having the front axle centered in the anti-dive forks put a fine hone on the handling. With 108 hp on tap, Hans Muth’s triangular fairing made a surprisingly effective notch in the wind. 1000SZ homologation specials got a performance intake cam and round slide Mikuni carburetors. Alloy wheels had the then-current street stagger with 19-inch front / 17-inch rear.

The seller is apparently the second owner, but both custodians can clearly be termed superfans – the original owner spec’d engine mods by Vance and Hines, and the seller has gone through the bike comprehensively after its long hiatus. Take a look at the – detailed pictures – and mammoth list in the eBay auction, and enjoy these comments:

First year, limited production. One year only AMA homologation model. One owner bike (I purchased this bike from the original owner). Purchased new at Pasadena Suzuki in 1982. All work performed in-house by Vance & Hines in late 1983/early 1984. Bike was parked and put into hibernation around 1989/1990 at the request of the original owner’s wife when they had their first child. Bike has been stored indoors in a climate controlled garage ever since.

Clean and clear title. Clean VIN. Starts, runs, and stops great. Bike has been fully gone through. All body work and panels are original, as is the paint. Frame and bodywork are in fantastic shape, paint is in great condition throughout. The seat cover is the factory original faux suede seat cover. The windscreen is the factory original GE Lexan windscreen. The lower fairings are original Lockhart Phillips fairings. These were made to order back in the early to mid ‘80s and are extremely rare. Fairings were color matched with the factory 13L paint. (Note: The fairings were stored off the bike for the last few decades and could stand to be refinished; however, the current paint is in fair condition.) Inside of fuel tank is extremely clean and rust free. Wheels are virtually spotless: no scratches, no pitting, no corrosion, no deeply embedded brake dust/road grime. No oil leaks or seeps, engine is very tight. Bike does not smoke or burn oil. All lights and electronics function properly. This Katana is a true survivor and is in amazing shape at 40-years-old. Aside from the parts and services needed to make it road worthy, this bike has been left as found and was meticulously restored to reflect that.

Original owner’s manual, spare key, steering lock keys, some ephemera (a few sport bike magazines from 1981, a new, sealed in box Testors 1/8 scale model), and some spare parts (original air box, original camshafts, exhaust baffle) are also included with the bike.

While the ask is up there, it’s unclear you could replicate it, when you’d have to start with an undamaged original and source a bunch of goodies that have been out of production for 30 years or more. The Katana did pretty well with AMA champion Wes Cooley aboard, at least on endurance race track, and was just off the championship podium in 1982. Somehow the styling made it a reach in the showroom, though it has a loyal following including your truly. Normally, committing a classic to the carpet doesn’t seem right, but keeping those vintage tires in this case might be a good idea.

-donn

Strange Magic – 1982 Suzuki GS1000SZ with Lockhart lowers !

Suzuki January 29, 2022 posted by William

500cc, And Only 800 Miles: 1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma

In the last couple of years there as been an undeniable increase in demand for 80s and 90s sport bikes. Collectors are keen to achieve childhood dreams and this era motorcycle has seen a sharp increase in pricing. Another trend has been that the highest demand is for bikes with the lowest miles. There have been a few notable sales of brand new, zero mile 30 and 40 year old motorcycles recently. This 1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma is titled in CA and shows just 800 miles.

The tree production years saw 9284 of these 500cc, two strok, twin cranked, square four cylinder machines made. Many were raced, or just well used. It is uncommon to find a clean example, and even less rare to find one already in the USA. This bike also has a California title, that will certainly widen the appeal.

Factory rated at just under 100hp and rev’ing to almost 12k RPM, this was an serious performance machine in the day. Sub 11 second quarter mile times are still fast in the automotive world today. There were many outlets to modify these bikes, and some options could net almost 120hp. Weight for the RG was reported to be in the 400 pound range

From The Seller’s eBay Listing:

A near perfect fully tuned Suzuki RG500 Gamma 1986 model. Only 800 original miles and still on the original tires. Sold new in California this Canadian Spec bike spent its entire life with one owner until his passing. In a twist of fate the original importer who sold it got a phone call and bought it back. He had it fully serviced and then help it 5 years. The bike has a California title on non-op registration. Sold with a bill or sale and the pink if you so desire to register it. It came with the manuals tool kit and a full assortment or spares like a head gasket set and the stock Canadian turn signals and the rear seat. The bike currently has the euro turn signals on it. One small stain on the lower right corner of fuel tank from something leaning on it looks to be a rust stain. It’s reported the owner road the bike one summer then put it into his collection and never road it again. Great article about this motorcycle in pictures. Or Google Carrillo Suzuki RG500 Gamma.

Commanding a $60,000 Buy It Now price, this bike is priced aggressively. But with so few miles and preserved in stunning original condition there are no comparable bike to benchmark pricing. This truly is a case that the seller can ask any price and hope to find a collector that wants to add one of the nicest RG500s to their garage.

Odd that the seller used pictures with arrow watermarks for the listing, and did not provide detailed images of the noted tank stain. What can clearly be seen is that this is a very clean example and includes many extra parts and details that make this package very appealing.

Suzuki January 25, 2022 posted by Mike

Featured Listing – 1989 Suzuki GSX-R 1100

Update 3.31.2022: This bike has SOLD and been delivered. Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

The RSBFS faithful will undoubtedly know Chris Perkins from GSXRonly.com. Chris has listed some amazing builds on this site, complete with the requisite photography and honest descriptions. And today’s bike is no exception, except that instead of a perfect resto or a mod-rod hammer style big bore build up it is more of a very clean survivor / rider example of the classic liter bike monster, the GSX-R 1100 in beautiful blue & white.

1989 Suzuki GSX-R1100 on eBay

Featured Listing – 1989 Suzuki GSX-R 1100 for sale on eBay

The GSX-R line should require no introductions on these pages, as Suzuki’s revolutionary race bike for the street bowed as a 750 in 1985, introducing light weight and race-spec components that redefined performance for the 750cc class. The 1100 model followed the next year, and similarly made existing liter bikes obsolete. But nothing remains static in the competitive arena of competitive motorcycles, and by 1988 the original 750 had already been upgraded in several areas, including a more robust frame. 1989 introduced similar changes to the 1100 (including a bump in displacement), resulting in the best handling and fastest big Suzuki to date. The 1127cc inline four – still cooled via a combination of air and 2 high-flow oil pumps – churned out 143 HP when new, could rip a quarter mile in the very low 10s, and nudged 170 mph flat out on the top end. Heady stuff for the 1980s.

From the seller:
1989 Suzuki GSX-R1100

15,600 miles
New Michelin tires
Yoshimura Duplex Exhaust
Repainted Rear Wheel
Great brakes, clutch and chain/sprocket
Cleaned and rebuilt carbs, new needle valves, ‘O” rings fuel lines and seals for the fuel delivery to the bowls
Lowers have been repainted due to tip over cracks and scuffs. Plastic welded and repainted with PPG products
Rear tail panels have had a few of the mounting nipples repaired.
Small crack left ear near the mirror on the upper fairing
Small crack (repaired from inside to stabilize) on right rear tail,
Small crack on left rear tail
Small crack on front fender
Scratches on the tank
Original white pearl paint is yellowing, as is typical for these bikes.
Metal is very nice, small scratch on right side of swing arm behind pipe
OEM reflectors, rear fender , rear tire hugger
OEM directional’s and mirrors

Running bike, Add fuel. Very fast, somewhat loud, but a lot of fun. If you are looking to have the rest of the bodywork painted, we can make that happen. I have the complete decal kit in hand. Otherwise, ride it as it is.

I try very hard to advise of all known defects so there is no confusion as to the condition, many times I am overly critical, but I have made a trip myself to get bikes, and have been disappointed at the description.

More from the seller:
This 1989 Suzuki GSX-R 1100 is a really nice, mostly original example of a survivor /rider that is in need of a new pilot. Clean Florida title in my name. Ready to assist in shipping, but it is the buyers responsible for making arrangements. Any question or offers, please call.

Asking price: $11,500

Contact information: Chris Perkins 407-492-5854 gsxronly.com

Today we are seeing earlier generation GSX-Rs evolve into true collector bikes. Time has been kind to the style and the legend that is the Gixxer, but so many of these models were not treated kindly in return. Therefore simply finding a serviceable example of one these bikes from the 1980s is a feat unto itself. And when you find one, you have work to do. Potentially a lot of work, depending upon the condition and how recently it was used. Today’s Featured Listing 1989 Suzuki GSX-R 1100 has already had a pretty thorough going over by the sounds of things, and Chris is very open as to the overall mechanical and cosmetic shape of the machine – in both pictures and words. The period correct Yoshimura exhaust and Lockhart tinted screen is just icing on the cake! If you have lusted after a classic GSX-R and are looking for a rider or if you seek a platform to build the bike of your dreams, check out all of the great pictures and then give Chris a shout and strike a deal. Good Luck!!