For a very brief period in the mid-1980s the Grand Prix racing fans were able to sample two machines of singular purpose: Yamaha’s V4 RD500LC/RZ500 and Suzuki’s wild, square-four powered RG500Γ “Gamma.” Each was intended to showcase the style, performance, and feel of a two-stroke GP motorcycle in a road-legal package, although they went about it in different ways. Of the pair, Suzuki’s was closest to the true spirit of a “race bike for the road” and is generally considered more valuable than the Yamaha, although the RD/RZ has its fans as well, and prices for both are steadily climbing.
Part of the reason the Gamma is so desirable is that Suzuki never made that many of them in the first place, the other is that it might be one of the most authentic race replicas ever made, with a twin-crank, two-stroke, square-four engine that wasn’t shared with any other motorcycle in their lineup. Although, like the similarly exotic Desmosedici that shared no parts with its MotoGP inspiration, Suzuki’s powerplant merely aped the configuration of their 500cc Grand Prix machine, but was more much more road-oriented. So it may not have exactly been a detuned race bike, but it’s as close as you’re likely to get.
With around 100hp pushing almost 400lbs wet, the RG500 isn’t the quickest thing around at this point, and it wasn’t even the fastest thing going in 1986. But it was lightweight for the time, and the whole package was so exotic: two-stroke sports twins were the order of the day, so a twin-crankshaft, square four cylinder with the same eye-opening power delivery, only even more so, must have made the RG feel like it rolled right off a race track, with an experience of speed and agility that far outstripped the measurable performance.
If you’re searching for a Gamma, today’s example is about as good as it gets, unless you’re looking for one that’s been modified with more modern suspension, brakes, and wheels.
From the original eBay listing: 1986 Suzuki RG500Γ for Sale
Up for auction is my 1986 Gamma. This bike is completely stock with only 3,711 original km or roughly 2,300 miles. This bike has never been rebuilt, is all original and is by far the nicest Gamma I have ever seen. The bike has lived inside my house for the last five years. Originally a Canadian bike stored in a climate controlled environment I imported the bike legally and it now has a Maryland state title. I just trailered it to the shop for a new battery and fresh plugs and it starts right up on the first or second kick.
In the time I have owned the bike I can’t make myself ride it. Its just too nice. It really belongs in a museum or in someone’s private collection or take it to shows which I have done. First place winner every time. Unless you find one still in a crate somewhere you’ll not find a nicer Gamma anywhere.I’m willing to work with the buyer as far as shipping but cost will be their responsibility. I can also take as many pictures as you need and am willing to talk with any serious buyers. I also have another RG 00 with 8000km and a California title in amazing condition as well that is going to be auctioned next.
I am on the side of higher prices. Finally sport bikes are getting their due. Just try and maintain this jewelry for 30 years that’s why the cost is what it is. it’s great to know there are still nice clean examples if you wanted to jump in the game
Let the “dry crank seal” rants begin……..
30G’s? Good grief. I fail to see how higher and higher prices for 70s and 80s motorcycles benefit anyone but rich collectors.
At this rate, bikes will be like muscle cars in a few more years. Only the rich folks will be able to.afford them and they will sit quietly in some garage or basement never to be ridden again. It’s a darn shame. The regular working stiffs who truly love the sport are the ones that will miss out.
Steve, learn to how the buy, hold and sell cycles work in all forms of collectibles…it’s a powerful financial tool. you won’t consider yourself a working stiff once you figure it out. Some free advice… What do you think the 80’s sport bike are? They are the late sixties and seventies muscle cars, only in the bike form. buy what you can now, you will see steady appreciation of these bike for the next 10 to 15 years. Then sell it all!!!, before those who grew up with these bikes are too old to ride them and who are all looking to sell off their collections to fund their retirement plans… wait too long on the sell side, well then it’s good luck selling them when your 80… As for 30k for this bike… my feeling is, it’s about damn time the real value of these bikes are coming to light????
Your text about exotic 1980s race replicas omits the Honda NS400R V-3 two stroke replica of their GP bike that Freddie Spencer rode to victory on. It is a significant bike, collectible, and rare.
One thing that is also a consideration is the asking vs sale price. Every buyer is a negotiator nowadays so in some ways you just have to ask high knowing that the price you really want to reach will most likely be somewhere below that.
I happened upon this one a few days ago. ZERO miles boys. Clearly purchased as an investment. UNICORN!
https://www.superbikeplanet.com/unicornmotorcycle-sale-1985-suzuki-rg500-two-stroke-0-miles/
Ask the guy in socal with the Walter wolf that has been on Craig’s list for almost a year was even on here at 25k down to like 22k. How it’s working out for him even with a Cali plate it’s not moving.
Could you Picky-Poo Pant fucking pussies give it a break once and awhile? You have the Holy Grail of streetbikes here, and y’all gonna bitch like a couple of 13 year olds ?
What a bike! Agree with k3, if you can buy and enjoy then move on to the next. Lucky enough to own a gsxr 750ltd and zxr750 m2. Only to be parted with when kids need/want the money lol
Sorry. Ain’t worth 30 yet. A zero mileage gamma just sold for 42. ZERO MILES.
The only ones on here who complain about the cheap seats users are just looking to make a profit.
I’m not only a fan of rsbfs, I’m now a fan of Big Bangs commentary……lol!
I’ve paid market value and above several times above for a rare bike ” I had to have”. Wait a few years, enjoy the bike, often the value will rise with these bikes. If not, who cares. Most people who buy these cool bikes do it for their passion of them, not as an appreciating asset. Love the 2strokes, Keep em coming!
Ehhhhhh
Buy to enjoy but powerful financial tool? At a pretty safe return of 6%, you’d double your money in 12 years after taxes and inflation. That means in 12 years the bike you buy would have to more than double in value assuming you pay taxes on it, yearly registration fees, yearly insurance fees and maintenance. If you don’t ride it then it would need to at least appreciate by 100% just to break even.
You’d make drastically more money just buying and flipping motorcycles in places with a limited riding season.
Good luck to the seller – I think the bike is cheap at $30k. I`m with Big Bang on this one. They just don`t make `em any more.