Featured Listing – 1985 Suzuki RG500 for sale in Australia

Update 11.9.2015: Back on the market and with a lower opening bid. Good luck to buyers and seller. -dc

As new, unrestored, low miles, mint – we have all seen these phrases accompanying motorcycle classifieds.  Rarely does a factory GP replica survive 30 years with only 3,200 km. and without a mark.  The low number of owners might account for how this RG500 survived the decades in such condition.

Inspired by their GP successes in the late 1970’s and early 80’s, Suzuki introduced the RG500 as a street machine for the 1985 model year.  Though production ended only three years late due ever-tightening emissions regulations, the 498cc, 93 hp machine is the stuff of legend.  Developed for racing, the square four two-stroke is a powerhouse, twin crankshafts with gears driving the primary shaft.  Despite Suzuki’s efforts with its Automatic Exhaust Control, it’s a peaky engine, starting to really scream as you cross the 6,000 rpm mark.

Around 350 lbs., the light weight helps make it a handler, assisted by staggered 16-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, and Full Floater rear suspension.  The aluminum box frame is welded to cast steering head and swingarm mounts which accommodate the footpegs.  There are four individual exhaust expansion chambers and mufflers, two under the seat and two next to the swingarm.  Dual 260mm discs ride floating buttons up front, and a 210mm disc in back.

Seeming to be recently rolled out of a 1985 showroom, there’s no evidence of wear or corrosion anywhere on this RG500.  The 3rd owner states in the eBay auction:

3200 KMS ONLY WITH FULL PROVENANCE FROM NEW

COMES WITH ORIGINAL OWNERS MANUAL WITH SERVICE HISTORY, 2 ORIGINAL KEYS, FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL, MICHELIN A48 AND M48 TYRES, GENUINE SUZUKI RACE STAND, GENUINE SINGLE SEAT, ETC

BIKES IS UN RESTORED AND IS CERTAINLY ONE OF THE BEST EXAMPLES IN THE WORLD TODAY

ENGINE REGULARLY HEAT CYCLED AND JUST SERVICED WITH COMPLETE CARB KIT AND RUNS LIKE NEW

BIKE IS TOTALLY AS YOU WOULD HAVE PURCHASED IN 1985 NOT A MARK ON IT “AS NEW”

ALL GENUINE PLASTIC FAIRING PANELS AS NEW

As close as could be to a 500cc GP Gamma for the road, there are accounts of Kevin Schwantz riding an RG500 from a English dealership ( after mechanics changed wheels, forks, and carbs ) in the 1986 championship TT at Assen, placing 2nd, and returning the bike to the showroom the next week.  Though an example like this seems to belong under glass on a fairly high pedestal, you could go through it and prepare for vintage racing, or title and register it for the road.  After transferring what appears will be pretty serious funds, the choice will be a great privilege.

-donn