Looking very much like someone washed an RG500 in hot water, Suzuki’s RG250Γ “Gamma” featured two fewer cylinders and half the displacement, but was still packed full of race-bred technology and performance. Built between 1983 and 1987, the quarter-liter Gamma was never officially imported to the USA, but some have found their way here over the years from Canada, and their age means that more are now finding their way here in shipping containers to feed starving hordes of US two-stroke enthusiasts.
Performance available belies the mere 247cc displaced by the liquid-cooled parallel twin, as the government-mandated 45hp had its midrange boosted by Suzuki’s Automatic Exhaust Control power valve system, with even more available in markets outside Japan. Skilled pilots could exploit that limited power by working the six-speed gearbox to keep the engine in the meat of the narrow two-stroke powerband, and stopping power from the triple-disc DecaPiston four-piston brake setup was excellent. Anti-dive forks were probably more useful to the marketing team than to riders, but the bike did have excellent handling and a light weight of 286lbs dry, thanks in part to the aluminum frame, although grip from the skinny 80s tires will be limited if you’re used to wide modern radials.
“Walter Wolf” may sound like the name of a James Bond villain, but in reality he was simply an eccentric businessman who made his fortune in the Canadian oil business and used that fortune to sponsor several Formula 1 racing teams in the late 1970s, followed by touring cars in the early 1980s, as rich folks are wont to do. The color scheme was an unusual choice, but I happen to think the dark blue-and-red race replica colors are the most flattering for the slab-sided Gammas, although the traditional white-and-blue obviously has many fans as well.
From the original eBay listing: 1986 Suzuki RG250 Walter Wolf Replica for Sale
Very original 1986 Suzuki RG250 Gamma Walter Wolf import that has not been running in a while. I am a collector and imported it from Japan. Appears to be an original Walter Wolf, not a clone. The only parts that seem not to be original are possibly the brake and or clutch levers and the clip-ons or handle bars. Over all in good original condition for its age, minor dings, scratches, not running. Turns over and feels like good compression. Will need going thru, tires, carb kit, brake work, battery, etc, my gut says that with battery, carb rebuild and fresh gas you will have a runner. I do have both mirrors, one off now for easier storage. Happy to send more photos and or video. Prefer buyer to come see in person so they see what they need to see. Seat has small cut and tank small dings. Overall the body panels are in nice shape and someone put plastic sheet protection tape on areas to protect paint, etc. Clock reading 9130km. Florida title. I can help arrange shipping, have worked with a few shippers recently. All payment funds must be fully cleared before shipping. RZ TZR NSR RGV KR1 NSR250 RGV250 TZR250 Gamma. Questions welcome.
Very original import that has not been running in a while. The only parts that seem not to be original are possibly the brake and or clutch levers and the clip-ons or handle bars. Appears to be an original Walter Wolf, not a clone. Over all in good original condition for its age, minor dings, scratches, not running. Turns over and feels like good compression. Will need going thru, tires, carb kit, brake work, etc, my gut says that with battery, carb rebuild and fresh gas you will have a runner. Happy to send more photos and or video. Prefer buyer to come see in person so they see what they need to see. Seat has small cut and tank small dings. Overall the body panels are in nice shape and someone put plastic sheet protection tape on areas to protect paint, etc. Clock reading 9130km. Florida title
I believe some markets made do with stock Suzuki gauge faces, but the blue and red Walter Wolf items are a good indicator that this is the real thing. Obviously, this one will need some refurbishment, but nothing outside the ordinary for a bike of this age. The cosmetics aren’t perfect, but the bike looks complete, and is claimed to be very original which counts for much among collectors. And if you’re not into math, that kilometers reading on the odometer means the bike has just 5,673 miles on it. With a Buy It Now price of $4,750 the seller seems to be realistic about what this bike is worth, considering the worn cosmetics and non-running condition, so if you want an 80s two-stroke sportbike and your finances won’t stretch to an RG500, this might scratch that itch.
-tad
