Rarity is a curious question of locality. For US riders, the RG250 Gamma was always forbidden fruit (those residing in California were prohibited from even looking at pictures of these exotic machines). However in the home markets where small bikes rule, RG250s – as well as a host of other “exotic” small-bore rockets – are as plentiful as Honda Civics. Where you live has a great deal to do with the laws of supply and demand. As such, when we see the big RZs, RZVs, TZs, K1s and RGs, American riders tend to drool. After all, these are a delicacy in the otherwise land of plenty.
1983 Suzuki RG250 Gamma for sale on eBay
Although improperly listed as a Ganma (we are willing to overlook minor editing errors – after all RSBFS has been known to make them), it is unclear how much the seller knows about the history and condition of the bike. There are a number of photos and a video of the bike in question, so at least there is a willingness to provide as much info as possible to prospective buyers. The bike runs, and damage has been noted in both text and pictures.
From the seller:
The bike is imported from Japan.
Not registered yet in the U.S.
This bike is sold without title.
Original cowl , some re-painted, small dent & scratches.
Engine repainting, brake dragging, re-covered seat, changed to single seat
Some repair is necessary
This RG was recently imported directly from Japan. As is common with many such imports, corrosion and damage is prevalent. Because Japan is densely populated and real estate is at an absolute premium, most of the smaller bikes sit outside (usually alongside dozens – if not hundreds – of others). Proximity to the ocean accelerates the aging process, as does the occasionally tip-over or bump in the overcrowded parking locations where these bikes live. Nice to see that the spirit of modification is alive and well in the Far East. According to the seller, the saddle has been converted to a solo seat. I’m not sure what it looks like under the tail cover (that cover normally houses a second seat), nor is it clear what other mods a potential buyer may face.
There is also the issue of title. I’m sure this bike will be sold with a bill of sale, but if it has not been officially imported into the US then you will have some significant paperwork to do. If you know your state’s vehicle code (and don’t live in California), this may not be a tremendous hurdle. Or, you may be looking at a very cool track-day toy to make your fellow riders jealous. Either way, be aware that this is not a buy-and-ride-away sort of situation. Check it out here, and be sure and share your thoughts in the Comments section. Good Luck!
MI
It’s the first Gamma. While it was totally epic at the time, frankly, it’s not that nice to ride, especially in the light of later 2-stroke road-going racers, it’s not in a great shape (because pretty much all those have been pretty abused), so it’s really difficult to justify the price. Maybe a collector can justify it, for the price of exclaiming, “I own one.”
+1 on it being a Gamma. The logo (or whatever you want to call it) is the upper case for Gamma. You see it on all the RG and RGV range…..although I’m pretty sure there are exceptions. I never understood why they used it. Does anyone have any insight?
This posting takes me back to premix and riding in sneakers and thinking I was immortal.
Fun post, thanks for the trip down memory lane.
My first bike was an RZ350YPVS – in stock form a wallowy unstable flake of a bike with a hinge behind the tank. My second bike (after riding the wheels off the RZ and smashing it to bits, that’s what teens do to bikes LOL) – was an RG250 Gamma.
Night and day difference in the handling. On twisty roads, mountain switchbacks and the like, any lack of power compared to the 350 was made up in the handling department. Only when a buddy showed up with a TZR250 1KT was the 250 Gamma challenged. Of course the NS400, RG500 and RZ500 where in another league and we drooled over those guys bikes.
By the time the 3MA, NSR, RGV and the rest came around I had already moved onto 4 strokes (after smashing the RG250 to bits LOL). But the baby Gamma was where I learnt that lack of weight could make up for excess of power 🙂
Judging the RG250 Gamma by the next generations of 1/4 liter bikes is pointless, it was never meant to compete with them, that’s why it was replaced in the line up – but when new, it was the 1/4 liter to have.
Thanks for the comments, RC45; that is some great first-person feedback on these machines. I felt like I was right there, thrashing those bikes with you. 🙂
Great little bike,on another level handling wise when it was launched.Lots of these abandoned here in Greece,people tend to ignore them and look for the later RGVs instead.That tail section is one of the most controversial designs ever on a bike.
Please feel free to correct me if I am wrong but didn`t this little 250 Gamma sport the first mass produced lightweight frame from a major manufacturer ? Lovely little lightweight bikes for their time.