Road Legal: Titled 1991 Suzuki RGV250 for Sale

In countries where riders prefer their roads twisty and their exhausts smoky, bikes like this little Suzuki RGV250 aren’t all that rare and don’t command the prices they do here in the US, and titled examples of the little two-stroke sportbikes are even more difficult to find.

Introduced in 1988, the RGV250 Γ “Gamma” replaced the parallel-twin RG250 as Suzuki’s GP-replica backroad ripper. The new liquid-cooled, 90° v-twin produced in the neighborhood of 55hp at first and weighed in at under 300lbs dry, making for a very entertaining ride. Aprilia saw the potential in Suzuki’s snarling little twin and used the same motor to power their RS250.

The RS250 was certainly fast, but Aprilia didn’t see fit to grace their bike with any cool acronyms. Of course Suzuki couldn’t resist: the “SAPC” on the tail section stands for “Suzuki Advanced Power Controller” and refers to their proprietary power-valve system found on the second-generation VJ22 that was introduced in 1991. Power was up a bit above 60hp for the VJ22, although weight was up a bit as well, in part due to the distinctive curved swingarm that allowed room for the expansion chambers to tuck in close and maximize cornering clearance.

It’s worth noting that the power-valves on the VJ22 can stick in the low-rpm position, but the seller’s listing mentions that they’ve been “pinned” which I’d assume means it’s locked in the full-open position. This will hurt low and mid-range power a bit, but will ensure that the power valve won’t stick closed and murder the top end kick.

From the original eBay listing: 1991 Suzuki RGV250 for Sale

In good condition with clean and clear Florida title in my name. Bike has approximately 4,665 miles (7,465 KM’s) miles on it. It produces approximately 55 hp and weighs approximately 282 lbs. Power valves have been pinned, and it has fresh tires.

Bike does not have any corrosion or rust that is typically found on these 250’s. This is a rider and not a museum piece so it does have a few scratches. USD forks, banana swingarm, exhaust-valve controller etc..

I have owned lots of other 2 strokes and none compares to a RGV250.

I have 3 bikes with not enough time to ride them all. I want to do a frame-off restoration on a vintage 2 stroke I have, so I need the funds from one of my bikes to get that done.  Bike is listed elsewhere so auction may end early

As the seller points out, the bike isn’t perfect, and has a few signs of wear-and-tear that result from regular use. I’d prefer those easily fixed or lived-with scuffs to the cancerous creep of decay that results when bikes sit too long on display…

This one’s ready to go, as this video of the bike starting and running shows.

There are no bids yet, but the seller lists a Buy It Now price of $6,999.00 which seems reasonable, given the rarity of the RGV250 here in the US, especially titled and in such solid condition. Except for those purple bar-end weights: they hurt my eyes.

-tad