Table for One: 1988 Suzuki RGV250Γ SP for Sale

Fresh off the boat from Japan, this Suzuki RGV250 Γ “Gamma” is the higher-spec SP model that featured fully-adjustable suspension, along with a close-ratio gearbox and a dry clutch. 1988 was the first year of the RGV that replaced the parallel-twin of the RG250 with a new, 90° 249cc v-twin engine that also found its way into the Aprilia RS250. Designated the “VJ21” this first-generation RGV used Suzuki’s sophisticated aluminum beam frame, but lacked the later bike’s stacked exhaust and sexy banana swingarm that allowed space for that bike’s bulging expansion chambers.

The complete package made around 50hp and weighed around 282lbs dry, so performance is deceptively good, considering the relatively small displacement. But more importantly, these machines are notoriously high-strung, requiring real effort to extract the modest power and skill to take advantage of that light weight and nimble handling. The result is performance that can embarrass more powerful machines on track and on the road when used properly. For Real Riders™ this kind of involvement is critical to the motorcycle experience and makes for epic David vs. Goliath stories shared over lunch.

This bike also features a solo tail section, which at first seems a shame. I mean, what rider doesn’t dream about taking some hot, young thing on the back for a midnight ride, the capstone of the typical motorcycle fantasy? But sexy as they may be, sportbikes are generally impractical for taking passengers and, considering the RGV250’s tiny, tiny size, maybe it’s best that this is a rider-only machine…

From the original eBay listing: 1988 Suzuki RGV250Γ Gamma SP for Sale

The seller also helpfully includes a clip of the bike starting and running. The bike is in generally decent condition, although that solo tail is obviously not the original part, and the stock piece appears to be long-gone. Aesthetic choice or crash-repair? Many of these sat outside in their home market: garage space is at a premium in Japan. And build-quality was never all that high for these quarter-liter sportbikes, so most of these making their way here will need some cosmetic attention.

There’s still plenty of time left on the auction, with a $4,300.00 starting bid and no takers as yet.  Those two little letters “S” and “P” mean it should prove popular among collectors and folks who live in places where registration entails nothing more than a duly-appointed state representative looking at your ride and saying, “Yup. That’s a motorcycle.” It’s not a dead-stock museum-piece, but I expect that’ll be reflected in the final selling price, so someone may get a good deal on machine that’s very rare here in the US.

-tad