Still Can – 1989 Suzuki RGV250

Suzuki’s smaller Gamma had a brilliant ten year run, mostly in progressive license provinces, and really comes to life off the public roadways.  Today’s RGV is a survivor with a monoposto seat fairing and carbonated option livery.

1989 Suzuki RGV250 for sale on eBay

Even junior riders wanted some of the sportbike action, and the RGV delivered with a 249cc V-twin, which got regular tech infusions from the road racing department.  Though a legislative limit of 40 hp applied in Japan, close to 50 hp were available with restrictions defeated.  Built like its bigger siblings, the RGV had a twin spar alloy chassis, Full Floater monoshock, 32mm Mikuni’s, six speed cassette gearbox, dual 290mm front brakes, and staggered 17 and 18-inch cast wheels.  The full fairing looked the part but reviewed as not quite up to sheltering a 98th percentile rider.

Coming out of central Texas, the 13,734 miles look very good on this RGV.  No glaring red lights, but the mismatched fairings and tank call for a closer look.  Comments from the eBay auction:

• Features –
• Original DJM Japanese model with speed warning light on console.
• Pepsi livery except the tank. I think it has aftermarket plastic fairings. Paint is perfect.
• Tyga carbon fiber silencers
• Dark smoked windscreen
• Rear seat cowl (I do not have the original rear seat or footpegs)
• 22,085 kilometers (13,722 miles)
• Run and drives great, new fork seals, new battery.
• No internal engine mods
• Bad –
• Some surface corrosion on the aluminum casting-foot pegs, etc.
• Title lists it as an 1986, but the VIN identifies it as a 1989. I suspect that it was done this way when it was imported years ago to get around the 25 year old rule.

Early in the auction but a lot of watchers on this Suzuki, which doesn’t seem to need much to give the paint job some continuity.  A California bidder might have a little extra homework to do beforehand, and purists are sure to quibble, but it looks to be a worthwhile endeavor.

-donn