For Sale: 1987 Suzuki RG 250 Gamma with CA title
Predecessor to the RGV series of two-stroke v-twins, the original Suzuki quarter-liter “racebike with lights” was a parallel twin known as the RG. Introduced in 1983 and manufactured through 1987, the RG250 was very advanced for its day. The Gamma series was one of the first – if not THE first – mass produced sportbike with an aluminum frame. This RG model also sported a single shock “Full Floater” rear suspention, slippery aero bodywork, modern 4-piston brake calipers and an anti-dive fork.
This particular bike appears to be a MK III machine, including a power-boosting Automatic Exhaust Control (AEC) system. Unlike Yamaha’s YPVS system which altered the height of the exhast port, Suzuki’s AEC utilized a butterfly valve in the head to alter the capacity of the exhaust – thereby widening the powerband and increasing total power to approximately 50 bhp. Bolted into a sharp-handling chassis and weighing in at approximately 285 lbs, the Gamma offered racetrack performance.
From the seller:
1987 Suzuki RG 250. Looks good, strong runner. Has Avon Super Venom Tires near new tread depth. Has been run up Palomar Mountain, a worthy 7 mile steep climb from 2,200 to 5,500 feet altitude, with 230 Lb rider.Milage shown on speedo is in Kilometers, converted to Mph in info area. Original paint except for upper fairing and front fender. Red Suzuki decal has some scratches but reproduction ones may be available on the net. Reg Expired 2007, but is on PNO , so no penalties.
Larger pictures can be e-mailed, direct if closer look for blemishes is desired. Bike always stored indoors , and run every couple of months to keep healthy. Have very large bike collection being thinned down to make more space.
This particular seller is a well known collector. His stable is said to include more than 300 bikes, and thus the “thinning the herd” comment is probably true. We don’t see a lot of RG250 Gammas run through RSBFS, which speaks to their relative rarity. Considering this one has a valid California title (nearly impossible to obtain and a definitive price booster for CA buyers) and appears to be in reasonable condition, I would estimate that it will fetch fair market money.
So what is “fair market money” for one of these? Generally, a RG250 will run from $2,500 – $5,500 depending upon condition and model. The Walter Wolf editions tend to bring just a bit more – but not always; auctions can be fickle beasts. The reserve is apparently set just below $4k, which is about what this bike will likely sell for.
For all the pictures, details and more, . Tell ’em RSBFS sent you!
MI
I love the old school plastics! They are in pretty good shape too.
Can’t you import bikes like these under the 25 year old rule now?
Another day, another one of Chris Dolan’s “scores” for sale- bought cheaply off eBay three years ago ($2200), intending to be flipped for big profit now. A good percentage of the value of this machine is in the peice of paper. This sad unloved example shows relatively high kilometers for a small two stroke, half the plastics repainted, and is filthy. It runs, but what condition is the motor internally actually in, and how hard to find parts and costly will it be to rebuild? There are many more desireable two strokes in much better condition available for buyers with a good eye and patience. Pass.
To back up my statement of it being filthy before anyone quibbles: have a good luck at the close up pic of the gauges and steering head area. And look at the wheels. That’s truly revealing of the actual condition- dirty and corroded. Fairings are the easiest, quickest, and most visible things to wipe clean and make a dog look sellable. This seller wouldn’t dare take multiple close up pictures of what it looks like underneath with the fairings removed, that would be too revealing and lower the value. Again, mutiple sins of omission- the attitude here is let the buyer find out reality after the fact and hope he doesn’t raise a fuss and the deal sticks.
respect truth, but have you ever met the man? i’ve had phone and email w/ him, and i believe he’s legit. perhaps he is trying to make $$$ from his bikes, but isn’t that capitalism for you?
[…] to like it that way, thank you very much! That is why I was stoked to find the big brother of this 250 Gamma I posted a few days ago. Today’s bike is the full bore, real deal: 500cc, square four, 95 […]