Posts tagged as “RG500”

I Think I’m Turning Japanese – 1985 Suzuki RG500G Gamma

Published March 16, 2023 by Mike

Spring has not yet sprung, but the ring-a-ding-ding sounds of our favorite smokers continue this week with a very cool RG500 Gamma. We don’t see enough of these square-four monsters on these pages, and rarer still in the black & red livery. This particular bike is on the ground in Japan, purportedly a full-power example out of Australia. It doesn’t matter to me what flag it runs under, because as an American this is one awesome looking 38 year old piece of forbidden fruit.

1985 Suzuki RG500G Gamma for sale on eBay

The RG500 magic starts with the engine – which is actually TWO engines. Think of the RG as a pair of independent, parallel-twin, 250cc two stokes, complete with independent rotary valve induction (there is a very thin, Mikuni flat slide attached to every cylinder), exhaust and crankshaft. Now stack those two on top of each other, one right behind the other. Connect the two cranks via gearing, and route that whole hot mess through the gearbox. You end up with a very powerful, very compact and dense package that can be placed far forward in the chassis for optimal weight distribution. And speaking of chassis, that would be a double down tube cradle style affair, exquisitely constructed in aluminum alloy. A 38mm, air adjustable front fork and Full Floater single rear shock complete the package.

From the seller:
SUZUKI RG500G GAMMA(Type HM31A, motor type M301)Export car full power (Australian specification) There is an aluminum caution plate on the left side of the frame. (Year 1985)500cc 2-stroke square 4-cylinder full power engine It is a very valuable vehicle. First year registration date in Japan (April 1994)

*Restore & Custom*The engine has been fully overhauled at a specialty shop (there is a list of work, change parts, etc.).
* Replacement of uotani SP II coil, headlight relay kit, etc., harness wiring, other electrical system refresh (work, change parts, etc. list available).
* Restoration around the car body (work, change parts etc. list available).In addition, customization and maintenance at the shop
* Racing chamber for Sugaya 500 Gamma (at that time).
*Equipped with carburetor O/H setting and oil check valve.
* Ohlins rear shock (separate tank with height adjustment).
* O/H with white power front fork springs and hard OL.
* Change to external aluminum F sprocket outer plate.

More from the seller:
Restore & custom
The engine is full overhauled at a specialty shop (listed, changed parts, etc.).
*New speedometer at the same time as engine O/H.
Current mileage 6533km (30400km before O/H) There is a possibility that the odometer will increase due to handling.
*Replacement of uotani SP II coil, headlight relay making, harness wiring, and other electrical refresh (list of work, change parts, etc.).
#Restore around the body (list of work, change parts, etc.).
*Sugaya 500 Gamma Racing Chamber (at that time).
*Cabretta O/H setting, oil check valve is installed.
*Orleans -made rear shock (separate tank, vehicle height adjustment).
*O/H with white power front fork spring and hard OL.
* Changed to external aluminum F sprocket outa plate.
* Changed to XAM front sprocket, aluminum rear sprocket, 520 chain.
* Brembo front master cylinder
* Mesh brake hose before and after.
* Yamaha TZR High Slottle / OW type thin handle switch.
* Seat leather reupholstered
* Various bearings around the body, dust seal replacement.
* Suzuki genuine key x 2 (main key, gasoline tank opener, gasoline tank cap, same seat).
* At the time of sale, such as the body, front and rear wheels, exterior, it is almost for Suzuki genuine export. (FRP non-genuine under cowl)
* The inside of the gasoline tank seems to be rusted.
There is no big wound due to falls or accidents.
* Although it was stored indoors, there may be scratches, cracks, rust, dirt, etc. Be sure to check the image for used cars, and ask if you do not know.
* No issues with riding at the moment.
* Accessories other than the main unit (used goods include scratches, rust, dirt, etc.
* Buyers are responsible for paying transportation costs, taxes.
* An export cancellation registration certificate is attached.
* Tandem seat and manufacturer genuine 500 racing stand (at that time). If you wish,we will ship separately.

A full power RG500 is published as 95 HP – which is a fair amount of poke for a sub 350 pound (dry) machine. This gives the big RG its bona fide GP replica status, and general reputation as the fastest of the street-going two strokes. This one is safely tucked away in Japan, indicates nearly 23,000 miles on the KM clocks, and has been cared for and maintained in a manner that allows it to show very well indeed. Paperwork, shipping, taxes and importation hurdles notwithstanding, this auction has an opening ask of $36,500 USD (no takers yet) and a BIN of $48,000 USD. Check out all of the details here – including a walk around video – and Good Luck!!

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Featured Listing – 1985 Suzuki RG500 Gamma!

Published November 23, 2022 by Mike

The seller states this 1985 Suzuki RG500 Gamma Featured Listing is a “Street-legal Collectible GP Replica” and he is very correct indeed. The sharpest of the street going 500cc two strokes, the Gamma was the pinnacle of the GP replica set. Showroom statistics aside, this beauty goes quite a bit further than that, thanks to a massive rebuild and performance work done by the legendary Rick Lance. The best part is that this is not a new bike to RSBFS, as we have seen it before on occasion which allows us to track mileage and usage across owners. In short, this is a stunning example of what a RG500 could be with performance far beyond what you might otherwise find, and even includes a signature by Randy Mamola; someone who knows a thing or two about riding a fire-breathing beast.

Featured Listing: 1985 Suzuki RG500 Gamma for sale on eBay!

From the seller:
1985 Suzuki RG500
Powered by a very compact, water-cooled, twin-crank, square-four two-stroke engine that works like a pair of parallel twins geared together. Stock the bike was cutting-edge. Weighing-in under 400 lbs dry and producing 100+ HP at the crank (stock) with typically ‘exciting’ two-stroke delivery, the Gamma was one of the rawest bikes of the period, a true “race-bike for the road.”

More from the seller:
This listing isn’t some all-original barn-find, but was given serious mechanical and cosmetic attention by the late Gamma Guru Rick Lance. It has the following list of mods:
Full motor rebuild including:
555 Big-Bore upgrade
GSX-R Radiator
Maranello transmission kit
Lance Gamma clutch upgrade
Lance Gamma TriPod air filter kit
Lance Gamma supplemental fuel shut-offs
Pipes supplied by Lance Gamma (I believe Rick said the were Jim Lomas pipes in our last conversation)

Chassis, bodywork, etc:
Battery and oil tank relocation
Upgraded wheel/ tire combination (Katana wheels)
Race-Tech fork upgrade
Rear shock upgrade ( FOX, I believe)
Lance Gamma fiberglass bodywork with custom paint scheme
Tank autographed by GP legend Randy Manila

More from the seller:
This is the second Rick Lance prepped Gamma I have been fortunate enough to own and is irreplaceable to me, but life-circumstances change and it is time to let go. I’ve seen several Gammas sell for $30-35,000 and I believe this is highly collectible and nicer than any of them.

Feel free to contact Vinnie @ 920-988-1950 with any questions

With an auction starting in the bargain basement price territory, there has been avid interest in this bike (reserve not yet met). We know this will not stay in bargain territory very long – after all, you are never going to see one as striking – nor as nicely outfitted – as this one. We encourage you to check out all of the details on this one – as well as the archive posts from years past – and then throw your hat into the ring. Suzuki has not built a RG500 for decades, and the glory days of the two stroke is over. Rick Lance, sadly, has left us with a limited number of his fantastic creations, this being one. So move quickly if you are interested – this beautiful 1985 Suzuki RG500 Rick Lance Gamma won’t last long!

1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma with Rick Lance upgrades

Published August 9, 2022 by Dan

This RG500 is up for auction a second time after a failed listing that is described in the seller description. Unfortunately it’s unlikely you’ll be able to title the bike in California. The seller states it has a Florida title which should transfer in most states. Bidding is over $22k at this point and reserve is met. Good luck to buyers and seller in the remaining 5 days of the auction!

1986 Suzuki RG500 for sale on eBay

from the seller:

I brought the bike up to Rick Lance in 2015 and had him redo the suspension with his own shock and ride height adjustment link. The front forks were also rebuilt. It is setup for bigger guys over 200 lbs. Also, his clutch kit, his petcock kit, and his air filter kit were installed to replace the old ones.

It is in beautiful shape. It does have an aftermarket belly pan and an aftermarket upper fairing. Rick wasn’t sure who the manufacturer was but he said it was high quality. The stock pipes are in beautiful shape.

Rick commented that the bike rides incredibly well. In fact, he told me it was in his top 10 best riding Gammas. The motor has not been opened.

The current mileage equates to 13,021 miles. I have only ridden the bike 30-40 miles since Rick worked on it.

The bike has been sitting for a few years. The fuel was removed. It has been leaking a bit of 2 stroke oil. It needs the oil check valves replaced. There are a couple ways to do this. You can add check valves inline or replace the ball valves in the carbs. Both Lance Gamma and RG500 have them. I was going to bring it up to Rick and have him replace them, but unfortunately he passed away in 2019. His shop was bought out and now is in California, so it’s not easy for me anymore to bring the bike to have it worked on anymore.

I do have the stock air box. I have a repair manual. I do not have the old suspension parts that Rick took off.

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New Old Stock: 1989 Suzuki RG500 with 1 mile!

Published June 17, 2022 by Dan

This has to represent one of the top 5 two strokes for any collector, and for those building a museum-like collection, this is about as good as it gets with just 1 “push” mile.

1989 Suzuki RG500 for sale on eBay

from the seller:

Museum Piece 1989 New Suzuki RG500 Gamma zero hour run time 2 push miles

This well documented RG500 Gamma was one of the last built. Its spent its entire life in England until 2021 when it was sold to a US collector and shipped to California. The bike has been feature in articles, forums and youtube over the years as it was on display in England. This bike is in mint condition and only shows the typical cracked tires as they are original and two scratches on the under belly fairing from loading. It comes with two factory keys, factory warranty card, registration card, suzuki owners card, application for English title and rear stand. The bike was originally offered by GS Motorcycles in Hillsborough County Down. This bike has been sold twice by Bonhams over the years at the International Classic Motorcycle Show. The ultimate for any two stroke 500cc collector.

Sold with a Bill of Sale and Cash only. I will not ship this, buyer must pick up. Please message me for viewing.

Northern California

This auction currently has about 6 days remaining and current bid is a tick over $65,000, reserve not met. Or skip the wait and just buy-it-now for $95,000! This will be a fun one to watch to conclusion. Happy Friday!

3 Responses.

1986 Suzuki RG500 with Lance Gamma Upgrades

Published May 27, 2022 by Dan

The Suzuki RG500 needs no introduction on this website, especially when Lance Gamma has been involved in the updates. Rick Lance was the Jedi Knight of RG500 tuning and upgrades. A master of his craft.

This auction listing is currently bid to $16,100 and has a buy-it-now of $42,995. Somewhere in-between a buyer is going to score a straight up legend.

1986 Suzuki RG500 for sale

from the seller:

If you are looking for a completely stock Suzuki RG500, look elsewhere! If you are looking for an RG that was built to be all that an RG can be, read on! I found this 1986 RG500 over a decade ago through Rick Lance of Lance Gamma fame. While Rick is no longer with us, he was the “GO TO GAMMA GUY” until his passing a few years ago. He had worked with the previous owner of this bike to help him build a bike with all the best parts and technology available for an RG at the time. The project started with an original stock Canadian import bike (Km speedometer) in good condition with approximately 11,000 miles on it. The bike was disassembled as required and all aspects of it built to the highest specifications for a super fun street racer.

The engine was gone through, cranks rebuilt and new stock bore pistons and rings installed. A new Dyson NOVA close ratio transmission along with their Nova straight cut primary gear set installed to address the well-known weaknesses of the stock RG transmission. In addition, a Lance Gamma clutch kit was installed to alleviate any clutch related issues. A shifter support was added as well to alleviate another well-known RG weakness. Carbs were rebuilt with a set of Lance Gamma float valves and Tripod air filters added to maximize fuel and air flow. Last, a set of TC expansion chambers added to handle exhaust duties.

To accommodate the TC chambers, a modified Lance Gamma battery/oil tank relocation kit was added along with a super lightweight Shorai lithium battery. And to make sure there were no overheating problems, an oversize aluminum radiator was added as well.

Handling was addressed next. Per Rick’s recommendation, stock wheels were exchanged for a set of freshly powder coated 17” GSX wheels front and rear with custom machined spacers. These wheels are wider than stock, convert the stock 16” front rim to 17” and allow a much larger selection of high performance tires to be used. Front brakes were upgraded with the addition of GSXR calipers, EBC discs, and Galfer steel braided brake lines. A new aluminum front fork brace was added as well. At the rear, an Ohlins shock with adjustable ride height adjuster was added along with another Galfer steel braided line.

Last, to deal with the cosmetic cracking issues that the stock plastic fairing, belly pan and seat cowl had, an Air Tech fairing and rear cowl was painted to match the paint scheme of the original paint tank. There are a few very minor touch ups on the right side of the front fairing nose where another bike from my collection fell into it, but they are minor at best (see pics). There are also a few very small stress cracks in the white paint on the rear cowl that even Air Tech wasn’t able to avoid with expansion chambers in such close proximity (again, see pics).

Mod Summary:

· Dyson Nova Close Ratio Transmission
· Dyson Nova Straight Cut Primary Gears
· Lance Gamma Clutch Kit
· Lance Gamma Float Valves
· Lance Gamma TriPod Air Filters
· TC Expansion Chambers
· Oversize Aluminum Radiator
· Lance Gamma Oil Tank/Battery Relocation Kit (modified)
· GSX 17” Powder Coated Wheels
· EBC Front Brake Discs
· GSXR Front Calipers
· Galfer Steel Braided Brake lines (F & R)
· Fork Brace
· Ohlins Adjustable Rear Shock
· Ride Height Adjuster
· Air Tech Fairing Painted in Original Paint Scheme w/Sticker Kit
· Zero Gravity Windscreen

The previous owner enjoyed the bike for a 1000 or so miles after it was built and then passed it on to me. I GREATLY enjoyed it for a several hundred more miles and promptly ruptured two discs in my lower back and haven’t ridden it in anger since! I finally “pickled” the bike about eight years ago, and it has been sitting in my indoor collection since. I have finally come to the realization that my age and health will prevent me from enjoying it as intended again so it is time to pass it on to the next caretaker. It is the third RG500 I have owned and by far the best and most fun one of the three!

I have just changed the transmission oil, refreshed the brake fluid in both front and rear brake systems and put in new coolant. I’ve included some pics of the bike with the body work off so you can see just how clean this bike is. I also included a pic of the plugs as they came out of the bike from the last time it was run and put into storage (1-2-3-4 R to L, jetting is spot on!).

I’ve since started and run the bike using a 30:1 premix to be sure all is well (I have not fully checked the automatic oiling system but it appeared to working correctly after start). Started on the fifth kick after eight years! Everything works as best I can tell, but I would suggest a thorough recommissioning to be sure all is in order. Oh, and new tires if you intend to ride it in anger as it is intended. The Metzler ME3’s that are on it are over a decade old now! The bike also comes with two original Suzuki keys, the original owner’s manual, an original Suzuki shop manual, a variety of mods information and documentation, and both an original parts micro-fiche and a hard copy print out of it. Last, I DO NOT have any of the original stock parts. What you see in the pics is what you get.

As an ex-AMA Pro Roadracer, this bike is as close as you are likely to get to the riding experience of the TZ250 and TZ700 I raced back in the day. It is a VERY NICE survivor and one which I’m sure I will regret selling, but age and medical issues say it’s got to go.

This is a very nice example, but it is a USED motorcycle that is almost 40 years old and it is NOT perfect. It is sold as is where is with NO warranty, NO guaranty or any other kind of ”–ty”. The motorcycle has a clear Arizona title in my name with no liens so no issues there. I am happy to arrange a pre-sale inspection if you care to see it before you bid.

7 Responses.

Portuguese Perfection: 1985 Suzuki RG500 Gamma

Published April 29, 2022 by Mike

I’m not sure exactly what is going on in the sun-drenched land of fine port wines, but some amazing motorcycles are being cleared out of a collection and all are RSBFS worthy. In today’s case, just on the off chance that you were in the market for a pristine RG500 Gamma with low miles, let us share some of the details.

1985 Suzuki RG500 Gamma for sale on eBay!

The Suzuki RG500 should need little introduction on these pages, but if you Rip Van Winkled your way through the 1980s then a brief refresh might be in order. Designed to be a 500cc GP racer for the street, the big Gamma was of two-stroke configuration and utilized a square four engine arrangement (think of it as a siamesed pair of parallel twins connected at the crank). This was very much in line with the race bike, which was long before the four-stroke days of the current MotoGP. Intake and breathing was via 4 carbs synchronized through disk valves. And since two-strokes are very sensitive to exhaust pressure, the Gamma had four independent chambers; one for each cylinder. The frame of the Gamma was box-sectioned aluminum with castings for the headstock welded on. Front forks were high-tech air-adjustable with anti-dive, while the Full Floater rear suspension made due with preload only. As was in vogue in the day, the front hoop was a diminutive 16 incher, with a standard 17 inch wheel in the rear. Figure 95 HP pushing a 340 pound (dry) package; when the tach swings above 6,500 RPM, you’d better be holding on.

From the seller:
Suzuki RG500 GAMMA, mint condition.
With only 1060 Miles or 1700 KM and year production 1985, this is a very rare bike.
Complete JollyMoto Exhausts, make an astonishing sound.
Gsxr Wheels and front brake spacer to use original caliper.
Portuguese documents.
You can see by the photos, there in not even one single scratch or dent.
Original painting and decals all over the bike.
It has 2 keys.
Feel free to ask more pictures.
Bike is located in Portugal – Lisbon, but we work with Chas Mortimer Ltd to ship bikes to UK. You can also call them and ask for a feedback – shipping price is included.

This particular example has a popular mod that does away with the dreaded 16″ front rubber. It also sports some of the ultimate two-stroke pipe porn in the form of Jolly Moto chambers. Not only do the Jolly Motos weigh less than the stock pipes, they flow much better as well. That adds a power gain to the HP column, and an additional smile factor inside the helmet. They also make a fabulous sound at full song. The rest of the bike looks to be in pretty good condition overall (based on the photographs). Asking price is $32,500 US, with the seller open to offers. These are reasonably rare bikes that do not come up for sale all that often, although we do see Canadian bikes more frequently imported in the US. Given that this eclipses the 25 year mark for used bikes, importation into many States might be easier. Check out all of the details and photos here, and Good Luck!!

Nobody Puts Baby In a Corner: 1986 Suzuki RG500 Walter Wolf

Published March 23, 2022 by Mike

Of all of the fun, cool and very rare motorcycles we post here on RSBFS every day, few bikes get me as excited as a Walter Wolf edition of the mighty Suzuki RG500 Gamma. Festooned with the livery of Canadian businessman, motorsports enthusiast and general all around very rich guy, the Walter Wolf livery was available in both 250cc and 500cc Gamma variants, and was largely a cosmetic affair. Sporting what looks like black or dark blue – but in sunlight is actually a deep purple – the WW models came with livery-specific bodywork and instrumentation.

1986 Suzuki RG500 Walter Wolf for sale on eBay

The 500cc Gamma is no stranger to these pages, and enthusiasts everywhere have been viewing these brutal, square-four two strokes as road going GP bikes. In truth, these were more potent than the RZ500 competition, and sharper than most sport bikes of the era. They also held in reserve a lot of potential which could be coaxed out by clever and respected tuners, making them a bit of the holy grail for those seeking the combo of rarity, smokiness and outright speed.

From the seller:
Been sitting for years , ridden once and put into storage serious offers around $50.000, plastic needs repair , but not paint

To be honest, there is not much to go on with this one, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth the effort. The seller claims it is in excellent shape, but also notes the plastics are in need of repair – but not paint. That could mean something non-visible, such as mounting tabs on the back being broken off (not uncommon). Zooming in on the photos show some minor scuff and wear, but I imagine this would clean up nicely. There appears to be a “ran when I parked it” vibe going on here, so it is not obvious if it currently runs. But if it’s been sitting I would recommend a leak down test to ensure the crank seals are still tight; nobody here wants to see this beauty seize. There is no detail in the ad on the total number of miles (kilometers) travelled, however a close up of the speedo shows 13,098 KMs, which equates to just over 8,100 US miles.

This is both an auction as well as a Buy It Now, however the starting bid and the BIN number are one and the same – just under $48k USD, or 60K in Canadian dollars. That is big money for a lot of (unclean) unknowns, but those unknowns need not be bad. There might be a real gem here – after all, it’s a freaking RG500 Walter Wolf Gamma! Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

4 Responses.

500cc, And Only 800 Miles: 1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma

Published January 29, 2022 by William

In the last couple of years there as been an undeniable increase in demand for 80s and 90s sport bikes. Collectors are keen to achieve childhood dreams and this era motorcycle has seen a sharp increase in pricing. Another trend has been that the highest demand is for bikes with the lowest miles. There have been a few notable sales of brand new, zero mile 30 and 40 year old motorcycles recently. This 1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma is titled in CA and shows just 800 miles.

The tree production years saw 9284 of these 500cc, two strok, twin cranked, square four cylinder machines made. Many were raced, or just well used. It is uncommon to find a clean example, and even less rare to find one already in the USA. This bike also has a California title, that will certainly widen the appeal.

Factory rated at just under 100hp and rev’ing to almost 12k RPM, this was an serious performance machine in the day. Sub 11 second quarter mile times are still fast in the automotive world today. There were many outlets to modify these bikes, and some options could net almost 120hp. Weight for the RG was reported to be in the 400 pound range

From The Seller’s eBay Listing:

A near perfect fully tuned Suzuki RG500 Gamma 1986 model. Only 800 original miles and still on the original tires. Sold new in California this Canadian Spec bike spent its entire life with one owner until his passing. In a twist of fate the original importer who sold it got a phone call and bought it back. He had it fully serviced and then help it 5 years. The bike has a California title on non-op registration. Sold with a bill or sale and the pink if you so desire to register it. It came with the manuals tool kit and a full assortment or spares like a head gasket set and the stock Canadian turn signals and the rear seat. The bike currently has the euro turn signals on it. One small stain on the lower right corner of fuel tank from something leaning on it looks to be a rust stain. It’s reported the owner road the bike one summer then put it into his collection and never road it again. Great article about this motorcycle in pictures. Or Google Carrillo Suzuki RG500 Gamma.

Commanding a $60,000 Buy It Now price, this bike is priced aggressively. But with so few miles and preserved in stunning original condition there are no comparable bike to benchmark pricing. This truly is a case that the seller can ask any price and hope to find a collector that wants to add one of the nicest RG500s to their garage.

Odd that the seller used pictures with arrow watermarks for the listing, and did not provide detailed images of the noted tank stain. What can clearly be seen is that this is a very clean example and includes many extra parts and details that make this package very appealing.

7 Responses.