Derived straight from Suzuki’s half-liter RG Gamma XR45 factory Grand Prix racer, the RG500 was a road-legal replica racer produced between 1985 and 1987. From the mid-‘70s to the mid-‘80s, Suzuki was a dominant force in premier class competition. Barry Sheene achieved back-to-back 500cc championship titles in ’76 and ’77 before the Gallina Suzuki team repeated the feat half-a-decade-later with riders Marco Lucchinelli and Franco Uncini in ’81 and ’82. Suzuki also won seven consecutive 500cc Class Constructors’ titles around this same time.
To capitalize on the brand’s reputation for building high-performance race bikes, Suzuki decided to develop a slightly-tamed production version of its competition square-four machine. 7,340 examples were produced in the first year of production (1985), with another 1,412 in 1986 and a final 532 specimens in 1987, making for a total of just 9,284. Due to emissions regulations (among other reasons), Suzuki never officially sold the RG500 Gamma in America, though it was offered in Canada so a few grey market examples have found their way across the border.
Classic Motorbikes described the Gamma’s place among its competitors by stating, “Place the RD500, NS400 and RG500 Gamma side-by-side and you would have three of the top manufacturers attempts at producing a replica of their respective GP racers, however, with all but one of those machines, all you purchased was a mere shadow of the original design. That is not to say the others were rubbish, far from it in fact, but the RG was definitely nearer the mark, and actually far closer to the race machine than you might ever imagine. The Suzuki is almost an exact replica of the race machine.”
Manufactured in October of 1985, this example is VIN: JS1HM31AXG2100857.
The odometer shows 44,035 kilometers (27,280 miles). It has 35 miles since a complete engine rebuild (detailed below).
The seller acquired it three years ago from a private party in Ontario, Canada in “complete and half decent shape. Engine ran somewhat rough and cosmetics were rough. Nose fairing was a disaster. (typical) So a complete frame off rebuild was done. Engine from the cranks up, chassis, brakes, suspension, etc. Components were powder coated before assembly ie; wheels, triple clamps, brake calipers, grab rail, rearset plates, birdcage, engine covers, etc. Exhausts have been ceramic coated. I have rode the bike to my house and back to my shop once to ensure it operates correctly. Basically this is a brand new RG500 with 35 miles..”
Maintenance:
“Complete bike overhaul. Everything. Full documentation.” The seller states that there are no known mechanical issues. “Speaking from a mechanical stand point you will not find a nicer Gamma.”
Modifications:
“Updated OEM suzuki transmission gears. Ed Toomey built crankshafts. ATR handled the whole build. New everything but OEM. Pistons OEM oversize 1.0 mm. Stock, no performance upgrades. Brand new OEM rotary valves and outer covers. New aftermarket plastic nose fairing painted correctly both inside and out.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone BT46 tires with date codes of 2421 and 3321.
The sale includes three keys and the tool kit.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“A couple in fuel tank, seat side panels, forks stained lightly, gauge needles faded some, crack in the windshield.” The seller has a new aftermarket windscreen on order.
Currently located in Norwalk, Connecticut, this Suzuki is offered on a clean Connecticut title.
Have any RG500 Gamma stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
