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.”
This example is VIN: JS1HM31A4G2100272, Engine #: M301-102204. The seller acquired it in 2000 from a two-stroke collector in San Jose, California.
During his ownership, the seller covered less than 1,000 miles. The odometer shows 3,662 miles.
“This bike had a lot of care and work done to it. The engine was built by Rick Lance of Lance Gamma using only OEM parts. The rebuild consisted of overhauled cranks, new OEM pistons on first bore and a completely updated transmission. Only OEM gaskets were used during the build. Transmission gears were updated, verified as sound and reassembled with an OEM clutch and clutch plates. The top end is currently on first bore with approximately 3,500 miles on the clock. The top end breathes through Rick Lance Uni Style foam filters and a set of Tommy Crawford expansion chambers.”
“The pipes were stripped and cleared with polished cans and turned down stingers. Gearing is one tooth down on the front and stock in the rear. The sprockets were replaced during the restoration. New Tsubaki X-ring chain replaced at the same time as the sprockets.”
“Much of the bike was painted to match the paint scheme of 1988 CH model. Using mostly OEM parts besides the front fairing and the solo tail. The solo tail is a one-piece design to eliminate the four stock rear pieces. The solo tail retails for well over $1k alone and is exceptional quality.”
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us clean/adjust the carbs, flush the transmission oil, flush the front/rear brake fluid, flush the clutch fluid, flush the coolant, install new spark plugs, and install a new brake lever.
We also sent the tank out to be lined.
We had a third party powdercoat the fairing stay and two brackets.
Modifications:
GSX-R750 front end with Nissin front calipers, red OEM rear calipers, steel braided brake lines, GSX-R750 wheels.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
It is riding on Michelin Pilot Power tires from 2021.
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California. (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Suzuki is offered on a clean California title. Have any RG500 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
Continental US: Haul Bikes will ship anything sold through Iconic for a starting rate of $750 in the Continental US (prices may increase in rural markets), and Iconic will handle the paperwork on your behalf. You do not need to crate your bike or drain the gas/disconnect the battery if you go with Haul Bikes. We are glad to work with the shipper of your choice as well, but you will have to arrange it.
Please note:
spares/extras will have to be shipped separately via FedEx or similar.
the fee includes $15,000 of insurance with a $500 deductible. Additional insurance can be purchased at a cost of $50 per additional $5,000 of value.
$5,000 for US to Europe/Asia is a VERY ROUGH ballpark which includes transport as well as customs fees and duties. Please contact Shippio for an exact quote.
