Description
Additional photos of this 1996 Suzuki RGV250SP VJ23 are available here for your perusal.
Introduced in 1996, the RGV250 was filled with design cues from Suzuki’s 250cc Gamma Grand Prix racer. When de-restricted, it produced over 60 horsepower to motivate just 282 pounds of dry weight. Visor Down called it “the purest and most race-bred two-stroke track tool ever to make it into a showroom.”
For the 1996 model year, Suzuki debuted the VJ23 generation with an all new engine that featured a 70-degree configuration of the V-twin, just like the factory race bikes. According to Suzuki UK, just 2,218 were built.
All of the VJ23s were based on the high-spec SP model (an upgrade in the previous generation), meaning they received a dry clutch, a close-ratio transmission, a ram air intake, and some larger carbs.
Best of all, some SPs were available in a special Lucky Strike race livery. Please note that this one is a Lucky Strike replica.
This example is VIN: VJ23A101252. The seller acquired it from a Japanese import company on eBay back in 2002.
During his ownership, the seller states that he’s covered approximately 2,000 miles. However, true mileage is unknown. He explains that “the original had a scratch through the face so I found this on Yahoo Auctions Japan years ago. I have 10,000km on the title.”
Maintenance:
The seller reports that there are no known mechanical issues — “the bike has lived in the garage with regular starts.”
He does recommend an immediate tire change, and, depending on the buyer’s location, some carb adjustment.
Modifications:
The seller notes that this particular VJ23 was built as a Noriyasu Numata replica. The frame, the swingarm, and the rearsets were all professionally powder-coated, while the bodywork was painted at home using “professional paint products.” Moreover, it comes “fully race kitted with official Autorimessa race kit parts sourced from Japan (minus the race kit gearbox and wiring harness)” that make it “far lighter than your average VJ23.”
Race kit bodywork with OEM sticker kit, Magical Racing double bubble screen.
Aprilia RS250 six-spoke wheels and rotors (front and rear).
Powerder-coated VJ22 swing arm to mimic GP bikes, race kit pipes (end cans by RGV Steve).
Race kit 42ESO CDI. Please note that the bike currently runs premix.
Race kit radiator.
Race kit ram air box with carbon fiber intake tube.
Race kit carbs with race kit needles and jets.
Vega Sports clip-ons with race kit throttle and custom power valve servo motor mount.
Race Tech fork springs, works brake lines.
Powder-coated race kit rear sets and various mounting hardware.
Custom powder-coated frame.
Aftermarket carbon fiber brackets.
Air deflector.
Beyond the pictured upgrades, the seller also reports that the bike comes with:
– Mild port job
– Cryo-dipped pistons for longer life
– Rebuilt crank by Brian Turfrey — “probably less than 200 miles on it”
– Fabrication work performed by RGV Steve
Extras:
Spare bodywork.
Rear stand.
Quick shifter bracket and jumper, kit copy carb mounts, extra oil block off plate, generic steering damper and thrashed original kit damper, and race kit brake lines.
Spare jets and needles.
Original owner’s manuals.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Pilot Road 2 Radial tires that have aged out.
The sale includes two keys.
This Suzuki is currently located in Powder Springs, Georgia and offered on a clean Georgia title. Have any RGV250SP stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
