1997 Suzuki RGV250 VJ23

Description

Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1997 Suzuki RGV250 VJ23. Please note: VINData incorrectly lists the mileage as Not Actual Mileage, per the seller, “The odometer is original as is the mileage. The reason the original title in Florida says not actual is because I did not bring in the bike when titling it. I just brought paperwork so they could not confirm the mileage on the bike. They did not acknowledge the difference from miles or km.”

Introduced at the end of the 80s, 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 1997 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 the high-spec SP model (an upgrade in the previous generation), which got a dry clutch, close-ratio transmission, ram air intake, and larger carbs. Claimed hp for a de-restricted model was 70.

Even better than all of that, some SPs were available in a Lucky Strike replica race livery.

This example is VIN: VJ23A102169. The seller purchased the bike in 2008 and states, “This bike was in a collection in Texas. Came with about 13,000 km. I bought this to ride with my old riding friend. He crashed and died shortly after we got bikes again. I put it in the living room and left it for 10 years. It is one of the last VJ23s made in 1996 and sold and titled in 1997 I believe. Motor is all original and runs very strong. Refer to cylinder pressures. Everything about the bike makes this one of best ones I have ever seen go for sale that is all original and never tracked or dropped or crashed. All bodywork original also. This would make a great addition to someones collection as it did to mine.”

During his ownership, the seller has covered approximately 1,500 kilometers (932 miles). The odometer shows 13,790 kilometers (8,568 miles). “The odometer is original as is the mileage. The reason the original title in Florida says not actual is because I did not bring in the bike when titling it. I just brought paperwork so they could not confirm the mileage on the bike. They did not acknowledge the difference from miles or km.”

Maintenance:
Per the seller, “I went over the bike in 2008 and replaced sprockets and chain and Kevlar brake lines and new rubber and Lomas racing exhaust that came with the bike. I still have original street exhaust and brake lines. New brake pads and fork seals. I replaced many nuts and bolts in areas that I work on so that I knew I had gone over the area. New nuts and bolts are Pro Bolts in stainless and titanium. I have all original bolts bagged and tagged. Just completed by workshop in Orland. New rubber again. Carbs cleaned and checked. Entire bike checked out and new front brake seals placed. Engine checked over and full report ion bike was made by them.”

The following condition report has been provided:

Modifications:
Carbon fiber front fender.

Aftermarket exhaust.

Steel braided brake lines.

Inside of the tank:

It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax BT92 tires with date codes of 3724 and 4124.

The sale includes one key, decals, service manuals, and extra parts. Per the seller, “I have 3 boxes to go with the bike. One has manuals, another parts and the third is extra exhaust system. I had an extra fender for it but I can not find it, so the one on the bike is the extra carbon fiber fender. If I find the extra white fender I will include it, but no guarantees.”

Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“No damage history, never raced. Paint and decals are excellent. After going over the whole bike, I found there is one small plastic clip missing on the inside of the right side rear body attachment. You can not even tell it is missing and would not make a difference.”

Currently located in Inverness, Florida, this Suzuki is offered on a clean Florida title. Have any RGV250 VJ23 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!