1997 Suzuki RGV250 VJ23A

Description

Additional photos are available here for your perusal.

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: VJ23A102144. The seller acquired it three years ago from a private party in California.

Per the seller: “This is the real deal, A factory genuine full power export V Model VJ23A Lucky Strike. There are many ways to truly ID a real factory V model LS RGV. These models came with the close ratio gearbox and the frame/engine number had to be within guidelines. The engine number is just as important as the frame number. Only 119 were ever made worldwide! both frame number and engine number check out correctly. Previous owner bought this bike from the original owner who imported it new from Japan. The bike also has the original factory stand. 42E10 ECU, 240k speedo, and of course the grey rear brake reservoir cap. (yeah true) These bikes also had different airbox lids, they had different jetting per the parts manual with different part numbers for V Models, and a 42 rear sprocket vs the T Model which had the 43 rear sprocket (JDM restricted)”

During his ownership, the seller has covered approximately 20 miles. The odometer shows 15,302 kilometers (9,508 miles).

Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us replace the battery, the oil, the brake fluid, and the coolant. We also cleaned and synced the carbs, rebuilt the top end with new heads, barrels, and pistons, installed a new water pump seal, and serviced the chain.

Olly did the work, he notes the following in his condition report:
Tire Pressure – Front: 32PSI; Rear:35PSI
Brake Life – Front: 80%; Rear; 85% Hydraulic Fluid – Front: Ok; Rear: Ok, New
Transmission Oil – Level: Ok; Quality: Ok
2 Stroke Oil Tank: Ok
Coolant – Level: Ok; Quality: Ok, New Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Hazard Lights: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Killswitch: Ok
Horn: Ok
Battery: 12.6V, New

Additionally, Olly reports that the bike needs to be run-in; as such it may require carb A/F screw adjustment upon break-in.

Modifications:
Sugaya pipes with Arrow canisters.

ZX6 forks and brakes.

Öhlins rear shock.

Brembo front brake perch, Harris lever.

Swingarm spools, axle blocks.

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 Bridgestone Battlax BT016 tires with date codes of 3508 and 2610.

The sale includes two keys.

Per the seller, “I have all the original OEM parts. (Forks, brakes, perch, factory original pipes with 42E1 markings exclusive to the V Model, etc.) All are new and were removed back in 1997 when the bike was first purchased.” Additionally, he notes that the sale includes NOS parts such as “cylinder barrels, pistons, rings, exhaust valve assemblies, Gaskets, a full clutch kit (plates and Springs), Gaskets seals, hoses, etc.” The sale also includes the original owner’s manuals and factory borchures.

Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Suzuki is offered on a clean Texas title. Have any RGV250 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!