LOT 469
c.2 Push miles from new 1989 Suzuki RG500 Gamma Registration no. not registered Frame no. HM31A-106906 Engine no. M301-107841
Sold for £34,500 inc. premium
Lot 469
c.2 Push miles from new, 1989 Suzuki RG500 GammaRegistration no. not registered Frame no. HM31A-106906 Engine no. M301-107841
The Autumn Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, Stafford|9 October 2021, 12:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
c.2 Push miles from new
1989 Suzuki RG500 Gamma
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. HM31A-106906
Engine no. M301-107841
1989 Suzuki RG500 Gamma
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. HM31A-106906
Engine no. M301-107841
• Iconic two-stroke Grand Prix replica
• Unregistered and unused
• Offered with copies of original paperwork
'The 99 rear-wheel horses it produced on Motad's generous, but consistent dyno is 22bhp up on Yamaha's RD500LC, a massive 45bhp more than Honda's 387cc NS400R and only a couple of horses down on the output of its own GSX-R750 stablemate.' – Bike magazine on the Suzuki RG500 Gamma, January 1986.
Since the birth of the motorcycle industry, manufacturers have capitalised on competition successes by having one or two 'race replica' models in the range. Before WW2, when single-cylinder four-strokes predominated in Grand Prix racing, the creation of a 'TT Rep' was relatively easy; not so in the modern era of complex, multi-cylinder two-strokes, but that did not stop Yamaha and Suzuki having a go. Honda too, if you count the 400cc NS400R triple.
Based on its World Championship-winning RG500 racer, Suzuki's Gamma roadster retained the same square-four engine layout, geared-together crankshafts, and disc-valve induction. A box-section aluminium frame, 'Full Floater' rear suspension, and triple disc brakes completed the picture. More racetrack focussed than Yamaha's rival RD500, the Gamma, with its 130mph-plus top speed, 11.5-second quarter-mile time, and superlative handling and brakes, remains the closest anyone has got to offering a modern Grand Prix 500 for the road. Not surprisingly, the Gamma's similarity to the Grand Prix original meant that many found their way onto the world's racetracks.
Bike concluded its test by declaring: '... the Gamma is notably peakier, lighter and more outrageously aggressive than the RD500, the NS400, the GSX-R750 and all other racetrack refugees.' Not surprisingly, the RG500 was an immense success with the seriously speed-addicted, and today this legendary model is highly sought after by collectors of modern Japanese classics.
The machine offered here was purchased by the current vendor at Bonhams' Autumn Stafford Sale in October 2017 and represents a possibly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire an unused and unregistered example of this iconic Suzuki model. The machine has not been used/run since acquisition and has been kept dry stored in the garage. Accordingly, it will need to be fully re-commissioned to a greater or lesser extent before use. Accompanying documentation consists of copies of the original Suzuki paperwork showing that the machine was invoiced to GS Motorcycles on 7th February 1989, together with copies of the Owner Registration Card, Warranty Card, Dealer Record, and New Vehicle Licence Application.
• Unregistered and unused
• Offered with copies of original paperwork
'The 99 rear-wheel horses it produced on Motad's generous, but consistent dyno is 22bhp up on Yamaha's RD500LC, a massive 45bhp more than Honda's 387cc NS400R and only a couple of horses down on the output of its own GSX-R750 stablemate.' – Bike magazine on the Suzuki RG500 Gamma, January 1986.
Since the birth of the motorcycle industry, manufacturers have capitalised on competition successes by having one or two 'race replica' models in the range. Before WW2, when single-cylinder four-strokes predominated in Grand Prix racing, the creation of a 'TT Rep' was relatively easy; not so in the modern era of complex, multi-cylinder two-strokes, but that did not stop Yamaha and Suzuki having a go. Honda too, if you count the 400cc NS400R triple.
Based on its World Championship-winning RG500 racer, Suzuki's Gamma roadster retained the same square-four engine layout, geared-together crankshafts, and disc-valve induction. A box-section aluminium frame, 'Full Floater' rear suspension, and triple disc brakes completed the picture. More racetrack focussed than Yamaha's rival RD500, the Gamma, with its 130mph-plus top speed, 11.5-second quarter-mile time, and superlative handling and brakes, remains the closest anyone has got to offering a modern Grand Prix 500 for the road. Not surprisingly, the Gamma's similarity to the Grand Prix original meant that many found their way onto the world's racetracks.
Bike concluded its test by declaring: '... the Gamma is notably peakier, lighter and more outrageously aggressive than the RD500, the NS400, the GSX-R750 and all other racetrack refugees.' Not surprisingly, the RG500 was an immense success with the seriously speed-addicted, and today this legendary model is highly sought after by collectors of modern Japanese classics.
The machine offered here was purchased by the current vendor at Bonhams' Autumn Stafford Sale in October 2017 and represents a possibly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire an unused and unregistered example of this iconic Suzuki model. The machine has not been used/run since acquisition and has been kept dry stored in the garage. Accordingly, it will need to be fully re-commissioned to a greater or lesser extent before use. Accompanying documentation consists of copies of the original Suzuki paperwork showing that the machine was invoiced to GS Motorcycles on 7th February 1989, together with copies of the Owner Registration Card, Warranty Card, Dealer Record, and New Vehicle Licence Application.
Footnotes
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness, and originality prior to bidding.
Additional information
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