Property of a deceased's estate, 1988 Suzuki RG500

• Iconic Grand Prix replica
• Requires restoration / re-commissioning

'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.

Ever 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 that had carried Britain's Barry Sheene to his two World titles (in 1976 and 1977), 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 got to offering a modern Grand Prix 500 for the road; indeed, many found their way onto the world's racetracks. 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.

Currently displaying a total of 11,074 miles to the odometer, this wonderful time warp RG500 is offered from a deceased estate hence little of its previous history is known. The engine turns over and it is offered for restoration/recommissioning. Offered with a V5C but no keys.
Offered without key