Nowadays, the mention of a Japanese 250 usually makes on think of the Ninja, a solid learner bike that doesn’t normally excite the senses like other current motorcycles. But 20 years ago, Suzuki built a 250 two-stroke race-replica of its Gamma V-2 racer – good for over 50 horsepower in the narrow power-band. The Suzuki RGV250 was born, and it was impressive. As MCN puts it, “back in the day 250cc race replicas were the sharpest handling, most frenzied, maddest things you could buy on two wheels. Nowadays the RGV250 is a modern classic and is probably a bit slower and softer than you’d remember. It still looks good, sounds amazing and the smell of burning two-stroke oil will take you right back. Put simply, it’s still sensational.”
This bike is a V21 chassis, the first of 3 series for the RGV250. The watercooled V-Twin engine pumped out 58 horsepower between 8-11k rpm. Later versions of this engine were actually shared with the Aprilia RS250. As a ’90 model, this bike got 34mm Mikuni carbs, triple disc brakes, and a digital upgrade of Suzuki’s “Pointless Electronic Ignition”, a name which I always found amusing.
This specific Suzuki RGV250 is in fair condition and needs to be cleaned up. Imported from Japan, it comes with a Nevada title and license plate. It’s been sitting (but still runs), so the seller recommends that you drain all fluids and clean the carbs. It’s not ideal, but if you’re looking for a Japanese 250cc sport bike that actually makes some power, you don’t have many options in the states.
Find this Suzuki RGV250 for sale in Byron, California with an opening bid of $1,000