30 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.”
The bike got even better in the second generation (known as the VJ22), as shown in this featured example. The watercooled V-Twin engine got bigger carbs, bumping up output to 62 horsepower between 8-11k rpm. Later versions of this engine were actually shared with the Aprilia RS250. Other upgrades included a new swingarm that yielded better ground clearance and a stiffer rear end, though it added 22 pounds to the weight. For more information on this bike, check out the model history from SuzukiCycle.org.
This specific Suzuki RGV250 is rare in the sense that it’s titled in California, and it’s been derestricted. It has about 8,000 miles, Jolly Moto pipes (which require aftermarket fairings to fit the giant expansion chambers, powdercoated wheels, and more.
Find this VJ22A for sale in San Clemente, California with bidding up to $6,400 and the reserve not yet met