There are a few iconic race/sport-oriented motorcycles that have stood the test of time far better than the majority of two wheelers and the Suzuki RG500 Gamma is a prime example of this. To this day, the RG500 retains its off-the-charts “cool-factor” with its fascinating bodywork and design, not that it wasn’t impressive from a mechanical or engineering standpoint for its time. The extraordinarily seldom-seen limited-edition livery on this racer only further cements said cool-factor.
But the Suzuki’s awesome appearance is only a fraction of what makes this bike so epic. By today’s standards, the RG is a fun vintage sportbike but in its day it was one of (if not) the best. With a dry weight of 340 lbs and a powerplant that put down 95 hp, the RG blew away other race-replica offerings from competing manufacturers as the RG was the closest road-goer to its purpose-built factory racer that it was based on. It also boasted some trick technology and components such as a monoshock. Despite Suzuki not being the first to build a motorcycle that sported exhausts protruding from the tail-section’s bodywork, they nonetheless (in my opinion) did it best. This bike was built three years prior to my birth but I’m still incredibly taken by its design.
Making this particular example that much more special is the fact that it is Walter Wolf edition RG. Wolf made millions in the oil-drilling industry and would use more than a fair share of his earnings to support motorsport. He sponsored and funded everything from race-teams to riders to events. Through his years of involvement in racing he would establish a relationship with Suzuki that would result in the WW-version of the RG500. While 100 of these machines were produced, it’s a mystery as to how many are left but one thing that is abundantly clear is that these machines are absurdly rare today. Suzuki did also build this machines in 400cc and 250cc displacements, but it should go without saying that if you’re in the market for an RG, the 500 is the way to go. This bike started its life in France before it was shipped to Canada so it’s the French-spec, different markets saw slightly different WWRG’s with Japan being the coolest as it boasted a WW gauge-package.
The WWRG is said to be in fantastic shape with only a few minor scratches that aren’t visible in the detailed photos. Even if you don’t have the funds to drop on a bike like this, do yourself a favor and check out the more than 20 photos the seller has posted in the ad. You can find this ultra-rare all-original 1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma Walter Wolf Edition for sale out in Quebec, Canada with bidding up to $12,000 and the reserve not yet met