Post Sale Update: This RM sold for $3,000 after 26 bids on eBay.
The RM500 was Suzuki’s big open class 2 stroker, and while it wasn’t much faster than the 465, the revised Full Floater suspension was a bit of a revelation. In the US it only sold for two years – 1984 was the last year and the engine got a new cylinder and new exhaust. Other countries got it for another year, but 1985 marked the end of the RM500 worldwide.
The 492cc engine put down 53 horsepower and 55 pound feet of torque at the rear wheel during a 1984 test by Dirt Bike Rider magazine. For more on the big RM, check out this story on PulpMX.
This example (VIN: JS1RM12A0E2100208) appears to be a survivor in decent condition – the seller seems to think that the top end has never been pulled off of the motor before, which would be surprising. Still, a compression test shows 120 pounds of pressure in the cylinder and everything else is said to work great. Aftermarket pieces are limited to ProForm Racing pegs and exhaust, and the bike also has NOS fenders and side covers.
Find this RM500 for sale in Vassar, Michigan with bidding up to $1,225