Description
This is lot 82 in the Bonhams Spring Stafford Sale on April 20th & 21st, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
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.
This RG500 was purchased by the late owner in 1990 and used for many trips including a memorable trip to the Isle of Man. The bike was dry stored for many years until the late owner started a rebuild at the beginning of 2023. The engine was removed and taken to the world renowned two stroke expert, Stan Stevens, for a complete rebuild. The invoice for the work by Stan Stevens is on file and the engine is ready to be refitted into the chassis. A fault was discovered in the swinging arm (a known fault) and a good replacement was sourced. A fantastic opportunity to complete the restoration on these ever increasingly popular two stroke Suzukis, offered with a V5 and the aforementioned invoice from Stan Stevens.
