1996 Suzuki RGV250 Gamma

Between the years of 1983 and 1987, Suzuki had created a real winner with their RG250 Gamma. A stunning two-stroke machine nicknamed “The Portable Racing Game”, Suzuki had created a bike that handled like an absolute pro while still providing high speeds, a bike for the track that could be driven on the road if needed. By 1987 Suzuki needed a strong predecessor to continue to produce high-quality two-stroke street-legal racers. And they certainly made this happen, following up with the RGV 250, a line of high-performance sport bikes that had a great number of features and design cues based on the Grand Prix technologies and ideas.

Another bike designed for the track, Suzuki again managed to pack massive power into a smaller and lightweight two-stroke machine. Improving on the RG250 Gamma, by making it sportier, and improving on the engine by installing a 90-degree, water-cooled two-cylinder two-stroke V-Twin style V engine. This engine performance is not very inspiring at engine speeds under 7,000 rpm, due to the two-stroke engine power delivery of a relatively narrow power band. However, once the engine is revved over 8,000 rpm, the power impressively doubles, which is where the real fun of the RV250 begins. The lightweight, engine characteristics and cornering capabilities of this bike are outstanding, making its optimum experience on the track, but also providing the option to use it on the road.

The final model version of the RGV250 line, the VJ23, began production in February 1996. The VJ23 was not only the finest of the RGV250 line but also one of the finest two-strokes ever built. Rather than just knocking out a last-of-the-line edition based on its predecessors, the VJ23 got a total redesign from the engine out.

Where previous RGV250s were powered by a 90-degree two-stroke V-twin, the VJ23 got a 70-degree V-twin engine with a smaller bore and a longer stroke, giving it dimensions closer to square and more akin to the GP bikes than its greatly oversquare predecessor. A close-ratio gearbox paired with a dry clutch magnifies the new model’s Sports Production tag.