1984 Suzuki RG50 Gamma

Production for the Suzuki RG50 goes as far back as the 1970s, with the first produced in 1977. It delivered 6.3hp and was a simple and conventional motorcycle with a steel tubular frame, single mechanical disc brake and 17-inch wire wheels. Small 50cc commuters were very popular in the Japanese markets during this time, and Suzuki made sure to craft the perfect 50cc machine for commuting while being able to reach high speeds if need be.

5 years later, in December 1982, Suzuki presented the RG50 Gamma, a small lightweight class 1 sports model moped,n manufactured in Japan. This was a baby sportbike and the smallest of the Gamma lineup. The model was designed to look like Suzuki’s works racers, although the RG50 was a street-legal sports bike, boasting impressive speeds for a rather small bike with only 50cc of power. These two models of the RG50 differed in many respects, the Gamma having better suspension, being water-cooled, having a racing exhaust, and rated over seven horsepower.

The third version of the Suzuki RG50 Gamma was launched in March 1985. Its front cowl shape was redesigned and the turn signal lenses were made smaller. Although it is made of steel, the square frame is painted silver to make it look like aluminium, making it unique. Moped riders at the time were impressed by its unique full floater suspension and built-in turn signals, which were the most advanced at the time.

The RG50 Gamma went through several more revisions until production ended in 1995. In the mid-1990s, retro-type mopeds were becoming increasingly popular, and Suzuki released the Colleda Sports 50 and Scrambler 50 in 1996, which replaced the RG50 Gamma.

The RG50 Gamma became popular in New Zealand Bucket Racing during the 80s, where low-powered commuter motorcycles with a maximum capacity of 150 cc were taken and the entire road-going gear was removed, creating the cheapest possible form of motorcycle racing