Really Good - Suzuki RG500

When it comes to the short-lived fad among Japanese manufacturers to create "Grand Prix Replicas", suzuki's RG500 was (and still remains) without a doubt the cream of the crop.

suzuki rg500

Although appearing a year after Yamaha's V4 two-stroke RD500, the RG from suzuki is rated by many as the closest to the GP bike it was based on – the 1984 machine ridden by Franco Uncini for the Gallina team. And yes, Honda did create the NS400 which was light and compact, but not in the RG's league when it comes to all-out performance and posing presence.

A "square four" layout with pairs of water-cooled cylinders "fore and aft", the crankshafts counter
rotated to keep vibration to a minimum while induction was via one carburettor for each cylinder with induction courtesy of disc valves. Yes, just like the race bike.

An aluminium box section frame used sections featuring special ribs as part of the construction adding strength without extra weight while the highly rated rear Full Floater suspension was mated with a dubiously named "Posi-Damp" at the front in an attempt to neutralise dive under braking.

Speaking of brakes, they do their best but are nothing to write home about and the wheel rim widths are narrow to say the least. Add a nervous 16-inch front wheel and a claimed 95 horsepower (closer to 80 in reality), and you've got a ride that demands a fair bit of focus—even compared to modern bikes.

Less than 16,000 RG500's were manufactured over a four year period starting in 1985 and included both Pepsi and Skoal Bandit race replicas as well as Walter Wolf liveries for the Japanese market smaller RG400.

Prices for RG500's are only going in one direction but "fixer uppers" can still be found ready to be returned to pristine condition – or converted to homages to famous RG racers of old like Marco Lucchinelli, Randy Mamola and the most admired of them all, Barry Sheene (as seen in the picture).

If you a seeking Gamma parts, then look no further than CMSNL. We have a wide range of parts covering not just the RG500 but other Gamma models too – including some very rare items. So, if you want to make your RG "Really Good" then you know where to look!