Suzuki RG500 Gamma
1985-1987

I have tried to tell the Suzuki RG 500 Gamma model history on this page as I know it. The page is still under construction. I would be grateful of any contributions — sales brochures, magazine ads, magazine articles, pictures, specs, facts, corrections etc. Please scan the material in JPEG format (large enough that all the details are visible) and send them to me. Please tell me the source and the publication date if possible. If you send me pictures of your own bike, please follow these instructions.

Suzuki RG500 Gamma was presented for the first time at the IFMA '84 motor show in Cologne, West Germany, late autumn of 1984. The picture was sent to me by Craig Egan.

In March 1983 Suzuki presented the RG250 Gamma, the first member of the becoming RG-Gamma family. The following year Suzuki introduced the largest member, RG500 Gamma and in 1985 even a 400cc version (RG400EW/EW-2) for the domestic market. It was destined for the highly competitive 400cc class in Japan and no bikes were made for export. Originally the model name RG500 was destined to the Suzuki's legendary square-four racer. The RG500 Gamma racer replica was the closest you could get a real GP machine back in the mid 80's. It copied the racer with its four water-cooled cylinder arranged in a square, disc valves and all the latest two-stroke technology. The chassis was as avanced, with an aluminum box frame and Full-Floater rear suspension. Type code: HM31A

Sketches of the RG500 Gamma. Click to enlarge. The picture was sent to me by Craig Egan.

1985 Suzuki year code: F

The RG500 Gamma was the closest thing you could get a real GP machine back in the 1980's. It had a water cooled square-four engine and all the latest two-stroke technology. The chassis was top spec for its time with an aluminum box frame and Full-Floater rear suspension.

1985 Suzuki RG 500 Gamma Overall Length: 2 100 mm (82.7 in) Overall Width: 695 mm (27.4 in) Overall Height: 1,185 mm (46.7 in) Seat Height: 770 mm (30.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 425 mm (56.1 in) Ground Clearance: 120 mm (4.7 in) Dry Weight: 156 kg (343 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 498 cc two-stroke square-4. 95 hp (69.3 kW) @ 9 500 rpm, 71.3 Nm (7.3 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1985 Suzuki RG 500 Gamma Overall Length: 2 100 mm (82.7 in) Overall Width: 695 mm (27.4 in) Overall Height: 1,185 mm (46.7 in) Seat Height: 770 mm (30.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 425 mm (56.1 in) Ground Clearance: 120 mm (4.7 in) Dry Weight: 156 kg (343 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 498 cc two-stroke square-4. 95 hp (69.3 kW) @ 9 500 rpm, 71.3 Nm (7.3 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

Some pictures of the RG500 Gamma '85. Click to enlarge. These pictures were sent to me by Craig Egan.

1986 Suzuki year code: G

The 1986 and 1987 were the only official model years, at least for the International market. The 1985-year's model was similar to the bike sold the following year, 1986. However, in some countries, the RG500 Gamma was sold a couple of years later the model was not manufactured anymore.

1986 Suzuki RG 500 Gamma Overall Length: 2 100 mm (82.7 in) Overall Width: 695 mm (27.4 in) Overall Height: 1,185 mm (46.7 in) Seat Height: 770 mm (30.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 425 mm (56.1 in) Ground Clearance: 120 mm (4.7 in) Dry Weight: 156 kg (343 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 498 cc two-stroke square-4. 95 hp (69.3 kW) @ 9 500 rpm, 71.3 Nm (7.3 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1987 Suzuki year code: H

The story of this groundbraking street-legal racer ended i 1987. The 1997-year's RG500H was the last model year that Suzuki ever launched, although I know that in UK they do advert their late registered bikes as '88 or '89 but I have never stumbled on any documentation from Suzuki that actually proves the RG500 have been made after 1987. The Suzuki RG500 service manual from 1990 only mention two models, the 1985-1986-year's RG500G and the (slighly modified) 1987 RG500H. The '87 RG500 Walter Wolf is a rare machine. The text below is from the Canadian '87 Suzuki catalogue: “The 1987 RG500 walter Wolf Special - a very limited, very distinctive edition of the 500cc Suzuki machine that has won seven consecutive championships in world-class Grand Prix racing. That racing heritage continued in 1986 with the RG500 winning the Canadian National Pro & Amateur 600 Production Championships. The 498cc square four two-stroke engine is unrivalled and unbelievely light. Handling is simply incredible. The unique Posi Damp forks can be pre-adjusted to suit load, road surface and riding preference; the Full Floater rear has been specially constructed to give you superior shock absorption and power delivery. Stopping power is terriffic, thanks to the Deca Piston brake system front and rear, for safe, stable braking - the perfect system to control 95 horse-power.”

1987 RG 500 Walter Wolf Special Overall Length: 2 100 mm (82.7 in) Overall Width: 695 mm (27.4 in) Overall Height: 1 185 mm (46.7 in) Seat Height: 770 mm (30.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 425 mm (56.1 in) Ground Clearance: 120 mm (4.7 in) Dry Weight: 156 kg (343 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 498 cc two-stroke square-4. 95 hp (69.3 kW) @ 9 500 rpm, 71.3 Nm (7.3 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

More: RG500 Gamma magazine articles

More: RG500 brochures and adverts

More: All Suzuki models

Sources: Craig Egan, Roy Bacon's book of Suzuki etc.

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