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Suzuki RG250 Gamma
1983-1987

I have tried to tell the Suzuki RG 250 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.
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Suzuki RG250 Gamma
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The first street-legal racer

While the other Japanese motorcycle went early (late 1960's and early 1970's) to four-stroke machines, Suzuki kept on manufacturing new and larger two-stroke machines. Yes, the first Suzuki ever made had a four-stroke engine, but at the time Honda presented its CB750 there wasn't any four-strokes available from Suzuki. Instead, it was known to be able to build large, economical and practically ”bulletproof” machines like T500 and later GT750. It wasn't until the late-mid 1970's Suzuki also started to make four-strokes in a larger scale. But the two-stroke engines stayed alive on small and cheap machines — and on the racing track.

In the early 1980's, when Yamaha presented its RZ250R, the battle of the leadership of manufacturers in the 250 cc class was on. The first strike was drawn by HONDA in the VT250F (1982), followed with the ambitious work of the V3-engined MVX250F. Yamaha and Honda were in the lead. For a while. In 1983 Suzuki presented the RG250 Gamma. Who was the king of the hill now?

Many motorcycles have been called road-legal racers, but RG250 Gamma was actually the very first mass-produced motorcycle with a lightweight aluminum frame and racing type aerodunamic fairing, starting a new trend. It was fast and it handled very well, obviously Suzuki had usedall its experiences from the race track and its knowledge in designing 2-stroke engines. Yes, the RG250 was a real road-legal racer and gained much popularity in racing circuits. It's not a bike for commuting but great on a track!

The model was manufactured between 1983 and 1986 and it was finally replaced by the V-twin engined RGV250 in 1987.

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Suzuki 1983More Suzuki models from 1983
1983 Suzuki year code: D
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The RG250 Gamma (presented in March 1983) had a liqued-cooled two-stroke parallel twin engine with 45—46 hp maximum power output at relative low 8.500 rpm. Returning to the old days, the RG250 Gamma was a two-stroke, but water-cooled and in a brilliant frame. With six speeds, light aluminum frame, Full-Floater suspension and a fairing it was a quick motorcycle which handled very well. It also had anti-dice front forks, the new invention from Suzuki used earlier only on the race track on RGB500.

The first version of the RG20 Gamma had nostrenghening ribs on its frame and it had a vertical mounted headlight. Michelin tyres were standard, which was rare at the time. The rear section of the seat could be replaced by a cowl.
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'83 Suzuki RG250 Gamma
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1983 Suzuki RG250 Γ, White/Black/Blue with a black dual seat
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Suzuki RG250 Gamma1983 Suzuki RG 250 Gamma (Japan)
Overall Length: 2 050 mm (80.7 in)
Overall Width: 685 mm (27.0 in)
Overall Height: 1 195 mm (47.0 in)
Seat Height: 785 mm (30.9 in)
Wheelbase: 1 385 mm (54.5 in)
Ground Clearance: 155 mm (6.1 in)
Dry Weight: 131 kg (289 lbs)
Engine: 247 cc water-cooled 2-stroke parallel twin. 46 hp (34.3 kW) @ 8 500 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m, 28.4 lb-ft) @ 8 000 rpm
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Here's even larger picture.
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Suzuki RG250 Gamma1983 Suzuki RG 250 Gamma (Japan)
Overall Length: 2 050 mm (80.7 in)
Overall Width: 685 mm (27.0 in)
Overall Height: 1 195 mm (47.0 in)
Seat Height: 785 mm (30.9 in)
Wheelbase: 1 385 mm (54.5 in)
Ground Clearance: 155 mm (6.1 in)
Dry Weight: 131 kg (289 lbs)
Engine: 247 cc water-cooled 2-stroke parallel twin. 46 hp (34.3 kW) @ 8 500 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m, 28.4 lb-ft) @ 8 000 rpm
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Click on the image for larger format.
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Suzuki RG250 Gamma1983 Suzuki RG 250 Gamma (Japan)
Overall Length: 2 050 mm (80.7 in)
Overall Width: 685 mm (27.0 in)
Overall Height: 1 195 mm (47.0 in)
Seat Height: 785 mm (30.9 in)
Wheelbase: 1 385 mm (54.5 in)
Ground Clearance: 155 mm (6.1 in)
Dry Weight: 131 kg (289 lbs)
Engine: 247 cc water-cooled 2-stroke parallel twin. 46 hp (34.3 kW) @ 8 500 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m, 28.4 lb-ft) @ 8 000 rpm
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Here's even larger picture.
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Suzuki RG250 Gamma1983 Suzuki RG 250 Gamma (Japan)
Overall Length: 2 050 mm (80.7 in)
Overall Width: 685 mm (27.0 in)
Overall Height: 1 195 mm (47.0 in)
Seat Height: 785 mm (30.9 in)
Wheelbase: 1 385 mm (54.5 in)
Ground Clearance: 155 mm (6.1 in)
Dry Weight: 131 kg (289 lbs)
Engine: 247 cc water-cooled 2-stroke parallel twin. 46 hp (34.3 kW) @ 8 500 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m, 28.4 lb-ft) @ 8 000 rpm
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Click on the image for larger format.
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Suzuki RG250 Gamma1983 Suzuki RG 250 Gamma (Japan)
Overall Length: 2 050 mm (80.7 in)
Overall Width: 685 mm (27.0 in)
Overall Height: 1 195 mm (47.0 in)
Seat Height: 785 mm (30.9 in)
Wheelbase: 1 385 mm (54.5 in)
Ground Clearance: 155 mm (6.1 in)
Dry Weight: 131 kg (289 lbs)
Engine: 247 cc water-cooled 2-stroke parallel twin. 46 hp (34.3 kW) @ 8 500 rpm, 37.3 Nm (3.8 kg-m, 28.4 lb-ft) @ 8 000 rpm
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Click on the image for larger format.
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Suzuki 1984More Suzuki models from 1984
1984 Suzuki year code: E
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The second model version, GJ21A (RG250EW-2), was released in February 1984. At that time, the sponsor of the GP race was British American Tobacco, and the RG250Γ was painted with the package design of HB (Harvey) cigarettes, the vivid coloring of yellow and white. The seat was red, the same color as the HB logo mark. Overall length/width/height were the same: 2050/685/1220 mm, only the overall height was 5 mm higher. The wheelbase/seat height of 1385/785 mm remained unchanged, but the dry weight was decreased from 131 to 128 kg.

At first it was only available in yellow and white, but one month later, in March 1984, the same blue and white color as the 1983 model was launched. The under cowl was treated as an optional part. The retail price in Japan without the under cowl was 460,000 yen and 498,000 yen with full fairing.

The engine's mid-low speed range was enhanced, and the frame was improved to MR (multi-rib) ALBOX, its rigidity was improved and the weight reduced. Suzuki announced that the unit weight was 7.3 kg, about 5% lighter than the first generation frame. Like the frame, the left and right rails of the swingarm were changed to multi-ribbed rails, increasing rigidity while maintaining light weight. The total weight of the bike was reduced by 4 kg (8.8 lbs).

The 2-stroke liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine remained the same, with the maximum output of 45ps @ 8,500 rpm and maximum torque of 3.8kg-m @ 8,000 rpm, but an Electric Air Control System (EACS) that electronically controls the amount of air intake with a solenoid valve was adopted.

The radiator was new, with a 15% improved cooling efficiency. The exhaust system was also been replaced. The outer cylinder of the silencer that was matte in type 1 got mirror finish in type 2. The cowl shape was changed and was now slanted and the top of the windscreen was slightly higher.

The front brake calipers were upgraded from opposed type 2 to 4 pistons. As a result the RG250Γ now had a total of 10 pistons, 8 in the front and 2 in the rear.

The full floater type rear suspension with a link at the bottom of the monoshock was the same as the first generation. The 16/18-inch wheel size remained the same, but the tires fitted were new Michelin tires, and the rear was changed from 100/90 to 110/80.The RG250Γ did not have a center stand, which was a standard bike equipment at the time, but Suzuki prepared a stand with the same structure as the racing stand. The retail price of the stand was 5000 yen.

The tachometer, centered at 5 o'clock, the air plane tank cap with an egg-shaped upper plate, and the forged aluminum separate handlebars were inherited from the first generation of the RG250Γ.

An aluminum stabilizer was installed on the front fender, and the fender fixing bolt was placed in the same place. In result, the shape of the outer tube of the front fork was changed.
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'84 Suzuki RG250E Gamma
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1984 Suzuki RG250 Γ, Yellow/White with a red single seat and full fairing
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Suzuki RG250 Gamma1984 Suzuki RG 250 Gamma
Overall Length: 2 050 mm (80.7 in)
Overall Width: 685 mm (27.0 in)
Overall Height: 1 220 mm (48.0 in)
Seat Height: 785 mm (30.9 in)
Wheelbase: 1 385 mm (54.5 in)
Ground Clearance: 155 mm (6.1 in)
Dry Weight: 127–131 kg (280–289 lbs)
Engine: 247 cc water-cooled 2-stroke parallel twin. 46 hp (34.3 kW) @ 8 500 rpm, 38.4 Nm (3.92 kg-m, 28.4 lb-ft) @ 8 000 rpm
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Here's even larger picture.
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Suzuki RG250 Gamma1984 Suzuki RG 250 Gamma
Overall Length: 2 050 mm (80.7 in)
Overall Width: 685 mm (27.0 in)
Overall Height: 1 220 mm (48.0 in)
Seat Height: 785 mm (30.9 in)
Wheelbase: 1 385 mm (54.5 in)
Ground Clearance: 155 mm (6.1 in)
Dry Weight: 127–131 kg (280–289 lbs)
Engine: 247 cc water-cooled 2-stroke parallel twin. 46 hp (34.3 kW) @ 8 500 rpm, 38.4 Nm (3.92 kg-m, 28.4 lb-ft) @ 8 000 rpm
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Click on the image for larger format.
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'84 Suzuki RG250E Gamma
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1984 Suzuki RG250 Γ, Black/Blue/White with a black dual seat
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1983—1984 RG250 Gamma specifications (International)
Overall length: 2 050 mm (80.7 in.)
Overall width: 685 mm (27.0 in.)
Overall height: 1 220 mm (48.0 in.)
Wheelbase: 1 385 mm (54.5 in.)
Seat height: 785 mm (30.9 in.)
Ground clearance: 155 mm (6.1 in.)
Dry weight: 131 kg (289 lbs)
Engine: Liquid-cooled parallel twin 2-stroke
Intake system: Piston and reed valve
Piston displacement: 247 cc (15.1 cu-in)
Bore x stroke: 54.0 x 54.0 mm (2.125 x 2.125 in.)
Compression ratio: 7,4 :1
Maximum power output: 46 hp (34.4 kW) / 8,500 rpm
Maximum torque: 38,4 Nm (3.92 kg-m, 28.4 lb-ft) / 8,000 rpm
Carburettor: Mikuni VM28SS flat side x 2
Starter system: Primary kick
Ignition type: Suzuki PEI (Pointless Electrical Ignition)
Lubrication system: Suzuki CCI
Clutch: Wet multi-plate type
Transmission: 6-speed constant mesh
Gearshift pattern: 1-down, 5-up
Final drive: #520 chain, 110 links, O-ring sealed
Front suspension: Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped with anti-dive
Rear suspension: Full Floater, gas/oil damped, spring pre-load fully adjustable
Front brake: Double hydraulic disk
Rear brake: Single hydraulic disk
Front tyre: 110/90-16 54S
Rear tyre: 110/80-18 58S
Fuel tank Capacity incl. reserve: 17 liter (4.5 US gal, 3.7 Imp gal)
Engine oil tank capacity: 1.2 liter (1.3 US gal, 1.1 Imp gal)
Battery: 12 V 18 kC (5 Ah)/10 HR
Headlight: 12 V 60/55 W



Suzuki 1985More Suzuki models from 1985
1985 Suzuki year code: F
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Revisited fairing both (full and half cowl versions were available), front mudguard, wheel color, color scheme. A "deca piston" caliper with a total of 10 opposed pistons (even for the export models) and an SAEC exhaust device were also introduced.

Newly designed MR-ALBOX frame shortens wheelbase by 30 mm (1.18 inches). Details lika a push-type turn signal switch adoption was also updated.

Available colors: Red/White, Blue/White and White
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'85 Suzuki RG250F Gamma
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1985 Suzuki RG250 Γ, Blue/White with full fairing and a seat cowl
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Suzuki RG250 Gamma1985 Suzuki RG 250 Gamma
Overall Length: 2 010 mm (79.1 in)
Overall Width: 675 mm (26.6 in)
Overall Height: 1 170 mm (46.1 in)
Seat Height: 735 mm (28.9 in)
Wheelbase: 1 355 mm (53.3 in)
Ground Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in)
Dry Weight: 128 kg (282 lbs)
Engine: 247 cc water-cooled 2-stroke parallel twin. 45 ps @ 8 500 rpm, 3.8 kg-m @ 8 000 rpm (Japan)
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Click on the image for larger format.
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Suzuki RG250 Gamma1985 Suzuki RG 250 Gamma
Overall Length: 2 010 mm (79.1 in)
Overall Width: 675 mm (26.6 in)
Overall Height: 1 170 mm (46.1 in)
Seat Height: 735 mm (28.9 in)
Wheelbase: 1 355 mm (53.3 in)
Ground Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in)
Dry Weight: 128 kg (282 lbs)
Engine: 247 cc water-cooled 2-stroke parallel twin. 45 ps @ 8 500 rpm, 3.8 kg-m @ 8 000 rpm (Japan)
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Click on the image for larger format.
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Suzuki RG250 Gamma1985 Suzuki RG 250 Gamma
Overall Length: 2 010 mm (79.1 in)
Overall Width: 675 mm (26.6 in)
Overall Height: 1 170 mm (46.1 in)
Seat Height: 735 mm (28.9 in)
Wheelbase: 1 355 mm (53.3 in)
Ground Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in)
Dry Weight: 128 kg (282 lbs)
Engine: 247 cc water-cooled 2-stroke parallel twin. 45 ps @ 8 500 rpm, 3.8 kg-m @ 8 000 rpm (Japan)
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Click on the image for larger format.
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A single-seat Walter Wolf version of the Suzuki RG250 Gamma was introduced for the 1985 season.

Mr. Walter Wolf was a Canadian oil magnate who had too much money and started a racing team. Suzuki offered the RG250, RG400 and RG500 Gamma models painted in the racing team's colors.
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'85 Suzuki RG250 Gamma Walter Wolf
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1985 Suzuki RG250 Γ Walter Wolf, Blue/Red with Red/Gold striping and logos
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'85 RG250 Gamma Walter Wolf1985 Suzuki RG 250 Γ Walter Wolf
Overall Length: 2 010 mm (79.1 in)
Overall Width: 675 mm (26.6 in)
Overall Height: 1 170 mm (46.1 in)
Seat Height: 735 mm (28.9 in)
Wheelbase: 1 355 mm (53.3 in)
Ground Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in)
Dry Weight: 128 kg (282 lbs)
Engine: 247 cc water-cooled 2-stroke parallel twin. 45 ps @ 8 500 rpm, 3.8 kg-m @ 8 000 rpm (Japan)
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Click on the image for larger format.
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Suzuki 1986More Suzuki models from 1986
1986 Suzuki year code: G
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A version with aerodymanic full fairing was available on some market areas. Here's a picture of one with the additional lower fairing. Here's even larger picture.

A 1986-year's model of the RG250 Gamma, with all the 1986 specs, was sold in Canada as a 1987 H model, with a C in the model name (RG250CH), stating it was a Canada special.

The '86 Suzuki RG250 Gamma color options were Blue/White and Black/Red.
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'86 Suzuki RG250G Gamma
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1986 Suzuki RG250 Γ, Gray/Red
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'86 Suzuki RG250 Gamma brochure with specifications
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1986 Suzuki RG250 Γ, Blue/White
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Suzuki RG250 Gamma1986 Suzuki RG 250 Gamma
Overall Length: 2 010 mm (79.1 in)
Overall Width: 675 mm (26.6 in)
Overall Height: 1 170 mm (46.1 in)
Seat Height: 735 mm (28.9 in)
Wheelbase: 1 355 mm (53.3 in)
Ground Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in)
Dry Weight: 128 kg (282 lbs)
Engine: 247 cc water-cooled 2-stroke parallel twin. 45 ps @ 8 500 rpm, 3.8 kg-m @ 8 000 rpm (Japan)
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Click on the image for larger format.
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Suzuki RG250W Gamma '861986 Suzuki RG 250 Gamma
Overall Length: 2 010 mm (79.1 in)
Overall Width: 675 mm (26.6 in)
Overall Height: 1 170 mm (46.1 in)
Seat Height: 735 mm (28.9 in)
Wheelbase: 1 355 mm (53.3 in)
Ground Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in)
Dry Weight: 128 kg (282 lbs)
Engine: 247 cc water-cooled 2-stroke parallel twin. 45 ps @ 8 500 rpm, 3.8 kg-m @ 8 000 rpm (Japan)
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Click on the image for larger format.
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The Walter Wolf model was now available in two colors: Dark Blue with red seat and wheels and Silver Green with black seat and silver colored wheels.
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'86 Suzuki RG250 Gamma Walter Wolf
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1986 Suzuki RG250 Γ Walter Wolf, Blue/Red with Red/Gold striping and logos
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'86 RG250 Gamma Walter Wolf1986 Suzuki RG 250 Γ Walter Wolf
Overall Length: 2 010 mm (79.1 in)
Overall Width: 675 mm (26.6 in)
Overall Height: 1 170 mm (46.1 in)
Seat Height: 735 mm (28.9 in)
Wheelbase: 1 355 mm (53.3 in)
Ground Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in)
Dry Weight: 128 kg (282 lbs)
Engine: 247 cc water-cooled 2-stroke parallel twin. 45 ps @ 8 500 rpm, 3.8 kg-m @ 8 000 rpm (Japan)
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Click on the image for larger format.
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'86 Suzuki RG250 Gamma Walter Wolf


Suzuki 1987More Suzuki models from 1987
1987 Suzuki year code: H
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1987 was the last year for the RG250 Gamma. The Suzuki RG250 Gamma was replaced in 1988 by the RGV250 Gamma, with a V-twin engine.

Some modifications were made for the the last model version. The diameter of the front forks was increased from 36 to 38 mm (1.42 to 1.50 inches), the brake discs were enlargened and even the tyre sizes were changed (from 100/90-16 to 110/80-16 at the front and from 110/80-18 to 120/80-17 at the rear). The changes made the '87 model felt more rigid and less nervous than the earlier models. Lightweight hollow 3-spoke wheel was adopted, and the tire aspect ratio was also increased.

Both standard version and the Walter Wolf version of the RG250 Gamma received new graphics.
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'86 Suzuki RG250G Gamma
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1987 Suzuki RG250 Γ Walter Wolf, Blue/Red with Red/Gold striping and logos
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'87 Suzuki RG250H Gamma1987 Suzuki RG 250 Gamma
Overall Length: 2 015 mm (79.3 in)
Overall Width: 675 mm (26.6 in)
Overall Height: 1 170 mm (46.1 in)
Seat Height: 735 mm (28.9 in)
Wheelbase: 1 360 mm (53.5 in)
Ground Clearance: 125 mm (4.9 in)
Dry Weight: 130 kg (286 lbs)
Engine: 247 cc water-cooled 2-stroke parallel twin. 45 ps @ 8 500 rpm, 3.8 kg-m @ 8 000 rpm (Japan)
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Click on the image for larger format.
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'87 RG250 Gamma Walter Wolf1987 Suzuki RG 250 Γ Walter Wolf
Overall Length: 2 015 mm (79.3 in)
Overall Width: 675 mm (26.6 in)
Overall Height: 1 170 mm (46.1 in)
Seat Height: 735 mm (28.9 in)
Wheelbase: 1 360 mm (53.5 in)
Ground Clearance: 125 mm (4.9 in)
Dry Weight: 130 kg (287 lbs)
Engine: 247 cc water-cooled 2-stroke parallel twin. 45 ps @ 8 500 rpm, 3.8 kg-m @ 8 000 rpm (Japan)
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Click on the image for larger format.
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1987 RG250 Gamma (GJ21B) specifications (Japan)
Overall length: 2 015 mm (79.3 in.)
Overall width: 675 mm (26.6 in.)
Overall height: 1 170 mm (46.1 in.)
Wheelbase: 1 360 mm (53.5 in.)
Seat height: 735 mm (28.9 in.)
Ground clearance: 125 mm (4.9 in.)
Dry weight: 130 kg (287 lbs)
Engine: Liquid-cooled parallel twin 2-stroke
Intake system: Piston and reed valve
Piston displacement: 247 cc (15.1 cu-in)
Bore x stroke: 54.0 x 54.0 mm (2.125 x 2.125 in.)
Compression ratio: 7.0 :1
Maximum power output: 45 hp / 9,500 rpm
Maximum torque: 3.6 kg-m / 8,500 rpm
Carburettor: Mikuni VM28SS flat side x 2
Starter system: Primary kick
Ignition type: Suzuki PEI (Pointless Electrical Ignition)
Lubrication system: Suzuki CCI
Clutch: Wet multi-plate type
Transmission: 6-speed constant mesh
Gearshift pattern: 1-down, 5-up
Final drive: #520 chain, 110 links, O-ring sealed
Caster: 26 degrees
Trail: 110 mm (4.33 in.)
Front suspension: Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped with anti-dive
Rear suspension: Full Floater, gas/oil damped, spring pre-load fully adjustable
Front brake: Double hydraulic disk
Rear brake: Single hydraulic disk
Front tyre: 110/80-16
Rear tyre: 120/80-17
Minimum turning radius: 3.1 meter
Braking distance: 14 m (initial speed 50 kph)
Fuel economy: 46.3 km/l (50 kph)
Fuel tank Capacity incl. reserve: 17 liter (4.5 US gal, 3.7 Imp gal)
Engine oil tank capacity: 1.2 liter (1.3 US gal, 1.1 Imp gal)
Recommended retail price (Japan): 489,000—509,000 Yen





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