| Suzuki RGV 250 | |
| Manufacturer: | Suzuki |
| Production: | 1988–1998 |
| Predecessor: | Suzuki RG250 Gamma |
| Class: | Sport bike |
| Engine: | 249cc two-stroke 90° V-Twin |
| Bore Stroke: | 54mm54.5mm |
| Power: | 62hp (unrestricted)[1] |
| Transmission: | Six-speed manual |
| Brakes: | Drilled vented discs front and rear |
| Wheelbase: | 54.3inches |
| Dry Weight: | 305lb |
| Wet Weight: | 345lb |
| Related: | Aprilia RS250 as it shares the same engine |
The Suzuki RGV250 was a Suzuki high performance sport bike which had a great number of its features and design cues based on Grand Prix technologies and ideas. It is a race-replica based on Suzuki's 250cc GP bikes from 1987 to 1998, the RGV V-2 racer. This motorcycle replaced the RG250 Gamma, which employed an alloy frame with a two-stroke parallel twin engine. The bike produced over 60 bhp in a narrow power band between 8,000 and 11,000 rpm. The dry weight ranged between 1280NaN0 (1989) to 1400NaN0 (later models) dry weight.
The top speed of a standard RGV250 is around 1300NaN0. It has a 0-600NaN0 time of around 3.7 seconds.
This motorcycle's 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 delivery characteristics effectively doubles, as is expected of a two-stroke racing motorcycle.
Due to its light weight, engine characteristics and cornering capabilities, it is particularly suited to the track, compared to other motorcycles of similar engine capacity.
All RGV250 models, with the exception of the Japanese domestic market's version (restricted to 45 hp), make 50+ hp. The model designations are:
The VJ21 was the first RGV250 production motorcycle available in Japan in 1988. Technical aspects were:-
The VJ22 machine relied heavily on the VJ21, but had the following improvements:-
In addition, a restricted VJ22 model was available in Japan as Sports Production (SP) model, which came with dry clutch and close-ratio gearbox as standard. A later SPII model reverted to standard wide-ratio gearbox. The VJ23 uses a totally redesigned engine with few interchangeable parts with the early models.
In the UK, the motorcycle press responded favourably to the VJ21. However, the initial VJ22 models had a design flaw in the 'improved' 3 piece exhaust valves in which they crack likely due to carbon build up from boiling oil within the mechanism and failed to open from the idle/low power position. This was corrected on later VJ22 models, but still needs to be inspected regularly.The VJ23 is not known to have powervalve issues.
These motorcycles are not particularly suited to carrying pillion passengers on long rides, due to its race-orientated design, detracting from comfort. Hence, touring is also not a strong point of this model. In straight line acceleration, the RGV250 is faster than most other 250 cc two-stroke and four-stroke motorcycles.
The Aprilia RS250 is related and uses a modified RGV250 VJ22 (90° 2-Stroke V-Twin) engine.
Aprilia bought engines from Suzuki (which were fitted with Aprilia branded castings on the timing and clutch covers), then fit their own expansion chambers, barrels and ECU. They also redesigned the heads to have larger cooling passages and a slightly different combustion chamber shape.