The most fun you can have on 2 wheels. (Suzuki RGV 250 Gamma)

Member Name: Jonny_L

Product:	Suzuki RGV 250 Gamma
Date:	24/06/08 (853 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Looks old-school cool, oh, that powerband! Incredible cornering ability

Disadvantages: Requires good oil and looking after, 2 stroke sound won't impress the kids these days, but who cares

There are few things that stir the soul in the motorcycling world, be it the raucous grunt of a big Ducati, the whoosh of a 1000cc inline four, or the punch of a well set up RGV250 when it hits it's powerband.

And what a powerband. Until about 7500rpm you get pretty much nothing, you're riding it and thinking "hmm, have I bought a 50cc bike here?", and then it hits 8000rpm and literally all hell breaks loose. The kick it gives is similar to that of a good 600cc bike, only in a much more focused package.

Yes your mates will laugh when they hear the typical two stroke engine doing it's best crazy frog impression, and they'll laugh when they see the size of the thing, it's pretty titchy. They may be wrustled slightly, however, by the telltail paintwork (the one to have is really the Kevin Schwantz Lucky Strike replica). Of course, the laughter will soon subside by the first corner.

The slightest shove of the forks is enough to get your knee onto the deck, and if you've not ridden a little stroker before you'll be absolutely astounded, and probably make a few 50p peice shaped corners at first while you're getting adjusted to what this thing can actually achieve. This bike weighs under 140kg, I can lift the back end with one hand, and this shows in it's incredible cornering balance. Once on it's side it feels perfectly stable and considerably civilised for what is really an all out race bike with a number plate.

The ride position is focused. You're in a real racing crouch, don't expect to be comfortable on that seat either, it might as well be made from stone after half an hour's riding. That's not really what this bike is about though. The RGV250 these days is a brilliant track tool. Yes the big bikes will get you on the straights, but when the bends come along you'll have the last laugh.

Of course, the two-stroke V twin is the heart of it all. It's lightweight, simple to work with and pretty reliable. You do need to worry about powervalves however, as due to the overall cost of the bike if these go you'd be better off just getting a second hand engine. The weak point is a little pin that holds them in, and if that breaks or comes out, your looking at a nice big metal peg inside the barrel. Don't be scared by this though, as long as they're checked at every service you'll be fine. Also you can be happy in the knowledge that those powervalves are making the bike much easier to use at low revs.

Servicing is really straight forward on the RGV250. You may need to change the piston rings every so often, but being a 2 stroke there are no valves to worry about, and the engine is a really nice and simple affair. Good quality 2-stroke oil is a must, Castrol R is expensive but worth it if you really want to look after your bike.

There are lots of bargains to be had when it comes to buying these, starting at around £500! But really you're looking at a right dog for one of those, and you'd be much better spending around £1500+. Many of these bikes will have been thrown down the road at some point, so make sure you've got your wits about you. A good owner will be able to tell you when it was serviced and which oil they've been using.

Summary: Superb fun bike. I'd bet you any money that you couldn't stop grinning while riding it fast!

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