Old Bike Australasia – July 21, 2019

72 :OLD BIKE AUSTRALASIA

form. It was also known as the X7 in some markets.

The air-cooled model lasted until 1983, when the

‘Gamma’ appeared to take on the class-leading

Yamaha RZ250R as well as the Honda VT250F twin

and three-cylinder MVX250F. As well as the water-

cooled donk, the new RG250 sported an aluminium

box-section chassis, including the swinging arm –

the first such design to go into mass production.

There was also a version of the full fairing that had

been developed on the company’s World

Championship-winning RGB500 works machines,

although the Gamma was sold in some markets

(including Australia) with a half fairing that covered

the top of the engine only. One common complaint

was the lack of a centre stand.

The frame also featured Suzuki’s motocross-

developed Full Floater rear suspension, with the

single shock absorber mounted vertically behind the

engine. An hydraulic adjuster (as on the GSX750)

made setting rear suspension pre-load extremely

simple. Up front were front forks that had been

developed on the RGB500 racers, with an anti-dive

system built into the fork legs and activated by the

front brake. To cope with the vibes that go with a

highly developed two stroke, the speedo, tacho and

water temperature gauges were rubber mounted.

The oil tank for the automatic oil injection system

sat under the fuel tank and was filled by releasing

the fuel tank’s cap which exposed two ports, one

for fuel and the other for oil.

Despite predictions otherwise, the RG250 never

quite managed to dominate on the race track. At

the annual Bathurst contest, Honda took out the

250cc Production Race in 1984, Yamaha in 1985

and Suzuki finally in 1986, thanks to an inspired

ride and a new lap record by Ian Swift.

The featured bike belongs to motor sport identity

Sean Sorensten from Tweed Heads, who bought the

RG250 from Rob Dark (former Phillip Island race

commentator) when Rob moved back to Victoria

after living in Queensland for some years. The

Suzuki is in substantially standard trim with the

exception of the mufflers, which were made by Rob,

and the substitution of pod filters for the Suzuki air

box. It was built in October 1985, making it one of

the first bearing the Wolf colours. 

ENGINE Parallel twin two stroke with reed valve
induction. Water cooled. Suzuki
Automatic Exhaust Control Power Valve.

CAPACITY 247cc

BORE X STROKE 54mm x 54mm

COMP. RATIO 7.1:1

INDUCTION 2 x Mikuni VM28SS flat slide
carburettors.

IGNITION Suzuki PEI (Pointless Electronic Ignition)

STARTING Kick only

POWER 45hp at 8,500 rpm

TRANSMISSION 6 speed gearbox with wet clutch

SUSPENSION Front: Posi front fork with anti-dive and
4-way damping adjustment. 130mm
travel.
Rear: Suzuki Full Floater single gas/oil
shock. 122mm travel.

BRAKES Front: 2 x 260mm discs with twin-piston
callipers
Rear: 1 x 210mm disc with single-piston
calliper

TYRES Front: 100/90 x 16
Rear: 100/80 x 18

FRAME Aluminium twin spar.

WHEELBASE 1360mm

SEAT HEIGHT 735mm

DRY WEIGHT 131kg

FUEL CAPACITY 17 litres

PRICE $2,750.00 + ORC (Australia 1983)

1985 Suzuki RG 250 Walter Wolf

Specifications

WALTER WOLF

SUZUKI RG 250 GAMMA

Single rear shock

sits vertically behind

the gearbox.

Purposeful looking front end,

with built-in anti-dive and twin

dual-piston calipers.

Proud owner, Sean Sorensten.