1986 Suzuki RG 500 Gamma: A Racing Icon

The 1986 Suzuki RG 500 Gamma was crafted to challenge Yamaha's RZ 500 and assert Suzuki's dominance. Both bikes were engineering marvels, yet they answered questions that no one had asked.

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Incredibly lightweight and powered by a powerful two-stroke engine, the Gamma was a force to be reckoned with, boasting a high-revving, narrow powerband and a throttle response akin to flipping a light switch.

Around town, the RG is smooth and easy to handle, but push the tachometer into higher revs and it redefines what it means to be 'peaky.'

For seasoned riders on the right roads, the Gamma offers exhilarating speed, but less experienced riders may struggle to unlock its full potential.

The Gamma's design revolves around a robust all-aluminum box-section frame. Its engine is a two-stroke 'square four' with dual crankshafts, similar to the one in the RZ 500, delivering an impressive 90 horsepower.

At a dry weight of 340 pounds, the Gamma was nearly 50 pounds lighter than its Yamaha counterpart, making it a more agile machine.

Ultimately, both Suzuki and Yamaha misjudged the demand for street-legal race bikes, and sales stalled. While not officially imported into the United States, a few Gammas made their way across the Canadian border.

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The 1986 Suzuki RG 500 Gamma's race-focused design proved too aggressive for everyday street use, and combined with its steep price, this limited its appeal and sales.

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