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Suzuki RGV 250

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Model.

Suzuki RGV 250 VJ23

Year

1997

Engine

Two stroke, 70° V- twin, reed valve with SAPC
(Suzuki Advanced Power Controller)

Capacity

249 cc / 15.2 cu in
Bore x Stroke 54 x 54.5 mm
Compression Ratio NA
Cooling System Liquid cooled

Induction

2 x Mikuni TM32SS semi-flat carburetors

Ignition

Pointless Electrical Ignition

Spark Plug

NGK BR9ES

Battery

12V, 5Ah

Starting

Kick & Electric

Max Power

39 hp / 29 kW @9500rpm T Mokel / 48 hp V Mokel

Max Torque

34.3 Nm / 25.3 lb.ft@8000rpm T Mokel

Clutch

Wet, multi-plate

Transmission

6 Speed, constant mesh

Primary Reduction

2.565 (59/23)

Final Drive

Chain, DID520V2, 114 links

Frame

Twin spar, aluminium

Front Suspension

41mm telescopic forks,Fully adjustable

Front Wheel Travel

120 mm / 4.7 in

Rear Suspension

Full Floater, mono-shock, gas/oil damped, 7-way adjustable

Rear Wheel Travel

140 mm / 5.5 in

Front Brakes

2 x 290 mm Discs ,4 piston calipers

Rear Brakes

Single 210 mm disc, 1 piston caliper

Front Tyre

110/70-17

Rear Tyre

140/60-18

Rake

25o

Trail

94 mm / 3.7 in

Dimensions

Length: 2015 mm / 79.3 in
Width:    695 mm / 27.4 in
Height:  1065 mm / 41.9 in

Wheelbase

1330mm / 52.4in

Ground Clearance

120 mm / 4.7 in

Seat Height

755 mm / 29.7 in

Turning Radius

3.1 m / 10.2 ft

Lean Angle

58°
Dry Weight 134 kg / 295 lbs
Wet Weight 161 kg / 355 lbs

Fuel Capacity 

16 Litres / 4.2 US gal / 3.5 Imp gal

Suzuki’s final incarnation of the RGV 250, the 1996 VJ23, was not only the finest of the line but also one of the finest two-strokes ever built. Rather than just knocking out a last-of-the-line edition based on its predecessors, the VJ23 got a total redesign from the engine out.

Where previous RGV’s were powered by a 90-degree two-stroke V-twin, the VJ23 got a 70-degree unit with a smaller bore and longer stroke giving it dimensions closer to square and more akin to the GP bikes than its greatly oversquare predecessor.

A close-ratio gearbox and dry clutch underlined the new model’s Sports Production tag.A kit gearbox with taller first and yet closer ratios was available too. Where previous RGVs had been kickstart the 23 got an electric start although there was no overall weight penalty for this given the extensive redesign work elsewhere. Chassis-wise, the VJ23 is as exquisite. Fully adjustable suspension and GP-inspired frame and swingarm are topped off with uncompromising bodywork. Not all VJ23’s were created equal and this is vital for a prospective buyer to know.

Production started some time prior to February 1996 with the first 50 bikes being built in this period; indeed the bike broke cover at the 1995 Tokyo Show. Bikes built up until late May 1996 were restricted to 40 bhp and known as the T model. All bar one, which was the prototype for the full-power 48 bhp V model, also known as the "export" model, ending in 1997.

In total just 2218 VJ23s were built with just 360 of those, plus the prototype, being the full-fat RGV 250V. A different CDI (go Zeeltronic rather than try to find a rare and expensive V box), a rejet and removal of the restrictor collars from the headers and airbox restrictor plate will get a T close to a V performance-wise.