The Suzuki RG250 is a motorcycle model produced by the Japanese manufacturer Suzuki Motor Corporation. It belongs to Suzuki’s “RG” series of sport‑oriented motorcycles that were introduced in the early 1980s to target the domestic and international 250 cc displacement market.
Development and Production
The RG250 was launched in the early‑1980s, with most references indicating an introduction year of 1982. Production continued for several years, with most sources placing the end of manufacturing in the mid‑1980s (approximately 1985–1987). Exact production dates vary among regional catalogs, and comprehensive factory records are not publicly available.
Design and Positioning
The RG250 was marketed as a lightweight sport or “standard‑sport” motorcycle, intended to provide a blend of agility, modest power output, and everyday usability. It was positioned below Suzuki’s larger displacement sport models (such as the RG500) and above entry‑level commuter bikes.
Engine and Performance
Available information indicates that the RG250 was equipped with a single‑cylinder, four‑stroke engine of approximately 250 cc displacement. Reported output levels are in the range of 20–30 horsepower, which is typical for naturally aspirated 250 cc sport motorcycles of the period. Detailed specifications—including bore‑stroke dimensions, compression ratio, fuel delivery system, and exhaust configuration—are not consistently documented across sources; therefore, precise technical data cannot be confirmed without referencing manufacturer archives.
Chassis and Components
The motorcycle employed a steel tubular frame common to sport‑oriented models of its era, supporting a conventional upright riding posture. Front suspension comprised telescopic forks, while the rear used twin shock absorbers. Braking was provided by a single disc at the front and a drum at the rear, consistent with many 250 cc motorcycles produced in the early 1980s.
Market Reception
The RG250 achieved moderate commercial success in markets where 250 cc motorcycles were popular due to licensing restrictions or tax categories. It was praised for its nimble handling and approachable power delivery but faced competition from rival manufacturers offering similar displacement sport bikes.
Legacy
While the RG250 itself was discontinued by the late 1980s, the “RG” designation continued in later Suzuki models (e.g., the RG250 Gamma and RG500), reflecting the company’s ongoing development of sport‑focused motorcycles. The RG250 is occasionally referenced by collectors and vintage motorcycle enthusiasts as a representative example of early 1980s Japanese sport bike engineering.
References
- Suzuki Motor Corporation historical model listings (archived catalogs).
- Contemporary motorcycle magazines from the early‑to‑mid‑1980s featuring model reviews and specifications.
Note: Specific technical details such as exact power output, bore‑stroke measurements, and year‑by‑year production figures are not uniformly documented in publicly accessible sources; therefore, the information presented reflects the consensus of available references while acknowledging gaps in the historical record.