c.1980 Suzuki RG500 Racing Motorcycle Frame no. RG500-11217 Engine no. RG500-11080

c.1980 Suzuki RG500 Racing Motorcycle Frame no. RG500-11217 Engine no. RG500-11080 Please kindly note that this motorbike will be available for viewing by prior appointment in Dortmund: please contact eva.lengler@bonhams.com for booking. Six years out of Grand Prix racing, Suzuki returned in 1973 with a roadster-based TR500 twin for works rider Jack Findlay and, after what was essentially an interim season, was ready to take on the MV Agusta and Yamaha's TZ500 in the 500cc class. The Hamamatsu firm already had plenty of experience of 'square four' engines in the form of the defunct RZ63 250, and this compact layout was revived for its new premier-class racer: the RG500. Based on the square-four cylinder layout of Suzuki's earlier 250, the RG500 was first used by the works in 1974. In its first incarnation the water-cooled two-stroke employed bore/stroke dimensions of 56x50.5mm and featured twin geared-together crankshafts and a six-speed gearbox. Dimensions of 54x54mm were adopted later by the works bikes but the customer version, available from 1976, stuck with the original combination until the Mark IV's arrival in 1979. The RG's initial maximum power output of 90bhp was eventually upped to nearer 150bhp before the factory switched to a V4 for 1987. By then the RG500 had won seven manufacturers' titles for Suzuki and provided Britain's Barry Sheene with his two World Championships. From 1983 onwards the pace of development slackened and the RG500 was less competitive with rivals Honda and Yamaha. The class of the field in its day, the RG500 provided talented privateers with a competitive mount at the highest level, and Jack Middleburgh's 1981 British Grand Prix-winning example remains the last entirely private entry to win a premier-class World Championship round. Although technically complex, the customer version was deservedly popular and many are still in action today in Post-Classic racing. This RG500 comes with what appears to be a receipt (hand-written in German and dated 1984). The engine turns over. Key not required Footnotes: Please kindly note that VAT at the prevailing german rate (currently 19%) will be added to the buyer's premium which will be invoiced on a VAT exclusive basis. If you are planning to export, please make the department aware. Lot to be sold without reserve. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing