I bought my Suzuki RG500 in 1989. I was 19 when I was actually a teenager. I am lucky I survived. I still have it. And another.

Watched this with a massive smile, i was 17 in 1988 and bought an RG 125, could only dream of the 500. But the weekends spent with my mates ( AR 125, DT 125 , and a 1980 derestricted RD 125 ) The memories and that beautiful smell... priceless.

I actually did have an RG500 when I was 19, due to the rather relaxed licensing laws here in Australia in the 80's. It used to frighten the hell out of me when it got in the band. Now I'm 53, with a S1000RR and the RG would probably feel slow. Not in 1988 did it! Like every guy that owned one, I wish I still had it.

Can't stop 😀I had an RD 350 YPVS F2 but a friend of ours had an RG500 in Pepsi colours. We were all very jealous and was convinced it was going to kill him.

In-line four he says. Eh? It’s a square 4, not an inline.

I still have my RG 500 that i bought in 1985…..Love IT

At the age of 52, I think it is a thing of huge beauty! Grew up on a diet of RG's, RD's etc. That bike is way better looking than any of the modern stuff!!

Still got the 7speed mito I bought when I was 17. Gotta love the scream of a little 2 stroke. Doesn't hurt that it looks like a mini 916 either.

It may not be "pretty", but I think it looks stunning and full of charm in a way that no modern bike ever does anymore. Those four pipes for example...

Started on a two stroke YZ-80. That was 40 years ago. They’re something else, these two strokes.

I bought my RG500 in 1987 and loved it, in standard form it smoked my mates (literally lol) on their GPZ1100s and GSX-R 1100s, I then got the Stan Stephens stage 2 tune and there was nothing like it, I still miss the smell and soundtrack of the RG.

I had a 1970 Kawasaki H1 Mach III. Now there's a bike with (non) handling and (non) braking to scare the crap out of you! Mind you, I was 19 years old and saw it as pure unadulterated fun! Lucky I'm still alive.

I love watching videos on RG500s. This is a cool video that very accurately represents anyone who likes these machines…….they’re such a buzz. Actually very smooth, much more so than RD500 I have always wanted an RG500 so went and bought one two years ago. The best thing I have ever bought…..

I used to work for Cusworths Motorcycles as a sales person back in the day and I was able to ride all the latest bikes coming out in the mid to late eighties. I remember riding this bike all the time. Once you got it in the power band, this became a weapon. I absolutely loved this model and like everyone watching, I wish I had one now. Spectacular bike. This was the era of RD500LC, Honda 400, GSXR1100R, GPZ1000RX and I got to ride them all, but this was my absolute favourite. The memories! What a video!

Had a Pepsi one back in the very early 90s. What a blast to ride. Its all about the powerband. Hanging onto the gear would reveal an extra kick near the red line. This brings back memories. It certainly felt quick at the time, and very light. I got the 250 version a few years after I sold it. I missed the smell sound and 'fizziness'. Top video

My first 'big bike' in 1987, was a 1986 RG500 with 1500 miles! Cost me £2995 (and that included leathers, helmet, gloves and a £200 insurance contribution!). I was 18 years old, and Lincolnshire was my playground... (and it still is!) 😉

RZ350 first bike. Threw a set of pipes on it and never fell out of love with it. Always dreamed of move up to an RG500. That bike taught me real throttle control and paved the way for a lifetime of fun at the club racing level.

Worth watching for the last 5 seconds alone. Brilliant. Brings back memories. This one was before my time but the 250’s were me.

Loved this video - awesome! I owned the 87 RG250 version of this bike. Was a great bike. Excellent handling & nimble. Fun machine back in the day & great for pulling wheelies away from the lights too!

Bump starting a 2 stroke brings back fun memories. Guess they didn't have an NSR for you to take in the shop? Can't wait to see my dream bike next episode

06:20 Haaaa look at that smoke. Love it. I had an RGV 250 years ago, loved the little zinger. I miss it.

Nice vid Chris 👍 It reminded me of the times when I had my RG250 Gamma MK III, happy days indeed. BTW, tell James the 500 is a square four, and not an inline four 😉. Please keep making these video's on classic bikes 👍. Maybe RD500, RC30, RC45, OW01, VTR1000 SP, etc next 😁

Of course the Ducati featured last segment is outstanding, although that said perhaps there’s something wrong with me but I think this bike is beautiful too. Just wish you were able to have it on a better day.

My first bike was an imported NSR400. I miss the smell of two stroke and that ring-a-dingding engine note. This video brought back a LOT of great memories. Thanks Chris and team for making an old man smile!

Thanks for bringing back the memories Chris. Having owned and raced 2 Suzuki RGV-250’s in the 90’s in the Australian 250 production class, nothing comes close to the smell of two-strokes starting cold on race day. Luckily, I kept one and put all the road parts back on it. It hasn’t been started in over 20 years and is now worth more than 5 times what I paid for it brand new. Phillip Island was my home racetrack and it’s always interesting when I come across people who have had a couple of track days on say a brand new R1 and I mention that based on my times on stock road biased tyres only in the 90’s that in 5 laps I’d be overtaking them. One day I’ll get it going again and see what it’s like with today’s tyre technology. 👍😎🇦🇺

Lovely bike, I had a little two stroke 80cc as a first bike. Just the act of kickstarting a bike is really nostalgic.

Most fun i EVER had was the brief period of time i owned a heavily tuned RD350LC YPVS engine *inside* a Cagiva MITO, which resulted in the beloved MITO-RD. During early 90s it was possible to race (and kick in the arse) a LOT of powerful 4 stroke (CBRs FZRs and GSXRs) down stelvio pass feeling like Mr. Wayne Rainey. GLORIOUS times

The NS400 was the more looker two stroke with its faired in side stand 😍

I actually was a teenager in the '80's, and a mate of mines older brother got one of those when I was 15. I told him it sounded like a hairdryer. He took me for a spin on the back. I then told him it was a bloody psychotic hairdryer on steroids and amphetamines. He pissed himself laughing, and whenever he saw me for about 5 years after that he'd mutter, " bloody hairdryer," and chuckle. Gods but that bike was effin' awesome!!

1988, 18 years old test rode one of these at my local Suzuki dealership in N.Z. Only rode for 15 minutes, decided it would most probably kill me in a month so took it back and ended up getting a GSXR 400 instead. Now have an 87 and 89 GSXR 1100 and apart from a couple of 2 Stroke enduro bike have stayed with the 4 stoke bikes. As that thing scared the heck out of me.

Still have mine I picked up at the Toronto Airport in 85. Took her to the track, put it together and raced it that weekend! Mickey mouse ears and turn signals never installed to this day. Still my baby! With jollymoto pipes ans all the steel bits removed it was under 300lb dry. Steel braided lines and decent pads and gold valves made the front decent. Was actually quicker than the gsxr 750 that came out the same year, at least up to a hundred mph. Chris you need a bit more time and practice to get her through the gears on the back wheel ya hoon! 😉

9:34 I remember the RG (and RD), as well as a load of other great bikes coming out. The early-mid 80s was a fantastic time for bike models of all types. I was 18 in 1985, and remember these bikes being delivered to JT Morgan when they were in Llanelli. I lusted after these, but they were way beyond my pocket...and they are, once again!

Great! Love the bump start at the end - I remember being at Silverstone back in the day when race starts were still bump starts. It went from dead silence to apocalyptic in about 1.5 seconds (usually with Ron Haslam getting the drop on everyone). Happy days! Can't wait for the D16 episode...

Loved this - you understood this beast - I owned one for 3 years back in the late 80's . Yes, somehow I survived! Hitting peak power, front wheel in the air on every shift, a precision bike with no tolerance for error. Hooligan bike 100%

I had two of these first one lasted 8 days then wrote it off 2nd one 23000 miles didnt crash it is now retired in my garage and takes pride of place.

additionally, so cool to watch someone that truly loves these machines, not just for views. U look like a kid in a candy store talking about them! Gets people even more exited about motorcycles. Just wanted to say that, its a pleasure watching you. Thanks for the great content

Great video. Love the 2-strokes since I grew up with the 50 ccs in the mid 70s and still regret I gave away my RD 250 LC with it‘s 38 hp later. I even used it for a two week holiday trip to corse with my girlfriend. From a today’s perspective it sounds incredible, but it really worked. As long one is younger one is ready do make compromises … 😉

I had an RG500 at 20 years old in 1986, my mate did at 19, my brother had the RZ500 at 18 - glorious days, no idea how we all survived tbh.

I Broke Down In Nottingham In 1995 On My Castrol VFR 400RR And Two Gentlemen Pulled Over To Help Me. They Were Riding(No Joke) RD 500 V FOUR And A GAMMER 500. They Identified my Bikes Fault As The Second Throttle Cable to close the Throttle Had Loosened And Fallen From Its Holder. They Fixed My Throttle Cable By Hand And Then Sped Off, I will Always Admire These Guy As The Helped Me, THANK YOU :) PS The Livery And Tech On These Bikes Was Prenominal Compared To My Boyhood Ride:) Two Stroke Smell Is Like Fish n Chips lol

Probably the most honest appraisal of the RG. The brakes felt inadequate, even back in 1989, when I had mine! Thanks Chris. Still good fun.

I remember reading an article back in the day which said you could easily swap the exhaust for the GP bike' exhaust, giving the road legal RG500 an immediate 14 hp increase.....it apparently fits right on.

I was lucky enough to ride my friend’s RG500 back in the day, and his was super-fit and had a 2nd power and from 9.5K to 11K, power wheelyed in 2nd………..and was possibly breathed upon. Thanks Chris…….the gorgeous noise of that takes me straight back 😁😁😁😁

very special bike, and so are all 2 stroke race bikes. really really cool! yes this thing when u get it in the power band it screams so nice!

All these years I thought it was a square four?

I bought a 73 kwaka 500 Mach 3 when I was 17 years old, only knew two speeds, stop, and flat out.

Wow, my two favorite bikes ever, you guys are nailing this. Owned one back in the day. God I’d wished I’d kept it.

My brother had one back in the day and I rode it quite a few times. That power band was so addictive and so much fun to ride! This video made me smile the whole way through👍👍

I had one of these at the age of 20 lol got a Stan Stevens turn to smooth out the power band and of course more power was an awesome big!!

4 exhausts! I LOVE IT!

The RG500 is a motorcycle that looks best with a rider on it. I love the 80s slab-sided looks of it. Guarantee you show up at a Bike Night on this and you'll get much admiration. The front disk looks like it had a crack.

Me and a friend both owned RG500's in '86, I was 20 years old, my younger brother owned the RZ500 (Australia), their were no speed cameras lol, the RG was by far the better bike. I own an MT09SP nowadays, much more civilized, and just as fast, but I still dream of my old RG.

Absolutely loved my ‘84 KR250 tandem twin - quirky 80s as it got - go for any decent blast and have to push it straight back in the shed and change the rings!😁👊

In comparison it makes may 1976 Suzuki GT500 seem very humble, but I can honestly say when I ride that it is an "occasion" and at 62 years old it still makes me irresponsible. It's very hard to ride a 2 stroke sensibly, there's just something constantly telling you to give it full throttle. The RG500 is the one bike I wish I'd bought back in the day and been able to hang on to until the present day.

Had one when was 18, many years was sad because need to trade it to a race bike…. (Tried to race, but never fast enough) A few years ago found one for sale in my home country (Finland) and bought it, have not been many at sale. Have alot of bikes today in my collection, but the RG 500 is just something special…. Love it…. 2 stroke, is a different world

Yes they 500 Gamma I loved them back in the eighties I had two strokes hondas and yammies the rd350lc was the most hooligan bike out there !

takes me back to 1988 TT . on a non race day coming back from Ramsey back to Laxey where i was camping on an RD 350 got passed by two guys one on an RD 500 the other on the RG 500, when i say passed i mean passed, these guys were on it. four plumes of blue smoke from each. didn't feel bad being passed, more of a pleasure, happy days. never got the chance to ride one but being blown by one is the next best thing.

Reminds me when I was 16 and got a '68 Dodge Charger with a 383. It rained for 2 days straight......and I couldn't nail it 🤬 haha wd Chris :-)

Single seat, micron chambers, carbon stingers, Motul premix Aeroquip lines , SBS pads 38mm carb conversion modded rotary valves……..fkn bliss

The yamaha rd350 and rz350 is an awesome bike too.

Love it. Brings back memories of my 1984 Kawasaki AR125LC. 21 brake model on L plates.

Brave lad riding in that weather. Absolutely lovely bike though, I'm actually not convinced that there's a better tricolor blue combo ever painted.

What I remember most about them from the 80s was that people, including myself, bought various incarnations of the 350LC. Cheap to buy. 500 Gammas were as pricey as many big four strokes so a lot of potential buyers went from a 350LC or X7 etc and straight onto something like a GSX-R or FZR after a year or so. Still, the RG500 was and remains extremely desirable and maybe even more so now.

had an NSR 250. and a TDR 250 back in the day. yeah the scent of two stroke and the 'lively perormance'. great memories

I love Geeking out on Bikes with you Mate! Yeah, I feel like I’m having a conversation with you almost. Your content is top notch. Keep it up! BTW my Blank Check Bike is the 998 . Grew up just loving the hell out of it stunning looks that still hold true today. Would love a museum quality piece someday 😂

I had a blue and white one when i was 22, amazing bikes, like many who had one, wish i never sold it. My brother had one of the official Skoal Bandit versions imported by Heron Suzuki with document to prove. I have memories of being on the back of that as a teenager, great days.

If you want to feel some more of the 1980's see if Honda can dig you up a CR500! The hero bike of my childhood..

The RG 500 was my dream bike as a learner back in the mid 80s. When I passed my test I ended up with a Yamaha FZ750.

Funny you mention typical 80’s tropes, i can only imagine how people looked at King Kenny and his very country boy roots and attitude in the GP paddock

Hail Seizure. As a kid I lusted so badly after a Stan Stevens tuned RG500 in Skoal Bandits livery, split rim wheels and all the toys, which sat in the window of Armstrongs on Westgate Road Newcastle. Sweet memories.

Wooohooooooooo, reminds me of my two stroke days. That’s what they’re like……

One of the best series on yourtube...

Stunner. I had a Skoal Bandit one for a few years. The only bike I wish I still had.

Great vid, to back years. My mate had the RG500. The other had the RD500, which I think looked better. I went for the GPZ600R.

That raw gnarly sound is just music to ears!!! ❤️❤️❤️

Thank you so much for the raw engine sound segment xx love this series

64,000 kms on my '93 KDX250SR. Never fails to put a smile on my chevy chase.

As far away from an electric bike as it's possible to get - I swear I could smell quality 2t oil being burnt - lovely !

U lucky Son of a Daddy! Ive enjoyed a heavily modified Kawasaki 150RR (200cc Block, Head & piston kit) it was amazing... ive had a Ducati Monster M900, Yamaha Thundercat 600 carb etc... But 2 Strokes Are Awesome!!!

It didn't scare you because you are experienced, but both this and the RD500 were not really what the then customers wanted. In short, they were on the soft side, not the real mean machines that folk hoped for back then. Would I give a home to one? Well yesssss 🤣. RD500 though.

Imo one of the most interesting things about this bike is the square four config - I didn't hear that mentioned. W/ twin cranks. This and the fact that only a few years separates the stupid Kettle and the RG500.

They say you shouldn't meet your heroes, and this clip reinforces that statement. You can tell that he was only mildly impressed by the bike. Which is what I have been trying to tell people today, as I bought one brand new in 1985. They weren't that fast when they were new, a GSXR-750 Slabbie would absolutely hose my RG500 back then. So, for those that haven't ridden an RG500, I can tell you that if you do, you will feel deflated. They are not fast, and they do not feel 'special' to ride, nowadays. It you want to see his reaction to a motorcycle that REALLY impressed him, go to his ride impression of the Honda RC30. He just gushes about that bike!!

Nothing beats that 80's smell of burnt Castrol-R.

Not only did Yamaha with their RD and Suzuki with their RG have a riotous time competing, but with engine designs too, Yam with a V4, Suzuki with a Square 4 (last, or, sorry, first big development for a square 4, was 1931 and British manufacturer Ariel). I had a RD350 F2 (YPVS) when I was 18 (am 51 now), and thought "HECK! If this lets rip at 5500 RPM!!! What do the 500s do! Blimey!!" hahaha 😉👍 😎🇬🇧

Brilliant stuff real world experience counts for alot different brake pads etc but even my k6gsxr brakes are great for me ,, any thing old can be improved by, modern stuff,, longer time with the bike you have to adjust your riding ,,, making sure I get the lottery tickets to visit the shop ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️

Yeah, takes me back to [insert year in the 1980s] when I was [17,18,19] and rode a two-stroke! Fantastic machine. Ah, the smell, the sound, Sam Fox, [insert another cultural icon] and the existential threat of nuclear war hanging over our heads!

Rode a few times the Yami version. Lot's of fun as were the RGV250M's through the mid 90's.

Mate drooled over one of these in the dealer in 86 in Skol bandit green Awsome bike 🏍🎉👍🏁

Love this! Lucky boy, Chris

I’ve got two 1992 RGV250 N models and one 1997 RGV250SP. One of the N models is a genuine Lucky Strike model and the 1997 SP is also a genuine Lucky Strike. I have an eye on a 1986 500 Gamma, but the guy that has it won’t let it go, and I honestly don’t blame him.

I ordered a RZ500 back in 84 but never took delivery as it was damaged in the shop. I have never enjoyed a test ride so much though. The RG was apparently better again. I get my 2 stroke fix on a MX modified IT465 now and when that is run on mineral oil people come to have a chat. Bring back the 2 strokes.

I'd forgotten how amazing these sound.

I still sorrow over the demise of the road going two strokes... I loved them dearly.... I so wish they still made them...although there are rumours that perhaps they might...

Oh man what a beauty. My first bike at 16 in 1984 was an ‘82 RD350LC, then the RZ350, but the RG was the dream bike for me. You’re a lucky man to ride this bike Chris.

Yip had a NS250r back when I was 17, rode it like I stole it everywhere thinking I was Mick Doohan. Good Times and I'm still alive. Chris you should ride gen1 vmax they came out in 1985 with 140hp and even worse brakes now that scares the crap out of ya that's why I I've got one now.

Can't wait for the Desmo episode!

Pulls surprisingly good at rpm`s range 4-6 k revs! And you not even aproached it`s happy top end(( I know - weather was not for that, but everyone wanted to hear that scream))

Before getting my full licence I always dreamed of getting a RGV250. (Ended up getting a CBR400 from Boxhill) I could only imagine how savage the bike that inspired it was.

My father in law had one here in South Africa.. mint. Was exported to the uk.. it had 4 performance pipes on it.. it screamed..

RGV running gear..forks ,banana swinging arm,wheels and brakes 👌

Still looks a beautiful and aggressive bike. It looks timelessly awesome and always will. The prices are through the roof for one these days.