25/12/2025
Suzuki RGVΓ250sp (VJ23) Lucky Strike Edition
The RGV250 (VJ23) Gamma was first introduced to the Japanese 2-Wheeled market in the mid-1996-1998 period. This motorcycle was appointed to compete with 250cc 2-Stroke Motorcycles that were at the peak of their development at that time, such as the NSR250R MC28, TZR250 3XV, and Aprilia RS250. This final edition of the RGV250 was only sold for the Japanese domestic market, aka JDM (Japan Domestic Market) status, but thanks to its extraordinary specifications, the VJ23 was imported non-officially (grey import) to the European market in the mid-1996-1997.
To compete with the latest 250cc racing replica sport bikes from Honda & Yamaha, Suzuki certainly couldn't develop the RGV250 VJ23 carelessly. And they succeeded! In addition to presenting a charming design that is still relevant today, Suzuki also equipped the RGV250 Final Edition with highquality exotic parts, a powerful 250cc engine, plus a Racing Kit that is able to bring out all the capabilities of the VJ23 which were previously limited by Japanese regulations.
In terms of design, the improvements over its predecessor are clearly visible in this version of the VJ23. From its bold design, exotic curves to its seductive rear end, everything is designed with the true racing philosophy of the RGV500 Gamma in the GP500 championship. Likewise, in the chassis department, Suzuki has installed an exotic Twinspar Beam Alloy Aluminum frame and a Banana swingarm (Gullarm) similar to the NSR250SP MC21 on this motorcycle. Furthermore, the VJ23 is equipped with upside-down front forks and a monoshock, which can be adjusted to suit the rider's needs. As a result, the RGV250 VJ23 weighs only 295 lb (dry weight).
In the engine sector, the Suzuki RGV250 VJ23 adopts a new platform with a 250cc 70° V-Twin specification, liquid-cooled. The engine components are also completely overhauled from the previous VJ22 version, where the latest version adopts a smaller piston size (similar to the NSR250), a Mikuni carburetor with a smaller diameter, plus a new, more advanced gearbox.
Because it was only sold as a Sport Production (SP) version, the VJ23 also featured a dry clutch, just like a real racing bike. For added convenience, Suzuki also equipped the RGV250 Final Edition with an electric starter, a rare feature on 250cc "racing replicas."
Uniquely, the Suzuki RGV250 VJ23 is divided into 2 versions. The first is the RGV250T-SP with a CDI that is limited to spewing out 40 HP of power. The second version is the RGV250V-SP with a special CDI that removes the previous limiter to 48 HP. This "V" version is the idol of European importers who brought it non-officially. Well, no need to worry. Suzuki also sells its Racing Kit that can boost its power to around 70 HP or equivalent to the Japanese TT-F3 racing bike in the 90s.
Clearly, there's no doubt about it, With a few carburetor adjustments and exhaust modifications, the Suzuki RGV250 VJ23 is considered to have power that's no less impressive than rivals like the NSR250R MC28 or TZR250R 3XV. The 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time is recorded at just 3.67 seconds. Meanwhile, its top speed (with carburetor adjustments and tuning) surpasses the RGV250V's speedometer, which is recorded at 240 km/h (149 Mph) A phenomenal figure for a 250cc bike.
Despite facing stiff competition from Honda and Yamaha, the Suzuki RGV250 VJ23 has not lost its reputation as one of Japan's legendary 250cc racing motorcycle replicas. However, like its competitors at the time, the VJ23 was not officially exported overseas due to "insecurity" from Japanese manufacturers who considered its price too high (equivalent to a 1997 GSX-R600). Today, this unit is still sought after by enthusiasts and collectors. And with a price factor below other 250cc legends like the NSR MC28 or Aprilia RS250, it's not impossible that the Suzuki RGV250 VJ23 is currently one of the best choices for enthusiasts. Especially with its "Lucky Strike GP" livery, wow, it's truly tempting!
Honda NSR250 SP (MC28) Rothman Edition
Although the 250cc racing replica market began to decline after 1993, Honda continued to produce an upgraded version, the Honda NSR250R MC28. First released in October 1993, the Honda NSR250R MC28 not only received detailed upgrades but also became the first motorcycle to use PGM-IV technology with the distinctive 'PGM Memory Card' key.
This PGM Memory Card is available for all NSR250R MC28 variants and is equipped with a microchip with various engine mapping options. The standard PGM Memory Card provides engine mapping with a maximum output of 40 hp (as per Japanese regulations).
However, if you can obtain a Special PGM4 Memory Card from HRC, consumers will be able to maximize the full potential of the NSR250R MC28 engine. And if you add the HRC kit (Expansion Chamber, Exhaust, and Cylinder Kit), power will instantly jump to around 60-70 hp. While the overall appearance wasn't much different from the previous generation, details such as a single-sided swingarm (ProArm), a digital speedometer, and a PGM memory card slot were added, along with a new telescopic fork with a cartridge-type construction. When first released to the Japanese market in 1994, the Honda NSR250R MC28 was divided into three models: the NSR250R Standard, the SE (Super Edition) with an additional dry clutch, and the SP (Sport Production) with additional details such as MAGTEK magnesium rims, a dry clutch, a complete front-rear suspension setup, the latest Michelin radial tires, and special graphics for Honda's GP500 race bike.
The 1996 version was the final development of the Honda NSR250R. Declining demand for racing replicas in Japan, coupled with emissions regulations geared toward the new millennium, led Honda to discontinue production of the NSR after 10 years as the best-selling racing replica in Japan. Despite this, the Honda NSR250R remains one of the iconic motorcycles of the early 90s. Its impact is still felt today, with used prices (in Japan) reaching two to three times their original prices in the 1990s.
