Lot details Registration No: N/A Frame No: RG11075 Engine No: 11130 cc: 497 MOT Expiry Date: N/A
The introduction of the RG500 during 1976 had an immediate impact on the class, providing privateers who had previously been starved of competitive machinery with an effective mount to campaign at the highest level and consequently rejuvenating the 500cc class. Prior to the RG's introduction privateers had been forced to run over bored TZ twins or TR500's, however, the Mk I, which was clearly derived from the works machines first seen during the 1974 season gave those who could afford it a genuine "Grand Prix" motorcycle. The new machine retained the 56 x 50.5mm bore and stroke employed on the 1974 and `75 factory bikes, although for 1976, the works bikes had moved to "square" dimensions of 54mm x 54mm in 1976, a refinement that would not be incorporated into the "over the counter" racers until 1979 and the introduction of the MkIV. The Mk II, introduced for the 1977 season, incorporated detail changes, the most obvious being the more upright shock absorber mounting employed on the new model. Suzuki also followed the lead of the racers who had ridden the MK I variant and who had routinely dispensed with that models oil injection system, in deleting the system. The consequent switch to pre-mix lubrication on the Mk II which resulted in blanked off disc valve covers gracing the Mk II's crankcases and the exhaust system adopted integral silencers. The rest of the machine was little changed from the previous season, it retained the wire spoked wheels, quadruple 34mm Mikuni carburettors and four crankshafts of the Mk1 which delivered a power output reputedly of 103 bhp.
This example was raced during 1977 and 1978 throughout the UK and Ireland by George Fogarty in whose hands it achieved excellent results including a second place finish behind Joey Dunlop on the Isle of Man. It was subsequently purchased by Alan Lawton who continued to campaign the machine through the 1980's and early 90's in the UK, Ireland and Isle of Man. It was restored during 2012 by the vendor who stripped and rebuilt the mechanical components, returning it to running condition. The cycle parts were similarly stripped and rebuilt and the paintwork was renewed.
PLEASE NOTE: The frame number for this motorcycle is RG11075.
PLEASE NOTE: The engine number for this motorcycle is 11130.
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