It’s been a while since we had an RGV250 without Disney cels in the background, but this SoCal example is a wake-up call to the mouse button finger. This last-of-the-series VJ23 is a Sport Production model with the new 70-degree V-twin, Fla. title and nice cosmetics.
1996 Suzuki RGV250SP / VJ23 for sale on eBay
A lot of RGV250 history was revised with the 1996 engine, beside being capable of 62 hp, it had electric start ! The VJ23 engine was just about “square” and revved to 12,500 rpm, though peak power was back at 9,500. Expansion chambers and upside-down forks were standard, and the single seat helped keep weight under 300 lbs. The Sport Production equated to a factory dry clutch and close-ratio gearbox.
This owner imported and federalized the RGV, and installed a full Jolly Moto exhaust. A fairly extensive re-fresh ensued, and a new gauge cluster sourced, thus the 5,500 claimed miles. The purple accents may or may not delight, but the overall feeling is very good, and the owner relates some history in the eBay auction:
This bike had 7,200Km or 4,300 miles on it at the time of purchase. Then I went through at great expense to convert it to the full power model. I purchased brand new, not used, at great cost, the full power speedo gauge assembly (240KPH speedo), full power black box, air box lid, clutch springs and finally set of Jolly Moto pipes. The Jolly Moto pipes were not the best fitting with the bodywork, but do they preform outstanding and look great! Carburetors re-jetted accordingly. Then I rebuilt the top end using the full power pistons. They have a different coating on them to help avoid detonation at higher speeds. I installed new clutch plates for the dry clutch, new racing 26mm thick radiator, steering damper, wave rear disk, chain, Steel brake lines with Aluminum fittings, silicone radiator hoses, new chain and sprockets, a fortune in titanium, aluminum and stainless bolts. All jetted just right. Just recently I rebuilt the front forks using all new seals and bushing, all new brake fluid and gear oil, new air filter, brake pads, front turn signals, hoses, and a fresh set of sticky Dunlop Q3’s. Cleaned the carburetors added a new factory petcock and Lithium battery. All the switches, lights, turn signals, starter, horn operate without a problem. Oil injection is still intact. This bike is not all corroded out or full of oxidation like many of these bikes from Japan. Very Clean.
The bodywork on it looks fine for a bike it’s age, but not museum quality. There are small scratches, chips around the bike. All minor stuff. Please look at the pictures. The bottom right fairing has some “waves” from getting hot. That was there when I purchased the bike. Side panels are nice but a mark here and there. The tank is excellent shape. No dent and clean inside with a new factory petcock just installed. Paint is still shiny and bike looks great overall. Remember its 25 years old. Though this bike looks stunning, I built it to be a runner not a museum piece. It really runs great and once you hit redline in third with a little speed and air flow the ram air really kicks in and the bike accelerates hard. Much better than my VJ22. Less temperamental with the jetting.
The bike shows about 2,130 KM or 1,250 miles on it with the new speedo installed. Remember it has 7,200KM or 4,300 miles when I bought it. So do the math for the total. Still the 1,250 miles represents all the mileage I have put on it since I converted the bike to full power and installed the new top end. Not much. I love this bike but realized, one I have too many bikes sitting around, and second I’m just too old at social security age to be hauling around on it anymore.
As the century wound down, the RGV250 could no longer find a place in the regulations, and though Aprilia stuck with it, even they couldn’t justify re-tooling for the updated VJ-23 engine. Unfamiliar riders below a certain height-weight quotient might be surprised by the adult packaging of the later models, and the power delivery is epic. Seems like a lot has been done right with this SP, and glad it’s a rider, not a display model.
-donn
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