1987 Suzuki RG400 Gamma Walter Wolf replica. Recent Japan import with only 11,500 km. Unused for some time – presentable example fairly priced.

A high point in Japanese GP race replica sport bikes. At the time of its introduction, the specifications were rather unusual – twin-crank, 4-cylinder, rotary disc valve, 2-stroke with the engine in a ‘square’ layout. 2-cylinders facing forward and two facing toward the rear. With the Mikuni flat-slide carburetors mounted on the side feeding fuel into the crankcase through the rotary ports.

And it delivered the goods – low weight, suitable power and the proper sound and smell to evoke the battles Barry Sheen fought aboard the RG500 starting in 1974. But it was the American riders – chiefly Kevin Schwantz and the epic battles with Lawson, Rainey, Mamola, Doohan in the early 1990’s that drew me in. It was during that time I imported a number of RG500 and other forbidden 2-strokes from Canada. Many early morning trips across the border to peruse the BuySell in Vancouver and to make the rounds of the dealerships getting the word out to potential sellers. Lots of work in the days before the Internet made sourcing rarities so simple.