Based on the square-four cylinder layout of Suzuki’s earlier 250, the RG500 was first used by the works in 1974. In its first incarnation the water-cooled two-stroke employed cylinder dimensions of 56x50.5mm (54x54mm was adopted later) and featured twin geared-together crankshafts and a six-speed gearbox. The initial maximum power output of 90bhp was eventually upped to nearer 150bhp before the factory switched to a V4 for 1987. By then the RG500 had won seven manufacturers’ titles for Suzuki and provided Britain’s Barry Sheene with his two World Championships. From 1983 onwards the pace of development slackened and the RG500 was less competitive with rivals Honda and Yamaha; in its day though, it was the class of the field. Offered for public sale from 1976, it provided talented privateers with a competitive mount at the highest level, and Jack Middleburgh’s 1981 British Grand Prix-winning RG500 remains the last entirely private entry to win a 500cc World Championship round. Although technically complex, the customer version was deservedly popular and many are still in action today in post-classic racing. Carrying the livery of the sponsoring HB cigarette brand, this RG500 was raced successfully in the German national championship by none other than Anton ‘Toni’ Mang, World Champion in road-racing’s 250 and 350cc classes on no fewer than five occasions between 1980 and 1987. In the 1980s the machine was bought by the Austrian rider, Richard Schulze and repainted, although there are still signs of the original HB red livery visible on the seat (right front corner). The RG was next owned by another Austrian racer (named Nussmüller) who sold the machine to Professor Ehn in 1987, since when it has remained on display in the Museum. Offered without documents.
Based on the square-four cylinder layout of Suzuki’s earlier 250, the RG500 was first used by the works in 1974. In its first incarnation the water-cooled two-stroke employed cylinder dimensions of 56x50.5mm (54x54mm was adopted later) and featured twin geared-together crankshafts and a six-speed gearbox. The initial maximum power output of 90bhp was eventually upped to nearer 150bhp before the factory switched to a V4 for 1987. By then the RG500 had won seven manufacturers’ titles for Suzuki and provided Britain’s Barry Sheene with his two World Championships. From 1983 onwards the pace of development slackened and the RG500 was less competitive with rivals Honda and Yamaha; in its day though, it was the class of the field. Offered for public sale from 1976, it provided talented privateers with a competitive mount at the highest level, and Jack Middleburgh’s 1981 British Grand Prix-winning RG500 remains the last entirely private entry to win a 500cc World Championship round. Although technically complex, the customer version was deservedly popular and many are still in action today in post-classic racing. Carrying the livery of the sponsoring HB cigarette brand, this RG500 was raced successfully in the German national championship by none other than Anton ‘Toni’ Mang, World Champion in road-racing’s 250 and 350cc classes on no fewer than five occasions between 1980 and 1987. In the 1980s the machine was bought by the Austrian rider, Richard Schulze and repainted, although there are still signs of the original HB red livery visible on the seat (right front corner). The RG was next owned by another Austrian racer (named Nussmüller) who sold the machine to Professor Ehn in 1987, since when it has remained on display in the Museum. Offered without documents.
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