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 The Suzuki RGV500 ofAlex Barros, pictured at the 1993 Australian Grand Prix. | |
| Manufacturer | Suzuki |
|---|---|
| Production | 1986-2001 |
| Predecessor | Suzuki RG Γ 500 |
| Successor | Suzuki GSV-R |
| Engine | 499.3 cc (30.47 cu in)two-stroke 80°V4[1] |
| Bore /stroke | 54 mm × 54.5 mm (2.13 in × 2.15 in) |
| Power | 185 hp (138 kW) @ 12,500 rpm |
| Wheelbase | 1,400 mm (55 in) |
| Weight | 130 kg (290 lb) (dry) |
| Fuel capacity | 32 L (7.0 imp gal; 8.5 US gal) |
| Related | Suzuki RGV250 |
TheSuzuki RGV-Γ 500 was a racingmotorcycle manufactured bySuzuki from 1986 to 2001 for competition in theGrand Prix motorcycle racing series. The motorcycle was powered by a 499.3 cctwo stroke engine.
Suzuki factory racing team riderKevin Schwantz rode the RGV500 to its first Grand Prix victory at the1988 Japanese Grand Prix. It won its first 500 cc world championship in1993 when Schwantz outscoredWayne Rainey andMick Doohan to win the title. This was the most successful period in the motorcycle's history. The Suzuki suited Schwantz's riding style, as he often pushed beyond the limit of the machine, which often led to Schwantz crashing as often as he won.
The Suzuki was always slower than its opposition, as both theYamaha and especially theHonda were much faster in a straight line; to compensate for this, Schwantz set the RGV up so it would compensate in the braking zones, and in the corners, allowing the Suzuki to slipstream the machines in front. This style of riding was famously quoted by Schwantz stating that he would "See God, then brake".
Other riders failed to adapt their style to the Suzuki, talent such asDoug Chandler andAlex Barros. However many did manage the Suzuki well such asDaryl Beattie who finished second overall in 1995 andNiall Mackenzie. Outside the Grand Prix championship,Didier de Radiguès won the 1991Macau Grand Prix using the RGV500.
Kenny Roberts Jr was another who was successful on the RGV. After finishing second in1999, Roberts became Suzuki's last 500 cc World Champion in2000.
The RGV500 was replaced with theSuzuki GSV-R for2002.
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