Suzuki RGV250 Lucky Strike

Model.	Suzuki RGV 250 VJ23 Lucky Strike Replica
Year	1996
Engine	Two stroke, 70° V- twin, reed valve with SAPC (Suzuki Advanced Power Controller)
Capacity	249 cc / 15.2 cu in
Bore x Stroke	54 x 54.5 mm
Compression Ratio	NA
Cooling System	Liquid cooled
Induction	2 x Mikuni TM32SS semi-flat carburetors
Ignition	Pointless Electrical Ignition
Spark Plug	NGK BR9ES
Battery	12V, 5Ah
Starting	Kick & Electric
Max Power	39 hp / 29 kW @9500rpm T Mokel / 48 hp V Mokel
Max Torque	34.3 Nm / 25.3 lb.ft@8000rpm T Mokel
Clutch	Wet, multi-plate
Transmission	6 Speed, constant mesh
Primary Reduction	2.565 (59/23)
Final Drive	Chain, DID520V2, 114 links
Frame	Twin spar, aluminium
Front Suspension	41mm telescopic forks,Fully adjustable
Front Wheel Travel	120 mm / 4.7 in
Rear Suspension	Full Floater, mono-shock, gas/oil damped, 7-way adjustable
Rear Wheel Travel	140 mm / 5.5 in
Front Brakes	2 x 290 mm Discs ,4 piston calipers
Rear Brakes	Single 210 mm disc, 1 piston caliper
Front Tyre	110/70-17
Rear Tyre	140/60-18
Rake	25^o
Trail	94 mm / 3.7 in
Dimensions	Length: 2015 mm / 79.3 in Width: 695 mm / 27.4 in Height: 1065 mm / 41.9 in
Wheelbase	1330mm / 52.4in
Ground Clearance	120 mm / 4.7 in
Seat Height	755 mm / 29.7 in
Turning Radius	3.1 m / 10.2 ft
Lean Angle	58°
Dry Weight	134 kg / 295 lbs
Wet Weight	161 kg / 355 lbs
Fuel Capacity	16 Litres / 4.2 US gal / 3.5 Imp gal

Suzuki’s final incarnation of the RGV 250, the 1996 VJ23, was not only the finest of the line but also one of the finest two-strokes ever built. Rather than just knocking out a last-of-the-line edition based on its predecessors, the VJ23 got a total redesign from the engine out.

Where previous RGV’s were powered by a 90-degree two-stroke V-twin, the VJ23 got a 70-degree unit with a smaller bore and longer stroke giving it dimensions closer to square and more akin to the GP bikes than its greatly oversquare predecessor.

A close-ratio gearbox and dry clutch underlined the new model’s Sports Production tag.A kit gearbox with taller first and yet closer ratios was available too. Where previous RGVs had been kickstart the 23 got an electric start although there was no overall weight penalty for this given the extensive redesign work elsewhere. Chassis-wise, the VJ23 is as exquisite. Fully adjustable suspension and GP-inspired frame and swingarm are topped off with uncompromising bodywork. Not all VJ23’s were created equal and this is vital for a prospective buyer to know.

Production started some time prior to February 1996 with the first 50 bikes being built in this period; indeed the bike broke cover at the 1995 Tokyo Show. Bikes built up until late May 1996 were restricted to 40 bhp and known as the T model. All bar one, which was the prototype for the full-power 48 bhp V model, also known as the "export" model, ending in 1997.

In total just 2218 VJ23s were built with just 360 of those, plus the prototype, being the full-fat RGV 250V. A different CDI (go Zeeltronic rather than try to find a rare and expensive V box), a rejet and removal of the restrictor collars from the headers and airbox restrictor plate will get a T close to a V performance-wise.

Suzuki RGV 250 Lucky Strike Replica