Description
This motorcycle is Lot 337 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on 12 & 13 October, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 176 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 12th October 2024.
Lots 201 - 429 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 13th October 2024.
Public Viewing:
Available 12th & 13th October 2024 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 337
The Robin Spring Collection
c. 1980 Suzuki RG500 Mark V/ VI Racing Motorcycle
Registration no.
Frame no. none visible (see text)
Engine no. RG500 11359
Believed ridden by Klaus Klein at Macau in 1983
Frame retubed by Spondon Engineering
Restored by renowned specialist Nigel Everett
Recommissioning required
Six years out of Grand Prix racing, Suzuki returned in 1973 with a roadster-based TR500 twin for works rider Jack Findlay and, after what was essentially an interim season, was ready to take on the MV Agusta and Yamaha's TZ500 in the 500cc class. The Hamamatsu firm already had plenty of experience of 'square four' engines in the form of the defunct RZ63 250, and this compact layout was revived for its new premier-class racer: the RG500.
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 bore/ stroke dimensions of 56x50. 5mm and featured twin geared-together crankshafts and a six-speed gearbox. Dimensions of 54x54mm were adopted later by the works bikes but the customer version, available from 1976, stuck with the original combination until the Mark IV's arrival in 1979. The RG's 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. The class of the field in its day, the RG500 provided talented privateers with a competitive mount at the highest level, and Jack Middelburg's 1981 British Grand Prix-winning example remains the last entirely private entry to win a premier-class World Championship round. Although technically complex, the customer version was deservedly popular, and many are still in action today in Post-Classic racing.
Robin Spring advises us that it is believed this early twin-shock RG500 was ridden by Klaus Klein at Macau in 1983. After it returned from the Far East, Robin was uneasy about the frame, which had been nickel plated. Through his close working relationship with Peter Darvill he already had contacts with Spondon Engineering, and they re-tubed the frame for him. After this he raced the Suzuki on the Continent on several occasions, the bike being worked on by Roger Keen. Subsequently restored by renowned specialist Nigel Everett, the Suzuki has not run since and will require recommissioning before returning to the racetrack. A selection of cylinder barrels and pistons is included in the sale (close examination recommended). Prospective bidders should satisfy themselves as to the motorcycle's completeness and mechanical condition prior to bidding. Sold strictly as viewed.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
