Rare Suzuki valuer?

[Racey Rider]

I have need to get a written valuation on a rare'ish Suzuki for insurance purposes. My local Suzuki Dealer doesn't know much about this model, so I'm guess he's not in the know to give a good valuation.
Who would you recommend I take the bike to in the central North Is area that knows thier stuff?
(ie Tauranga / Hamilton / Palmerston North are on my sometimes traveled routes.)

Thanks.
Racey.

[imdying]

What model?

[Pussy]

Maybe Russell Josiah in Taumarunui? His shop is BikeTorque

[Racey Rider]

>What model? Will PM you, rather than put details on here before it's even insured.

>Taumarunui ... Oooo! SH43! Course, I'd need to find a buddy to ride Shotgun.:yes:

[scott411]

pm what it is, i have a Customer who is very good on most suzuki's, prob with rare stuff is it is mostly guess work, if anyone knows he will, restores a lot of older suzuki's

[Meekey_Mouse]

If Tauranga is on your route then I'd suggest MotoGB ... Suzuki store there and it's a pretty big shop. The guys have always been helpful when ever I've gone there :) Couldn't say anything on their valuations though as I've never had a bike valued lol.

[ManDownUnder]

Depending on how rare, look it up in the historic sales on Trademe to see what they sell for (establish a replacement value of sorts).

[Warr]

Triboy up hams way has been around bike shops for a while. Send him a PM

[FJRider]

Contact a vintage japanese motorcycle club. If they cant give an estimate, no one else could.

[Boob Johnson]

>Taumarunui ... Oooo! SH43! Course, I'd need to find a buddy to ride Shotgun.:yes:
he he always keen to do a run on SH43 :Punk:


Failing getting a val, call David Vinsen (in the book, Remuera) or Mike (his Brother) at "Mike Vinsen Motors".....the same Mike Vinsen who raced bikes in the 70's. They are old bosses of mine from many moons ago. Him & his (4) brothers used to have the Suzi dealership on Beach road in Auckland. They collect rare Suzi's themselves & will highly likely know what it is worth of the bat, hope that helps :sunny:

[BIGBOSSMAN]

Rare Suzook? Time for a sweepstake! I'll bet $1 that it's an RE5 rotary (high-roller 1$ gambler :clap:)

[Forest]

Rare Suzook? Time for a sweepstake! I'll bet $1 that it's an RE5 rotary (high-roller 1$ gambler :clap:)

My money is on a corrosion-free Chinese-assembled GN250. Doesn't get any rarer than that!

[marty]

or a gixxer thou that hasn't been crashed......

[imdying]

No less than $8k assuming it's in good nick. If it's one of the models I mentioned, then it has a theoretical value of up to $16k for certain models, although that'd be less shipping it to a market with more potential (read the States or Europe), and even then it'd have to be 'on the road'. So yeah, depends on the details.

[nudemetalz]

Failing getting a val, call David Vinsen (in the book, Remuera) or Mike (his Brother) at "Mike Vinsen Motors".....the same Mike Vinsen who raced bikes in the 70's. They are old bosses of mine from many moons ago. Him & his (4) brothers used to have the Suzi dealership on Beach road in Auckland. They collect rare Suzi's themselves & will highly likely know what it is worth of the bat, hope that helps :sunny:

My old man was the workshop manager there in 1980-83 and I worked there in 1987.
Really great guys and they know everything there is to know about Suzukis from back then.

[Boob Johnson]

My old man was the workshop manager there in 1980-83 and I worked there in 1987.
Really great guys !!!
Yeah they sure are top guys, got a lot of time for the Vinsen brothers. I used to knock off Mike's Danish nanny years ago, he was all good about it, which was nice (for my jobs sake lol)

[nudemetalz]

Naughty fullah :)

I was a bike detailer and used to take bikes for WOF's.
Dream job for a 17 year old to ride 1100cc bikes.

[sunhuntin]

would southwards be any use?

[Morcs]

Ah If only It were a Yoshi X1 Busa, a Yoshi Katana or a Yoshi GS1200...

Oh maybe its a 1997 TLS... :msn-wink:

[BIGBOSSMAN]

Oh yes, maybe one of the rare wire-wheeled Katana 1100's from the early '80's. A weapon in its day...

[Racey Rider]

Thanks for the interest.

The bikes actually not that old, (ie not a vintage). But there was very few of them made in this form. Yet they are something desirable.

Have been given a few leads which I will follow up on.
Thanks.
Racey.

[nudemetalz]

hmmmm,...this is like the "guess the rare Suzuki game" ;)

I reckon it could be one of those GSX-R 750R's, the early single seat ones.

[imdying]

Well it's staring you guys right in the face :rofl:

[Boob Johnson]

Naughty fullah :)

I was a bike detailer and used to take bikes for WOF's.
Dream job for a 17 year old to ride 1100cc bikes.
Naughty? Struth you try keep ya hands of a 20yr old Danish bombshell :innocent:

17years old with THAT job??? That's madness lol. No accidents? Mishaps?

[Boob Johnson]

Oh maybe its a 1997 TLS... :msn-wink:
Pffff, 98 is where its at :girlfight: :2thumbsup

[sidecar bob]

hmmmm,...this is like the "guess the rare Suzuki game" ;)

I reckon it could be one of those GSX-R 750R's, the early single seat ones.

Ahh yes, It could be the Pink Flamingo, The Ex Gary Goodfellow GSXR750R that was on trademe a few months back.
C'mon fella, put us out of our misery.

[Trouser]

Well it's staring you guys right in the face :rofl:

a blue kr150 would be a vary rare suzuki indeed.

[Racey Rider]

would southwards be any use?

Who/Where are Southwards?

or are you just asking if I I'm heading southwards?

[sidecar bob]

Well it's staring you guys right in the face :rofl:

WTF is a 23v then?

[Jantar]

Rare Suzook? Time for a sweepstake! I'll bet $1 that it's an RE5 rotary (high-roller 1$ gambler :clap:)
Can't be. RE5s are easily valued.

The comment "very few of them made in this form" suggests the GSX1100ESZ. If this is the beast then Katman would be the guy. I used to have one and it was awesome.

[scumdog]

Surprised nobody mentioned an XN85:(

[Jantar]

Surprised nobody mentioned an XN85:(

True, another rare beast taht would be hard to put a value on. Do you happen to know of any SD? :whistle:

[MVnut]

A rare but not too old Suzuki worth between 8k and 16k that is soooo secretive we can only help you out by 'pm' think I'll give it a miss but an interesting thread nonetheless:zzzz:

[imdying]

A rare but not too old Suzuki worth between 8k and 16k that is soooo secretive we can only help you out by 'pm' think I'll give it a miss but an interesting thread nonetheless:zzzz:To be fair, I think he just wanted to insure it before anouncing ownership to the world.

[MVnut]

To be fair, I think he just wanted to insure it before anouncing ownership to the world.

But I'm an impatient bastard.........and have you ever known me to be 'fair' lol

[Katman]

Can't be. RE5s are easily valued.

The comment "very few of them made in this form" suggests the GSX1100ESZ. If this is the beast then Katman would be the guy. I used to have one and it was awesome.

GSX1100SXZ (E27) actually.

[JATZ]

:corn: :wait:

And pics when all is revealed please

[cs363]

WTF is a 23v then?

X 2 ....exactly WTF is a 23V?

[FJRider]

Surprised nobody mentioned an XN85:(

Did somebody mention an XN85...??? There is an unoffical XN85 website...

[Forest]

Surprised nobody mentioned an XN85:(

Doesn't fit the price range.

A good XN85 could cost only $5,000-6,000 NZD

[scumdog]

Doesn't fit the price range.

A good XN85 could cost only $5,000-6,000 NZD

It could - and it could cost a bit more too...

[scumdog]

Did somebody mention an XN85...??? There is an unoffical XN85 website...

I had one of those once - now if I could only get it back off Dangerous:msn-wink:

[Sensei]

WTF is a 23V?[/QUOTE]

One of these RGV250SP Gramma
Good link here http://www.rgv250.co.uk/technical.htm

[FJRider]

Doesn't fit the price range.

A good XN85 could cost only $5,000-6,000 NZD

Value is realitive... they are worth what somebody thinks its worth paying to get/own it...

[Forest]

Value is realitive... they are worth what somebody thinks its worth paying to get/own it...

Ok. I'll rephrase my comment.

There are numerous XN85 models with low mileages available for between $3,000 to $5,000 USD.

http://www.xn85turbo.com/classifieds.htm

[FJRider]

The number of km's on the clock contributes a little to the value, previous ownership / ridden, by notable, or famous people add more...

[scumdog]

Ok. I'll rephrase my comment.

There are numerous XN85 models with low mileages available for between $3,000 to $5,000 USD.

http://www.xn85turbo.com/classifieds.htm

So going on the price of a good one would be closer to $5,000US than $3,000US how much would that end up being by the time it was shipped, gst'd, duty'd vinned and put on the road in NZ??

Even a $3,000US XN is over $4,000NZ before its shipped.

[cs363]

So going on the price of a good one would be closer to $5,000US than $3,000US how much would that end up being by the time it was shipped, gst'd, duty'd vinned and put on the road in NZ??

Even a $3,000US XN is over $4,000NZ before its shipped.

Yep, so US$5000 is getting on for NZ$7000 at current rates, plus shipping, , crating, vin, rego and allow for a few hidden costs/parts etc and your probably looking at the best part of NZ$12,000
BUT, if it is an XN85 why the need for all this secrecy? And still no clues as to what the mysterious 23V is that's on the original posters bike list.....
About time to let the cat out of the bag methinks!

[FJRider]

So going on the price of a good one would be closer to $5,000US than $3,000US how much would that end up being by the time it was shipped, gst'd, duty'd vinned and put on the road in NZ??

Even a $3,000US XN is over $4,000NZ before its shipped.

It is my humble opinion, maybe only MY opinion, but I would guess there are more people in the US that would be happy to pay $8000 US for an XN85 landed IN the states (road legal), than $8000 US , landed (road legal) in NZ....

[scracha]

or a gixxer thou that hasn't been crashed......

I have heard such tales of these most wondrous things.

[scracha]

Ok. I'll rephrase my comment.

There are numerous XN85 models with low mileages available for between $3,000 to $5,000 USD.

http://www.xn85turbo.com/classifieds.htm
All equally shite. There's 2 (and a half) turbo bikes in a garage in Te Aroha but the local hoodlums were smart enough to leave them when they broke in. The only decent jap turbo was the geeper.

I reckon the superdooper top secret bike is either an ex Barry Sheene racer or some $hite old 2 stroke that's older than Scumdog.

[imdying]

And still no clues as to what the mysterious 23V is that's on the original posters bike list.....

I reckon the superdooper top secret bike is either an ex Barry Sheene racer or some $hite old 2 stroke that's older than Scumdog.Sheesh, too many people busy bitching over those Suzuki orphans to realise there's pictures of the only '23V' ever built by Suzuki in the thread already :laugh:

Personally I'd be reluctant to put a figure of much over $8k on it, not that there's anything wrong with the bike, but from what I can see of the local market, the Aprilia RS250 is still more desirable (or holds greater value at least). Having said that, a genuine factory Lucky Strike (not a repainted one, and there's only 120 odd factory LS VJ23s left in the world) unrestricted all stock bike, would tempt me to go a bit above that. Worth good money in the States and Europe too :yes:

As far as the VJ23 itself goes in general, nice bike, electric start, 70 degree vtwin, better midrange than the more common VJ22. Personally I find the VJ22 to be the perfect shaped sportsbike, so perfect in fact that I put my money where my mouth was and brought one :hug:

/edit: Oh, and as far as models go, you've got (from memory)

VJ21 - RGV250K, RGV250L
VJ22 - RGV250M, RGV250N, RGV250P, RGV250R
VJ23 - RGV250T, RGV250V

Lots of info here (http://www.rgv250.co.uk/technical.htm). Some info on models here (http://www.rgv250.co.uk/japmodels.htm). A great RGV250 forum here (http://www.rgv250.co.uk/forums/).

Enjoy :mellow:

[SPman]

The young guy in the office next door's got a 23. Nice.

[cs363]

Now I understand the meaning of anti climax..... :yawn:

[scracha]

Now I understand the meaning of anti climax..... :yawn:
seconded....10chars

[Motig]

Surely all this secrecy isnt over a japanese market 250. Is it ?

[avgas]

Value of 23V - $5K for mint one, $1-3K for rubbish one.
It not classic or collectible,
now if you had the GP or 500 spec one....$20K, but at only "production numbers" it would be like trying to find tom waites undies on trademe.
Got me all excited - i thought you had the 2000(?) model, ltd Katana or something.
Either that or the BKing Concept bike

[Crasherfromwayback]

Thanks for the interest.

The bikes actually not that old, (ie not a vintage). But there was very few of them made in this form. Yet they are something desirable.

Have been given a few leads which I will follow up on.
Thanks.
Racey.

Then I'm guessing you have a 'Black pipe' GSX1100, or a wire wheel Katana.

Both made here in NZ to cheat in proddie racing!

[imdying]

Value of 23V - $5K for mint one, $1-3K for rubbish one. It not classic or collectibleIn your dreams perhaps.

Here's the only 23s on trademe...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-149572954.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-167601303.htm

One restricted, the other not... neither a V model, both Ts. Both the least desirable of the 23 paintjobs...

[bistard]

Then I'm guessing you have a 'Black pipe' GSX1100, or a wire wheel Katana.

Both made here in NZ to cheat in proddie racing!

Mate,funny you should mention that,I am building up a GSX1100 wire wheeler as we speak,struggling big time to find a rear hub,have found no less than eight with people,but nobody will sell??
Whats,that Suzuki cheating in proddie racing,NO SURELY NOT!!!
Sounds abit like those KR1S things back then??

[Crasherfromwayback]

Whats,that Suzuki cheating in proddie racing,NO SURELY NOT!!!
Sounds abit like those KR1S things back then??

Actually mate...the KR1S was stock as they come. It's the 10 KR1SP's that Mark Boyle and myself built that were like the 'wire wheel specials'!

BUT...we did it all by the book you know! Besides...the 35mm carbs and reed blocks we used were all just Japanese domestic market KR1R bits...it's the 1mm off the cyl head and the 20 sets of cyls we ported that were 'unique' to NZ! Oh...and the 'Sports Production' stickers!!!

Ahhh...those were the days!

[bistard]

Actually mate...the KR1S was stock as they come. It's the 10 KR1SP's that Mark Boyle and myself built that were like the 'wire wheel specials'!

BUT...we did it all by the book you know! Besides...the 35mm carbs and reed blocks we used were all just Japanese domestic market KR1R bits...it's the 1mm off the cyl head and the 20 sets of cyls we ported that were 'unique' to NZ! Oh...and the 'Sports Production' stickers!!!

Ahhh...those were the days!

Finally,Finally, I have it in writing,wheres my $35.00 for a protest
Fuck Im too late arent I!!

Hey find me a Suzuki disc brake wire wheel rear hub

[imdying]

Hahhahahaha threadjackers :rofl:

Crasher, any idea where those KRs are now?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Finally,Finally, I have it in writing,wheres my $35.00 for a protest
Fuck Im too late arent I!!

Hey find me a Suzuki disc brake wire wheel rear hub

Mate you know when I was racing those things no one protested no one as they fast guys were ALL cheating. 'Cept me.:sunny:

Have you tried Mark and John Boyle...they've got all manner of old shit lying round!!

[Crasherfromwayback]

Hahhahahaha threadjackers :rofl:

Crasher, any idea where those KRs are now?

Most of the are probably wrecked by now...fuck knows I smashed a few of them to bits! BUT...if you do find an 'SP'...they'd be great for F3. They were seriously fast, albeit a bit fragile (ring locating pins used to sink ino the pistons causing the rings to rotate and snag in the ports). If you find a good KR1...and wanna make it fast...I have the goss!

Pete

[bistard]

Mate you know when I was racing those things no one protested no one as they fast guys were ALL cheating. 'Cept me.:sunny:

Have you tried Mark and John Boyle...they've got all manner of old shit lying round!!

Mate,I have tried just about everybody,I have even been on EBay in the States
I am tempted to get a sample & get one made,or get a few made & sell the fuckers,they are are like rocking horse shit
They originally used 1976/77 GS750/1000 wire wheel hubs,almost tempted to buy a wreck GS750,just for the hub

[Crasherfromwayback]

Mate,I have tried just about everybody,I have even been on EBay in the States
I am tempted to get a sample & get one made,or get a few made & sell the fuckers,they are are like rocking horse shit
They originally used 1976/77 GS750/1000 wire wheel hubs,almost tempted to buy a wreck GS750,just for the hub

I'll spread the word mate

[pete376403]

In Merton Street, Upper Hutt, about halfway down on the left hand side is a factory (used to be consolidated plastics) now its half rental storage units and half a car/bike store/junk store. I rented a storage unit there about 8 years ago. The place is fairly full of early seventies Zooks and others. If you can find who owns it (used to be a guy named Malcolm) - his brother owns the bikes.

Edit - Also my son used to have a genuine Lucky Strike RGV. Was a nice wee bike. Typically he sold it and bought a car. Were all Lucky Strikes 23V's or was there more to it?

[Katman]

Then I'm guessing you have a 'Black pipe' GSX1100, or a wire wheel Katana.

Both made here in NZ to cheat in proddie racing!

Really? Carl Coleman has a totally different sory.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Really? Carl Coleman has a totally different sory.

Love to hear it then.

[scracha]

8 grand in an RGV owners dreams. Current prices skewed by silly learner laws here. Hmm... 8 grand...will I spend it on a $hite old 2 smoke that was as common as fook all over the world. Nope, I'll save it up for the 500cc 2 strokes or the priller.

[Katman]

Love to hear it then.

There were 20 GSX1100SXZ(E27)s assembled at the Hammamatsu plant to specifications requested by Suzuki NZ and ordered into the country by Carl. (There was/is also a parts list available that people used to convert a standard Kat to a WW.)

[Crasherfromwayback]

There were 20 GSX1100SXZ(E27)s assembled at the Hammamatsu plant to specifications requested by Suzuki NZ and ordered into the country by Carl. (There was/is also a parts list available that people used to convert a standard Kat to a WW.)

Well built here...or built to the Specs that SNZ wanted. No difference really.

I somehow doubt Suzuki Japan would stop production to 'build' 20 bikes for NZ though. And I think if they made the exhausts in Japan...the wouldn't simply be 'painted' black (since they'd been gutted). I'm sure they could've done better than that. Production road racing back then was pretty loose. As you simply had to homologate 'x' amount of bikes with the ACU and you were in.

When we made the KR1Sp's...we had a parts book made up too. Mark Boyle and I had to port spare cyls to the same spec so Kawasaki NZ had them in stock. I doubt we were the first people to do so.

[Katman]

Well built here...or built to the Specs that SNZ wanted. No difference really.

I somehow doubt Suzuki Japan would stop production to 'build' 20 bikes for NZ though. And I think if they made the exhausts in Japan...the wouldn't simply be 'painted' black (since they'd been gutted). I'm sure they could've done better than that. Production road racing back then was pretty loose. As you simply had to homologate 'x' amount of bikes with the ACU and you were in.

When we made the KR1Sp's...we had a parts book made up too. Mark Boyle and I had to port spare cyls to the same spec so Kawasaki NZ had them in stock. I doubt we were the first people to do so.

The 1980 Black Piper pipes may well have been 'painted' black (not sure about the 81 model) but the WW Katana pipes were definately not painted.

[Racey Rider]

1# Can I just say,
Nowhere did I ask to have a big deal made out of this thread.

All I asked for was a Suzuki Dealer who might know enough to give an opinion on something I understand was only made in limited numbers. (359)

Someone who might verify the info I have on this bike and give a valuation based more on Facts, than whether they like this model or not.

Why? So I can get it properly insured.
Please forgive me for wanting to protect my investment until such time as I can get to one of these people for this valuation.
I'm sure insurance can be done in seconds over the phone. But sometimes it pays to do it properly. Dot the i's, cross the t's. And in this instance, that takes time.



2# The 1st pic supplied above of a VJ23v is actually a VJ23t.
2nd pic - can't tell from that angle.

The VJ23's on trademe are t models as said.
One has an unrestricted CDI,
but doesn't mention if all the other restrictions are still in place.

[Crasherfromwayback]

The 1980 Black Piper pipes may well have been 'painted' black (not sure about the 81 model) but the WW Katana pipes were definately not.

No matter to me either way mate. Even though Harley-Davidson have a parts catalogue like a phone book...you try and ask them to make NZ twenty 'different' models for us here.

Not gonna happen. If Craig Coleman had enough clout to get Suzuki Japan to make him 20 special bikes...I'm impressed. You'd think that seeing as they were much better than the model the rest of the world got...that they'd make it worth their while and knock out a coupla hundred wouldn't ya. South Africa was bike on Proddie racing...as was Australia. Seems odd that of all of those countries only lil old NZ got them!!??

[Pussy]

Not arguing with anyone here... BUT, E27 IS Suzuki's country code for NZ, like E24 is Oz, E28 Canada etc etc

[Katman]

No matter to me either way mate. Even though Harley-Davidson have a parts catalogue like a phone book...you try and ask them to make NZ twenty 'different' models for us here.

Not gonna happen. If Craig Coleman had enough clout to get Suzuki Japan to make him 20 special bikes...I'm impressed. You'd think that seeing as they were much better than the model the rest of the world got...that they'd make it worth their while and knock out a coupla hundred wouldn't ya. South Africa was bike on Proddie racing...as was Australia. Seems odd that of all of those countries only lil old NZ got them!!??

You seem to be getting a little defensive there Pete. Suzuki Japan didn't make Carl (not Craig) 20 special bikes they made them for Suzuki NZ. Don't ask me why they'd do that - I wasn't privy to the negotiations.

[Racey Rider]

Pete, I did have one of your KR1sp's for a short time when I first decided to go racing.
I got it from a guy in Auckland,
who got it from the Rements wreckers guy at Mt Maunagnui,
and it came from Boyle's in Welly I was told.

I sold it to a Christchurch guy, so it's been doing the rounds.

[Crasherfromwayback]

You seem to be getting a little defensive there Pete. Suzuki Japan didn't make Carl (not Craig) 20 special bikes they made them for Suzuki NZ. Don't ask me why they'd do that - I wasn't privy to the negotiations.

Not at all mate...just saying it as I see it. Didn't realize having an opinion made me 'defensive'. And sorry...Carl. Like I say...I'm not saying it didn't happen...hell I'm impressed if it did. But Kawasaki Japan wouldn't send us 20 KR1R's let alone build us twenty. We only needed ten back then...so we simply built them here. That much I can tell you is a fact.

[sidecar bob]

There were 20 GSX1100SXZ(E27)s assembled at the Hammamatsu plant to specifications requested by Suzuki NZ and ordered into the country by Carl. (There was/is also a parts list available that people used to convert a standard Kat to a WW.)

You have the "official bullshit story" that was bandied about at the time fella.
The truth is that Norris Farrow, Robbie Dean & Rod Coleman & maybe another person or two assembled them under tight security & secrecy at S.N.Z in Wanganui.
My source?? Robbie Dean, A mate for over 25 years.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Pete, I did have one of your KR1sp's for a short time when I first decided to go racing.
I got it from a guy in Auckland,
who got it from the Rements wreckers guy at Mt Maunagnui,
and it came from Boyle's in Welly I was told.

I sold it to a Christchurch guy, so it's been doing the rounds.

Yeah they all originally came from Boyles...as we built them. But it could've been one of my ex race bikes too.

[Crasherfromwayback]

You have the "official bullshit story" that was bandied about at the time fella.
The truth is that Norris Farrow, Robbie Dean & Rod Coleman & maybe another person or two assembled them under tight security & secrecy at S.N.Z in Wanganui.
My source?? Robbie Dean, A mate for over 25 years.

As I've said...like Suzuki Japan were ever gonna make 20 bikes for lil old NZ!

I work for Wellington Motorcycles now...and as I'm sure you're aware they were heavily involved in 'production' racing back then, with Robert Holden and Bob Toomey...and the Hiscock brothers. They always had 'fast' bikes!

When I started work for the Boyle Bros and took up proddie racing...they told me in no uncertain terms that if I wanted to 'cheat' and have a fast bike...they'd have nothing to do with it. So we did it properly and straight up. No excuses or stories. We simply built ten bikes that were as fast as the 'cheaters' that had stock RGV's and NSR's!

[Katman]

You have the "official bullshit story" that was bandied about at the time fella.
The truth is that Norris Farrow, Robbie Dean & Rod Coleman & maybe another person or two assembled them under tight security & secrecy at S.N.Z in Wanganui.
My source?? Robbie Dean, A mate for over 25 years.

Perhaps we should just agree to disagree Steve.

(Don't make me stick my fingers in my ears and go NAH, NAH, NAH, NAH..............)

:msn-wink:

[scott411]

KR!SP's were trick bit of gear, i remember they were pretty quick to, but i may have had a tainted view on things ;)

its a shame the distributors don't care about a class as much now, the 4 japanese distributors fought over the 250 proddy class back then,

flying out bikes, making their own NZ spec models, it was a great time for road racing in general, and a true entry level class,

[Crasherfromwayback]

KR!SP's were trick bit of gear, i remember they were pretty quick to, but i may have had a tainted view on things ;)

its a shame the distributors don't care about a class as much now, the 4 japanese distributors fought over the 250 proddy class back then,

flying out bikes, making their own NZ spec models, it was a great time for road racing in general, and a true entry level class,

Yeah they were good. Pity after all of my own money and effort in making the KR1's competitive that you're old man and Kawasaki NZ shat on me though!

[scott411]

considering i was about 12 at the time it can hardly be held against me ;)

by the sounds he would have put a bit of money in himself, (i have no idea about the details, just guessing) but its a long time ago now,

[Crasherfromwayback]

considering i was about 12 at the time it can hardly be held against me ;)

by the sounds he would have put a bit of money in himself, (i have no idea about the details, just guessing) but its a long time ago now,

And I don't hold it against ya mate. I've hijaked this thread enough though...so I'll tell ya the story from my point of view elsewhere.

Maybe in the 250's thread or similar!

[sidecar bob]

Perhaps we should just agree to disagree Steve.

(Don't make me stick my fingers in my ears and go NAH, NAH, NAH, NAH..............)

:msn-wink:

Or alternatively, i could get Rob to post the whole story up on here when he comes back from Aussie next week & stays at my place for a while.:niceone:

[Katman]

Yeah they were good. Pity after all of my own money and effort in making the KR1's competitive that you're old man and Kawasaki NZ shat on me though!

But you're not bitter, right?

:msn-wink:

[merv]

Is there no 50 year moratorium on secrets around here?

Anyway, back to topic, what is this damn bike?

[Crasherfromwayback]

But you're not bitter, right?

:msn-wink:

Not at all. Proved what I wanted to mate. And (all modesty aside) that was that I was as fast as anyone road racing in NZ at the time. In my first full season of racing. Got the shits with the whole road racing thing...moved to Australia and did nothing other than drink and yahoo. Came back. Raced some of the best and could still beat them. Nothing to be bitter about really.

Just don't like being shat on. And don't mind saying it as I see it.

[HenryDorsetCase]

just on the "official bullshit story" I lived in Wellington at the time and worked across the road from Wellington Motorcycles (place is a backpackers or something now) and that was the line that was given out then as I recall "Mate, they were specially made by Suzuki Japan for Suzuki NZ" Picture me with great big round eyes and so wet behind the ears my shoulders were damp going "blimey, really, how cool is that!!" I had a GSX400 at the time and it was kind of like the WW Katana (well, it was silver...). I think that story also made one of the local magazines as well. Someone else will know.

blimey, them were t'days. Aye.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Anyway, back to topic, what is this damn bike?

What he said!! Spill the beans...what IS this bike?

[Racey Rider]

:argh:

As Has been said by Sensai (who saw the bike in Pussy's garage I'm told),

a 97 RGV250v. or VJ23v. Quite different to the earlier models (VJ21 VJ22). only 359 made worldwide so I'm told. Just trying to verify that info from a Suzuki Dealer, as some people DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY'RE TALKING ABOUT as shown in this thread.

Sorry to disappoint all you 2/ haters ..... NOT!

[Motig]

Try this http://www.rgv250.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=23586&st=0

[Racey Rider]

Thanks for that.
Yes I have been all over that site gathering info.

But after all, it's only the internet... and it's only wise to get info verified by other sources as well if I can.

[cs363]

There seems to be some confusion between rare and collectible here. They do not always go hand in hand....

[McJim]

It's really odd. I didn't have any problems after telling anyone what bike I had bought before I insured it.

What sort of problems should I have expected that were caused by telling people what I had bought before I insured it?

I am honestly confused so I wouldn't mind some clarification....was there a suspicion the insurance company might do something dodgy?

[Racey Rider]

Nothing to do with the insurance companies.

Just with KB being so 'high hit rate' on google,(My post 95 here is already on the first page of Google for RGV250v) anyone waiting to steal one of these would soon find out I had one. Not hard from there to find out where I live. Steal to order ......

Surly it's only prudent I took precaution no matter how slight the risk.
Not like I can just go and buy another one of these in NZ anytime I want.

[McJim]

Nothing to do with the insurance companies.

Just with KB being so 'high hit rate' on google, anyone waiting to steal one of these would soon find out I had one. Not hard from there to find out where I live. Steal to order ......

Surly it's only prudent I took precaution no matter how slight the risk.
Not like I can just go and buy another one of these in NZ anytime I want.
Wow - it really is the Wild West out that way then. Sheesh!

[xwhatsit]

Feh, a guy at uni I met the other day has one. Just imported it from Japan to replace his VT250 -- 23V, cost him less than $4000 all up I think. About 15,000kms on it IIRC.

I thought it was going to be something interesting! :D

[Racey Rider]

Ahr the Internet. Don't you love it!
Get to say whatever you like without having to base it on Fact!

[xwhatsit]

Ahr the Internet. Don't you love it!
Get to say whatever you like without having to base it on Fact!
I met him in real life, saw it, heard it run. He was letting his mate ride it around the underground parking lot. I think he's part of the SMC, so maybe he's on KB. Anybody in the SMC know his username?

`SP' splashed all over the sides, he told me it was the 23 model -- so therefore better than whatever they put in the Aprilia RS250s, for whatever reason. Colour scheme looks right from the links in this thread.

~$3000 in Japan, then a grand (or maybe grand and a bit) in various fees to get it to NZ.

Probably has all these restrictions you speak of if it's a Jap import, but nevertheless...

[Racey Rider]

all the VJ23's but the Lucky Strike had 'SP' splashed on them. It doesn't mean squat.

It may look like the one in the above pic, but as I said - That one is Not a Factory Full Power model.

[Pussy]

That one is Not a Factory Full Power model

And that.... is the crux of the matter. Lots of restricted ones about, and bugger all full power jobbies

[Katman]

And that.... is the crux of the matter. Lots of restricted ones about, and bugger all full power jobbies

Loving the avatars!

:rofl:

[cs363]

Blah, blah, blah etc :)

That looks like quite a recent photo Pussy?! :lol:

[Pussy]

That looks like quite a recent photo Pussy?! :lol:

....of you, cs363!! :D

[jellywrestler]

All equally shite. There's 2 (and a half) turbo bikes in a garage in Te Aroha but the local hoodlums were smart enough to leave them when they broke in. The only decent jap turbo was the geeper.

.

actually the XN85 is a great bike. i own a cx turbo and an XN and the cx is a frustrating bike to ride, buzzes through on boost so quick that you're always having to change gears and deal with lag etc.
the xn i took over the paekakariki hill and didn't change gear for probably forty corners, off boost its a tad gutless for size as one would expect but it rolls through onto boost so smoothly and no need to change gear. fullfloater makes it well set up on the suspension front the only downside is the little fairing blade that deflects the wind into my face.

[jellywrestler]

There were 20 GSX1100SXZ(E27)s assembled at the Hammamatsu plant to specifications requested by Suzuki NZ and ordered into the country by Carl. (There was/is also a parts list available that people used to convert a standard Kat to a WW.)
I have a gs1000 bimota that came in as a kit from overseas; at the same time suzuki nz 'happened' to have many spare new sets of CV carbs, from GSX1100's, at the warehouse and so these were fitted to both of the SB3's that were bought in by Colemans

[Jantar]

There were 20 GSX1100SXZ(E27)s assembled at the Hammamatsu plant to specifications requested by Suzuki NZ and ordered into the country by Carl. (There was/is also a parts list available that people used to convert a standard Kat to a WW.)
I was once the proud owner of one of these beasts. I recently saw it again, and I'm pleased to say the present owner is looking after it well. :yes:

[LBD]

Just with KB being so 'high hit rate' on google,(My post 95 here is already on the first page of Google for RGV250v) anyone waiting to steal one of these would soon find out I had one. Not hard from there to find out where I live. Steal to order ......


And just because he may be parinoid does not mean his bike is not worth nicking....:whistle:

[Damon]

So does anyone have a pic of this fabled RGV? awful lot of fuss for no pic

[imdying]

Looks like it has been a good buy, haven't seen a VJ23 for sale since this, V, T, or otherwise.

Pete might be on the money too, been bugger all happening in the KR1S department too!

Now RS250s on the other hand, the absolute deluge of those for sale is out of control... people like Haldanes bringing in 5 year old shitters with no history and hawking them for $10k is laughable.

MC28s have been a bit cold lately, another has just popped up, but only been 2 or 3 for sale since this thread started. They look to be going for $6k for a roughy, $8k for a tidy one. Other NSRs are all over the place.

VJ22 RGVs have settled in the $4-low 5k range, which is probably about all they're worth, so long as they're tidy.

That 23 was good buying, and if you don't blow it up, a reasonable investment :yes:

[scumdog]

actually the XN85 is a great bike. i own a cx turbo and an XN and the cx is a frustrating bike to ride, buzzes through on boost so quick that you're always having to change gears and deal with lag etc.
the xn i took over the paekakariki hill and didn't change gear for probably forty corners, off boost its a tad gutless for size as one would expect but it rolls through onto boost so smoothly and no need to change gear. fullfloater makes it well set up on the suspension front the only downside is the little fairing blade that deflects the wind into my face.

Mine is now going thanks to a well-known member of the Canterbury Rabble, hopefully I'll soon prise it out of his hands and bring it home and enjoy some of this 'greatness' you mention.:2thumbsup

[Rcktfsh]

You have the "official bullshit story" that was bandied about at the time fella.
The truth is that Norris Farrow, Robbie Dean & Rod Coleman & maybe another person or two assembled them under tight security & secrecy at S.N.Z in Wanganui.
My source?? Robbie Dean, A mate for over 25 years.

Think the confusion here bob is between the 1st batch of wire wheelers that appeared unexpectantly just before the 6 hour in response to the cbr and the later bunch of twenty available to the public that came in the next year. The 1st lot were rumoured to be broken out of a bond store overnight and modified here, cams, carbs braided lines exhausts gutted etc....the following 20 did come from japan built to the same specs so as to verify the eligibility of the 1st lot.
At the time supplemanrty parts listings had just been banned ie bikes like the XJ650 the season before could use XS11 shocks and fork springs in proddie racing at the time as Yamaha Nz put out supplementary parts lists with these components in the parts manuals. With this practice banned any hot bits had to be fitted factory.
Honda had the last laugh though when the next season the wire wheeled katana came out and was the hot favourite for the 6 hour, Gus Lui bought in a way over the top CBR that by all accounts never slowed between the chequered flag and the teams van before being whisked to a waiting aircraft and a trip home to aus.