Classic and Classy Motorcycles Ltd

Vintage and Classic Motorcycle Importers

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1980s Suzuki RG500 Gamma Valuation Report

Date: August 2025

Historical Overview

The Suzuki RG500 Gamma (1985–1987) is the UK collector benchmark for GP-replica two-strokes. Its square-four 498 cc engine, alloy box-section frame and focused geometry deliver the closest road feel to an ’80s 500GP machine. The market distinguishes strongly between UK-supplied standard bikes and ROW imports/limited editions (including Walter Wolf). Unmolested bodywork, low mileage and a full history file push bikes to the top; aftermarket pipes, missing airboxes or repaired plastics typically suppress values unless stock parts are included.

UK Valuation Summary (by condition and type)

Condition	UK-supplied Standard (1985–1987)	ROW Imports & Limited Editions (incl. Walter Wolf)	Example External Source (non-link reference)
Project / Restoration Non-runner or incomplete; may need crank rebuild(s), top-end, powervalve service, carburation, plastics repair and full cosmetic work	£15,000 – £22,000	£16,500 – £24,000	Anglia Car Auctions – classic bike lots; eBay UK completed listings
Roadworthy / Presentable Running and usable; older paint/graphics or period mods; generally complete; km-dash common on imports	£24,000 – £34,000	£26,000 – £38,000	Manor Park Classics – motorcycle results; Collecting Cars – sold listings
Restored / Excellent Very original survivor or high-quality restoration; matching numbers; correct bodywork/graphics, airbox and exhaust; low miles with strong history	£38,000 – £55,000	£42,000 – £62,000	Bonhams – motorcycle auctions; Iconic Auctioneers – sale archives; The Saleroom – multi-house results

Notes: Genuine Walter Wolf editions and exceptional UK-from-new, low-mile survivors with untouched plastics sit at the top of the ranges and can exceed them. Speedo conversions and paperwork continuity matter; undeclared km-dash imports usually trail equivalent UK bikes. Bikes missing airboxes or with non-OEM fairings generally sit 10–25% below midpoints unless original parts are included.

Value Influencing Factors

• Originality & completeness: OEM bodywork/graphics, mirrors, indicators, airbox and exhausts materially increase value; cut tails or pattern panels cap it.
• Mileage & provenance: Documented low miles with MOT trail or export records command premiums; beware swapped km/mi clusters.
• Engine & chassis health: Documented crank and top-end work (seals, rods, pistons), clean carbs/jetting, serviced powervalves, straight frame, good bearings and true wheels.
• Model/edition: UK-supplied standards are strong; Walter Wolf and very early production often carry a premium.
• Paperwork: V5C with correct VIN/engine, matching numbers, handbooks, toolkit, invoices and brochures significantly lift confidence.
• Market timing: Spring/summer yields peak UK results; winter can favour buyers on projects and riders.

Conclusion

The UK market rewards stock, low-mile RG500s with correct plastics and history. Projects typically sit at £15–22k (UK) and £16.5–24k (ROW/LE). Roadworthy riders achieve £24–34k (UK) and £26–38k (ROW/LE). Collector-grade examples with matching numbers and unmolested bodywork realise £38–55k (UK) and £42–62k (ROW/LE), with the very best Walter Wolf or ultra-original UK bikes exceeding these bands.

Note: Example source names are provided without outbound links. Exact sold listings may no longer be available online; prices were verified from UK sale records at the time of writing (including Bonhams, Iconic Auctioneers, H&H Classics, The Saleroom, Collecting Cars, Manor Park Classics, Anglia Car Auctions, Pugh’s Auctions, Vintagebike.co.uk).

All Valuations