Suzuki RH250

[KTMaico]

I have been very busy at work and that means more money, but less time to enjoy it or the toys. But I have been reading recent posts in regards to the legendary Suzuki RH250's and I got to thinking, "What are they worth today" and is a 1973, 1974, or a 1975 worth more than each other or would all be worth the same? I know a few forum regulars have some and they may be able to throw some light onto this topic. Also what are the individual parts worth if you can find them in any condition eg frame, motor, wheels etc....

I just thought I would throw this out there and see what the majority think

Kevin.

[bazza]

74 worth way more than 75

[KTMaico]

74 worth way more than 75

Why? My understanding a few more refinements where put into the 75 model

[TM BILL]

74 worth way more than 75

Why? My understanding a few more refinements where put into the 75 model

74 is way rarer and pre 75 weapon  75 awesome bike much more common though and a good but not great pre 78 bike .

[firko]

It's all down to supply and demand. I don't know the numbers sold but there's heaps more RH75's than RH74's out there. I've only seen a couple of '74's including Dave T's but know of at least six or more RH'75's.

[KTMaico]

It's all down to supply and demand. I don't know the numbers sold but there's heaps more RH75's than RH74's out there. I've only seen a couple of '74's including Dave T's but know of at least six or more RH'75's.

Mark,
          I would have thought that the 1974 would be more plentiful as the 1975 was hard to get rid of by the dealers because the release of the RM's. I would still think that a 1975 RH250 properly restored and race prep'd would be a competitive pre 1977 racer in the hands of a fair to good rider. They (the RH's) were reputably easier to ride as the weight was around the 170lbs mark and it felt like a very powerful 125. Is this the case or was Mr. Robert's RH250 the only one weighing in at 168lbs?

[KTMaico]

"Calling Mr. John Kittle"

John, you have 2 RH250's can you please describe them as a rider and owner. What weight, what power, what handling, what next? Any input would be great to get.

[Marc.com]

Why? My understanding a few more refinements where put into the 75 model

RH74 is not only rarer than 75 but was the dominant bike of its era, it was the invites only bike for pro riders and along with the RNs won World Champs courtesy of de Coster and Robert.                

The RH75 IMO was pretty much made redundant immediately by the RM250A, where the RH was light years better than a TM, the RM250A closed the gap to the point where the factory couldn't justify limited volume hotrods. Also I guess the AMA had also been making moves against factory bikes through 'claiming rules' in road and off road racing during this period.

The market demand was for a Suzuki  MXer that was more hard core like Rogers and with the RM250A thats what they got. Even with the RA and RN they never seemed to deviate that much from the production bike again..... the RM was a game changer

[bazza]

Have riden 74 and 75 RH and RN400 - 74 is the model for all the reasons TM Bill,Firko and mark FX have said.

[KTMaico]

All very good points, and taken onboard. Part of my original question was what are they worth, as awhole and in parts. I know they don't come along too often, but what sort of value do you put on one when and if one comes up?

[Davey Crocket]

How longs a peice of string?.......rare as Julia telling the truth, parts taken care of by horders, market in reality is very small....although everyone wants one, when push comes to shove, they aint gonna hand over the hard earned and basically, if your not in the "know", you'll be pushing shit up hill trying to restore one....having said that, I'll own one  more than likely one day....keep the dream alive as one old foggy use to say.

[Marc.com]

I know they don't come along too often, but what sort of value do you put on one when and if one comes up?

Based on the ones that have come up in the last few years 15-25K .... with RH74 at the top of the range. They have a historical value depending on who rode it and how famous they are.

Like Davey said the market for the bike is small but the buyers tend to be pretty passionate about owning one which keeps values and interest high. As for good original parts I think mostly they are being hoarded.... I intend to be buried with mine at a location secret from TMBill, the titanium screws can hold the lid on the box. 

[Davey Crocket]

That old rat hunter will sniff you out mArc....like bee's too honey.....after he's ransacked your tomb, he'll leave a Portsmouth flag on ya and an empty bottle of gin.

[Marc.com]

That old rat hunter will sniff you out mArc....like bee's too honey

Too true, lucky the TMGP is willed back to Mike, when I cark it I will just get him to pour me in the tank.

[JohnnyO]

"Calling Mr. John Kittle"

John, you have 2 RH250's can you please describe them as a rider and owner. What weight, what power, what handling, what next? Any input would be great to get.

The main difference between the 2 is the rear suspension, the '75 having laid down shocks and more travel.
There were not many 74's brought into the country compared to 75's so i'd say they're more collectible. The RM A was a '76 model so that had nothing to do with the '75 RH's not selling well.
Don't be fooled..the RH/RN's we got here are nothing like the works bikes of Robert/ DeCoster etc from the same year..