The original street fighter! The unorthodox 2-stroke sports motorcycle “Wolf”

W-013.webp Motorcycle

In the 1980s, 2-stroke 250cc models with performance close to that of a racer were the stars of the motorcycle scene and were the object of everyone's desire. The Wolf, released in 1988, had almost the same performance as the RGV250γ, but was cowl-less, keeping the price down by $371.42.

In 1968, the Wolf name first appeared in Suzuki's history.

The name "Wolf" has appeared several times in Suzuki's history. The name Wolf first appeared at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1968, for two siblings, the T90 (also known as Wolf 90) and the T125 (also known as Wolf 125). These two Wolves basically had the same body, and were equipped with an air-cooled, two-stroke, two-cylinder engine in a pipe frame reminiscent of road racers of the time. The Wolf 90 had a maximum output of 10.5 PS/9000 rpm, while the Wolf 125 had a maximum output of 15 PS/8500, which was quite high spec for the time, and they became popular as sports bikes. The Wolf 90/125 were produced from 1969 to 1972, and when production was discontinued, the Wolf name disappeared from the lineup.

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The first-generation Wolf T125/T90 was equipped with an air-cooled, two-stroke, two-cylinder engine in a pipe frame, and was a very sporty bike for its time.

The second-generation Wolf is a fat-tire leisure motorcycle.

The next motorcycle named Wolf appeared in 1982, and was a so-called leisure bike with very thick small diameter wheels. At the time, Suzuki had a leisure bike called the Bang Bang, but while the Bang Bang was equipped with a horizontal air-cooled two-stroke engine, the Wolf was equipped with a vertical air-cooled two-stroke engine from the Hustler series and had a five-speed transmission. The Wolf and Bang Bang were sold side by side, but sales did not increase and the Wolf was short-lived, probably because it was competing with the Bang Bang for market share.

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The second-generation Wolf was released as a leisure motorcycle with a completely different concept from the first-generation model. It was equipped with a Hustler-type engine and was advertised as having high performance.

The third generation Wolf is a sports model with a replica pedigree

The Wolf name was added to Suzuki's lineup for the third time in 1988. This third-generation Wolf was a cowl-less version of the VJ21A RGV250γ, which was released in the same year. The word "cowl-less" was used here because the category of "naked" motorcycle had not yet been established in 1988.

The RGV250γ was a full model change version of the RG250γ, the ancestor of racer replicas, and was equipped with a completely new V-shaped two-stroke engine in a DC-ALBOX frame made of aluminum drawn material with internal ribs. This engine was the first commercially available vehicle to use an SBC cylinder plated with nickel-phosphorus alloy and boron nitride to improve wear resistance, and an integrated, easily removable cassette transmission to improve compatibility with racing. The maximum output was 45PS/9500rpm and the maximum torque was 3.8kg-m/8000rpm, which was the maximum of the regulation, but considering that the same engine was equipped on the Aprilia RS250 and produced 70PS/9750rpm, its potential was likely significantly suppressed by the self-imposed regulations. The front forks had an inner fork diameter of 41mm, and the rear suspension used a new link type full floater at the rear, so the suspension was immediately ready for racing.

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The RGV250γ is a fully redesigned version of the RG250γ, with a new frame and engine. The engine has been changed from parallel to V-type, and the name of the bike includes a "V".

The Wolf shared basic parts such as the engine and frame with the RGV250γ, but of course, there were changes such as a single disc front brake and a 14/44 sprocket changed to 14/46. The engine specs are 45PS/9500rpm and the maximum torque is 3.8kg-m/8000rpm, the same as the RGV250γ, but the secondary reduction ratio has been raised, so the Wolf's acceleration performance is considered to be better. In addition, the seating area is the same as the RGV250γ, but the handlebar position is set slightly higher, and the concept was to make the racer replica easier to handle on the street. A minor change was made in 1989, changing the reduction ratio of the 2nd and 3rd gears adopting a digital ignition system, and changing the ignition timing. The footpeg position was also changed, making the position slightly more comfortable. In 1990, the RGV250γ was redesigned to become the VJ22A model, which featured an inverted front fork and a dual exhaust system on the right side, but the Wolf only underwent minor changes at the end of 1989 and continued to be produced as is.

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The cowl-less model of the RGV250γ is sometimes seen as a cheaper version, but with changes to the position and secondary reduction ratio, it is more suitable for street use.

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The rear area uses almost the same parts as the RGV250γ, inheriting the sporty image of a racer replica.

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When a rider who is 170 cm tall straddles the motorcycle, the position is quite forward-leaning. The position of the footpegs has been changed in the later model, making the lower body feel a little more relaxed.

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If you are 170cm tall and weigh 65kg, both your heels will be firmly on the ground. The bike is also light, so it's easy to handle.

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The side view is dominated by the thick aluminum frame. As the base is the RGV250γ, which was designed with racing in mind, the body rigidity is impeccable for a 250cc class motorcycle.

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The compact V-engine produced 45 PS, the maximum legal limit, and had the potential to reach 70 PS.

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The J205 engine incorporated a variety of technologies, such as plated cylinders and a cassette transmission, making it an extremely luxurious build for a 250cc class motorcycle.

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The front face features simple round single-lens headlights and a sharply designed meter case that creates functional beauty.

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The meter is a three-eye type with the speedometer in the middle. It is one of the parts that has been significantly changed from the RGV250γ.

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The fuel tank is basically the same shape as the RGV250γ, but it has a monochromatic paint job that gives it a much more compact look. The tank has a capacity of 17L.

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The seat area is also made up of the same parts as the RGV250γ. In addition to "WOLF", the side of the seat features the logo of the carburetor, commonly known as the "Slingshot", and the radial flow radiator.

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The footpeg is made of all aluminum, inherited from the RGV250γ, giving it a racy finish. The footpeg position has been changed in the later model.

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Largely curved radial flow radiator. It is smaller than the RGV250γ and comes with a special radiator cover.

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The V-shaped J205 engine has a horizontally arranged front cylinder layout, and an exhaust device is attached to the exhaust pipe.

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The front wheel size is 17 inches, and the brakes have been changed from the RGV250γ's 255mm diameter dual discs to a 275mm diameter single disc.

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The rear brake is a combination of a 210mm diameter disc rotor and a 2-pot caliper. The rear sprocket has been changed from 44 teeth on the RGV250γ to 46T.

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The rear wheel is 18 inches and is fitted with a 140/70 tire. The swingarm is a simple rectangular aluminum one.

The original street fighters "Wolf" and "Cobra"

The name Wolf was developed in the 1990s as the name of a cowl-less two-stroke sports model, and sibling models such as the Wolf 50, Wolf 125, and Wolf 200 were sold. In addition, a cowl-less replica-based model called the Cobra, a cowl-less version of the four-stroke GSX-R250R, was also in the lineup at the same time. This style was originally a standard custom for the Touge tribe at the time, who made their replicas cowl-less because they didn't have the money to repair them after they had fallen over, and later evolved into the street fighter style. It is not clear how the Wolf and Cobra motorcycle were created, but there were not many cowl-less models that used the aluminum frame of a replica as is, and looking back on it now, it can be said that they were the first commercially available street fighters.

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The Wolf 50, the smallest displacement model in the Wolf series, is a full-size 50cc sports bike following in the footsteps of the RG50 series.

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The Wolf 125 is a cowl-less version of the RG125γ, and was released in 1991. It was equipped with a water-cooled, two-stroke, single-cylinder engine with a maximum output of 22 PS.

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The Wolf 125 body is equipped with a water-cooled, two-stroke, single-cylinder engine derived from the TS200R that produces a maximum output of 35 PS. On winding roads, depending on the rider, it can perform at speeds approaching that of a 250cc class motocycle.

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The Cobra is a cowl-less version of the GSX-R250R, equipped with a four-stroke, four-cylinder engine. It is fitted with a distinctive radiator shroud, giving it a unique look.

Wolf Main Specifications (1988)

Overall Length x Width x Height: 1990 x 700 x 995 mm

Wheelbase: 1380mm

Seat Height: 755mm

Vehicle Weight: 125 kg (dry)

Engine: Liquid-cooled 2-stroke V-twin cylinder 249cc

Maximum Output: 45 PS/95000rpm

Max. Torque: 3.8kgf-m/8000rpm

Fuel Tank Capacity: 17L

Transmission: 6-speed return

Brakes: F=disc, R=disc

Tire: F=110/70 -R17, R=140/70-R18
 Price: $3150.89 (at that time)

 
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