ALSO CONSIDER:

SUZUKI GT250

The GT250 was also a two-stroke twin but lacked the quality of the RD. The early ram-air cooled bikes were clattery and had issues with the finish, while the GT250

A-C models were better built and didn't have the ram-air set-up. The engine had nicer lines as a result. These GTs were more usable than the X7 that replaced them, and which was sold as the first 100mph 250 – conveniently ignoring the Ducati Mach 1 that topped the ton 10 years earlier. Go for an A-C model, which will cost around £3500-£4000. Restored X7s are now passing £7000.