The RGV is a good bike, but for similar reasons to Rich, I would not own one again. I had two of the VJ22s, and I feel the NSR is a bike that you can enjoy without having to spend half your time fixing it

The RGV VJ22 shares the same engine with the Aprilia RS250. Different porting and expansion chambers are essentially what's different.

What model RGV is it? If it is a VJ23, then it might be worth considering. Suzuki improved their equipment reliability a lot for them, but then I believe parts would be harder to find.

I'm sure there would be a few local suppliers for NSR parts, it's just a matter of talking to people in the bike scene, and posting on local bike forums.

Andy or one of the other guys wil be able to answer your gasket question, I haven't owned an 18 before so what I would say would be based on what I have read (and barey remember).

2 stroke 250s are banned as learner bikes in most states in Australia because they have a reputation as a "kid killer". Most of the learner riders bought one because it was the most powrful bike they could get their hands on. They also didn't realise what would happen if you hit the powerband mid corner, or when they weren't expecting it. If you learn how to ride the bike correctly, then I do believe that they are great bikes

If you get a chance, you should post up a couple of pics of the bikes you are thinking of buying.

Let us know what your final purchase is