Conversion Soup: Aprilia RS250 Framed, RG500 Powered, Tyga wrapped Biaggi Replica…..
..and Ohilins sprung. Conversions are an acquired taste but this UK RS/RG/ETC impresses in pictures. It has a bit of everything and that everything appears to be top shelf. With a conversion though, a true test is seeing it in person. Seeing how the wiring is done, how the engine conversion was handled and basic fit and finish. First impressions are this one is put together correctly.
500cc’s wasn’t enough so this is bumped up to 570cc’s. I think I’d let an expert look at how that engine is mounted for peace of mind. I’ve seen some mounted without the down tubes and I had a frame builder tell me that is insane with the big RG engine. It looks like a down tube peaking out there beneath the fairing though.
It’s a long list!
here we have my latest just completed aprilia rs250 with suzuki rg500 engine fitted
the bike has been built with no expense spared, every part of this bike is either new or refurbished
if you no these bikes you will appreciate how much time, effort, and money goes into building one of these bikes
brief description of the specification of the bike
engine completely rebuilt inc
cranks rebuilt
570cc big bore
new pistons rings gudgen pins bearings clips
gearbox rebuilt with new later undercut gears
new clutch with mod done
refurbished disc valve covers
new billet clutch cover
new itg air filters
every bearing, gasket, o ring, oil seal, has been replaced with genuine suzuki parts where available
swarbrick exhaust pipes with carbon cans
carbs ultrasonic cleaned and rebulit with new needle valves, gaskets etc
chassis
standard aprilia rs250 frame modified to take rg500 engine
frame powder coated
swingarm powder coated
ohlins front forks with radial brake callipers, fully rebuilt with new seals, oil etc
ohlins rear shock fully rebuilt and resprung
rs250 wheels powder coated new bearings
brembo 320mm discs
brembo radial master cylinder with pazzo lever
new pazzo clutch lever and perch
gsxr switch gear
new carbon frame protectors
new carbon swingarm covers
new carbon hugger
new carbon front mudguard
new braided lines
new alloy clipons
new chain and sprockets
new koso dashboard
new tyres
new tyga fairing
new one off seat unit loosely based on honda rs250
new max biaggi paint job last years colours in fluorescent orange, the pictures dont do it justice
I’m guessing the suspension is swiped from another Aprilia model since it has been rebuilt and resprung. Not sure if the brakes are Aprilia items as well.
I wonder how much it has been ridden since all the work. There would definitely be some sorting out on a project like this. I’d wonder about the heat coming of those chambers under there and ruining the paint if it is a tight fit.
Have you been adding up the numbers as you’ve been looking at the pictures? Did you come up with 12,500 GBP ($19,600!)? If you go down the list and add up all the parts and labor I’m sure you get to that total. You know there has to be a “but” don’t you? The problem with conversions is that you build them to your tastes and the pool of buyers out there probably doesn’t have the exact same tastes. More importantly, they aren’t willing to pay for the things you thought were worthwhile. Even if you aren’t a buyer this bike should be an inspiration on what you can do with a conversion.
Ian
I never would have guessed that and RG motor could fit in an RS250 frame… Wouldn’t that make something like a 1:2 power to weight ratio?… I’m want to make my own version maybe with a 650 water buffalo motor.
This bike is a crime, destroy 2 really good bikes and make 1 POS, looks nice but no engineering sure its dangerous and poorly thought out, what a waste of money.
Jimbo, I’m going to put you down for a “no” on this one.
I have built one of my own but uses a Honda 250 -89 chassies , I have built and raced a lot of bikes in my day , but this one is by far the best balanced bike I have ever ridden! It is right up there with my RC-30 but FAR lighter. Now I am assisting a friend to build just what you have here , , we have studied , all the one´s we found on the net and decided to avoid cutting the frame around the rear carbs but rather made boxes of 3mm aluminium around them thus countersinking the top of the carbs within the frame . The Aprilia frame is decidedly larger than my own Honda one so it will be somewhat more streetable . And today with Triboron as a lubricant , our smoking days are over one can be positively green running a two stroke , not only that it vastly improves the midrange too !! Congrats to a very nice looking bike!! Kim , Lewd Engineering ,Stockholm.
Excellent Motorcycle blog I enjoyed it cheers
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