We would love to be able to launch conversion kits for the NSR as well but the amount of R&D involved in the RS conversion - and I'm talking about engineering to beyond OEM standards now - is staggering and took the best part of a year to see through.
Initially we selected the Aprilia RS250 as the most suitable platform purely because it has the strongest chassis of all the 250 reps, and is therefore well up to the job of handling the extra torque and horsepower. And because we like the look of it, and because our wives allowed us to play in the workshop so long seeing as we were working on 'An Italian Exotic' and because we bribed them with Italian handbags and such.
But seriously now - the other big reason for selecting the Aprilia RS250 lies in the fact that the chassis remained unchanged throughout the model run. Therefore we could develop an engine mounting cradle/offset sprocket/modified shock rocker arm & dogbones setup that does duty for all year models. Sweet.
You blokes are the experts on NSRs so tell us, that we may make the first NSR500GP build feasibility exercises:
1): How much does the frame/engine mounting setup vary across the models, from MC11 to MC28? What I'm getting at is that it would be a costly exercise if we had to develop many different NSR conversion kits for the various models, if indeed the frame/engine hookup points varied considerably through the years.
2): How much room is there between the frame rails of the various models? We need to know this to figure out whether our parallel-twin can squeeze up in there ...
3): What is the most popular/respected of the NSR models? Which of the MCs would enthusiasts identify as the best candidate for the conversion?
4): Do any of the NSR frames have internal bracing, i.e. are they up to handling 112HP and 60 lb.ft. of torque?
5): What sort of mods are involved in fitting the HRC RS250R front end into the NSR chassis?
Just a few questions there; I apologise in advance for my lack of familiarity with the breed. I am just looking to get an idea on feasibility of fitting TSS500 power into any of the NSR250 models. Any and all suggestions are most welcome!
Best regards,
Steve
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Cairns, Queensland 4870
Australia
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