RS250 roller VS RGVJ22 91/92 Roller

[seahorse]

Ladies and Gents

I am in the considering stage of a potential hybrid.

Base bike may be my RZ 350 with RGV or RS running gear, Or I may transplant to either RGV or RS.

I am seeking some feedback on the subject of RS 250 vs RGV rolloing chasis. I am not overly interested in questioning handling capabilitys as both will handle 50% better than my riding capability and no doubt one would assume the RS chasis has probably had more developement, considering its latter year of manufacture. (An engineering / set up consideration will be weight of motor/bike hence spring options could be included in your feedback).

What i would like to know is, in relation to the availability of (springs,wheel bearings,seals,fork seals,rotors, pads etc). I know there are many RS and RGV owners here, hence, has anyone had problems sourcing parts for whatever reasons odd sizes/expence/quality, etc. Or are both reasonably matched by parts and availability.

I know the knowledge base in Perth is excellent. And quick search on ebay revealed plenty of stuff available, but in Perth, does one shine.

In advance, your feedback is kindly appreciated.

[Gangus]

If you go for the motor transplant option, the rs may be easier as TSS cradle is available to do the conversion, so most of the head ache is gone. The rgv frame is lighter, more readily available and uses a longer swingarm, so will put down the extra torque better than a rs. I believe that both these options would be better than grafting front and rear ends onto the rz as the finished bike will not have any peculiar handling issues brought by having an elastic frame (the frame will store energy and then release it).

[seahorse]

If you go for the motor transplant option, the rs may be easier as TSS cradle is available to do the conversion, so most of the head ache is gone. The rgv frame is lighter, more readily available and uses a longer swingarm, so will put down the extra torque better than a rs. I believe that both these options would be better than grafting front and rear ends onto the rz as the finished bike will not have any peculiar handling issues brought by having an elastic frame (the frame will store energy and then release it).

I like the look of the graft when done with the tyga tail peice, nice one at (YPVS350 Home), and have read the blurbs from suspension gurus about the flex issues that may be had. The RGV frame sounds the go on wieght and length and of course cost, wish someone built a frame kit for them, cant see me ordering a 1200 dollar RS frame conversion kit, then modifying it to suit, Its gunna get ugly, either way if I jump in, hence trying to look into the crystal ball to avoid the "I wish I would have gone that way down the track comment. Cheers the feedback Angus. And for any of the avid RZ owners that may read this, I have the brilliant fall back plan of rebuiling/upgrading the existing suspension, which I know is adequate. Cheers.

[thro]

I'd go for the RGV chassis. Why? Because there are a lot more of them around....


I asked Suzuki about parts availability in future for the RGV and they reckon they still can get parts for suzuki bikes 45 years old - i'm not sure if that was just in relation to engine bits or what - but yeah i suspect you'll have more luck with spares for RGV than you will for RS.

[Desmo]

RGV with a modded RS motor in it would be my choice.
As mentioned by others the handling will be miles ahead (and you will notice and appreciate the better suspensions, regardless of your skill level) and the fact that there are aftermarket cradles and parts to do the job.
There are also more avenues for more power out of the RS motor.

[Gangus]

Was reading in a book the other day that the suspension of a bike "takes a back seat" whilst at full lean cornering, and the chassis takes over. This is why any slop in your swingarm bearings or head stem bearings comes into affect as this upsets the chassis when it becomes the object taking the load during cornering. This is why the ducati is a piece of snot, and isn't competitive as the chassis isn't behaving correctly when asked. Another one is when the rider is tense at high speed corners, not allowing the chassis to do its thing uninterupted and will end in tears. This is why every modern good bike has a stiff as twin spar frame (or trellis) with a stiff as swingarm. Food for thought.

[rgvlee]

RGV with a modded RS motor in it would be my choice.
As mentioned by others the handling will be miles ahead (and you will notice and appreciate the better suspensions, regardless of your skill level) and the fact that there are aftermarket cradles and parts to do the job.
There are also more avenues for more power out of the RS motor.

you mean rz motor right?

[seahorse]

I'd go for the RGV chassis. Why? Because there are a lot more of them around....


I asked Suzuki about parts availability in future for the RGV and they reckon they still can get parts for suzuki bikes 45 years old - i'm not sure if that was just in relation to engine bits or what - but yeah i suspect you'll have more luck with spares for RGV than you will for RS.

Cheers Thro, is the .5 VJ22 in your avatar a roler.

[seahorse]

you mean rz motor right?

Yep, as i know jack shit abot RGV and RS motors, at a stretch I could probably point out the kick starter.

[seahorse]

Was reading in a book the other day that the suspension of a bike "takes a back seat" whilst at full lean cornering, and the chassis takes over. This is why any slop in your swingarm bearings or head stem bearings comes into affect as this upsets the chassis when it becomes the object taking the load during cornering. This is why the ducati is a piece of snot, and isn't competitive as the chassis isn't behaving correctly when asked. Another one is when the rider is tense at high speed corners, not allowing the chassis to do its thing uninterupted and will end in tears. This is why every modern good bike has a stiff as twin spar frame (or trellis) with a stiff as swingarm. Food for thought.

Thanks for the input, back of mind consideration, that seems to come to the surface a lot on hybrids. Probably explains why when you put a bike over the pits they test both front and back pivot points by shaking the faaark out of your 6 month resto, then grab a helmet and take your pride and joy up the road with a big stupid grin on their heads, bastards, what a job.

[thro]

Cheers Thro, is the .5 VJ22 in your avatar a roler.

Nah dude, no shock/forks, no wheels, motor in pieces, busted gearbox, etc...

[Gangus]

Aprilia RS125 RS 250 With rotax 257 enigne | eBay

[Slipin]

Let's not forget the rs250 engine is an rgv engine with a few mods.
The rs chasis is where it's all at given that it's supposedly the closest thing to a gp replica for the road u can get . Without mentioning all the Italian tit bits like brembos etc .

I was reading on the aprilla forum the other day saying u can get more parts and better parts now ! Then bfor when the bike was in production !! I'm personally looking for a nice quality rs250 my self as a track bike + investment kinda deal .
The rs chasis is the jewl of the bike . And yeah u mite not need all the chasis has to offer on tap,but it's nice to drive down a gravel road in a 4wd when a 2wd is adiquite

[seahorse]

Let's not forget the rs250 engine is an rgv engine with a few mods.
The rs chasis is where it's all at given that it's supposedly the closest thing to a gp replica for the road u can get . Without mentioning all the Italian tit bits like brembos etc .

I was reading on the aprilla forum the other day saying u can get more parts and better parts now ! Then bfor when the bike was in production !! I'm personally looking for a nice quality rs250 my self as a track bike + investment kinda deal .
The rs chasis is the jewl of the bike . And yeah u mite not need all the chasis has to offer on tap,but it's nice to drive down a gravel road in a 4wd when a 2wd is adiquite

In a Lada Neva? Meh! But cheers for the other input.

[rz350barrel]

I have a 350 Complete motor if you need it, carbs everything out of a running bike. will need carbs cleaned and once over but looks in good nick.

Cheers and good luck with your project.

[seahorse]

I have a 350 Complete motor if you need it, carbs everything out of a running bike. will need carbs cleaned and once over but looks in good nick.

Cheers and good luck with your project.

Hey RZ Ill PM you re the donk, sorry for the late observation and reply.