I recently scored a 421 stroker banshee engine, with serval cylinders, cool head, etc. No part of the engine has ever seen fuel. Even the cases are NOS.
I'm wrestling with which frame to choose for this engines resting place. I have gone back and forth with myself and friends for several days now. I have ruled out an RZ frame, as it would cost just as much to buy a quality used one, than to try and build one.
Let's take a modern R6, CBR, MT07, etc as an example. These frames do not employ a cradle like an RD, RZ, FZR, FZ, etc. They almost hang from the frame. On a more modern bike, (I ASSUME) the engine is used as part of the structural integrity of the chassis. (If I am wrong, PLEASE tell me. It could save a lot of headache and time).
Assuming this is true, and I wanted to fabricate mounts in order to install this engine into a more modern aluminum alloy frame, would I need to reinforce the frame, as the engine that was designed for this chassis, is no longer present.
I've heard 2 different schools of thought. I know anything can be done with endless budgets and a machine shop. I'd like to hear your opinions as to whether or not reinforcing the actual frame is critical in this example. Any and all feedback is welcome!
Currently between an FZR600 (steel cradle) or something more modern such as R6, or MT07, etc. I look forward to the discussion
gs500 would be a solid choice.
Agreed. I have seen several on a GS500F chassis, which also has a removable cradle. My big butt would probably benefit from something slightly larger.
I'd love to pursue an MT07 or R6, but I'm not sure if I have the skillset to do so safely. Namely, welding reinforcement onto an aluminum chassis (if it's even needed!)
The amount of time spent trying to make the engine fit something else, the perceived extra cost of a RZ frame would be negligible. I guess it depends on what kind of bike you want when you're done. A lot of people at one time used Aprilia RS250 frames...if you want to really get use of the motor. Or a Cagiva 125...., I would think you would want a big engine in a small frame, instead of a smaller engine in a bigger frame.
the GS500 isnt per-say small. and with a steel cradle easy to drop it in. shares a lot of parts w a 1st gen sv650. and are DIRT cheap to find.
these look weird in r6 chassis, IMHO. and then you have a (comparatively to stock) slow R6. I mean.. just saying.
they go in an rd chassis about as easily. stuff an inverted front end on one, brace it bit and have at it.
As far as an RZ, by the time everything is sourced and paid for, it almost makes more sense to just buy a complete bike. I should have prefaced, I'm not necessarily looking for a stock RZ. Something with more modern suspension, brakes etc.
Yes, it would be slower than an R6, but that doesn't bother me in the least. Parts and complete bikes are very plentiful, and cheap. I'd really prefer an MT07 over an R6. It was more so the example of frame.
I have a friend that bolted one into an RD, and it's relatively simple, but I'd like to spice up the stable vs another RD. I love my RD, but something a little different.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Yamaha-Banshee-Powered-Motard-Custom/i-MkxMjtW/0/LZzHTn5XbCbjRCzddffVn9v3k9CWkS74j8mfG94Zj/X3/Yamaha%20Banshee-Powered%20Motard%20Custom-4-X3.jpg)
If you can find one, the Yamaha FZR400 might be a worthy candidate. A lot lighter than FZR600 as it's aluminium framed.
https://www.2strokeworld.net/forum/index.php?topic=4472.msg38011#msg38011
Also the SRX600 might work. There's one near me that looks like a good deal:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1EtZ3XoBu4/
1st gen ex500 has a cradle. often overlooked.
I believe Wicked built a nice R3 with an RZ or Banshee engine
so in 2016 i bought my ex an r3. like 1st thing i thought was 'that needs a 2 stroke' ive seen a few done
Quote from: busa1300 on November 06, 2026, 03:26:03 AM(https://photos.smugmug.com/Yamaha-Banshee-Powered-Motard-Custom/i-MkxMjtW/0/LZzHTn5XbCbjRCzddffVn9v3k9CWkS74j8mfG94Zj/X3/Yamaha%20Banshee-Powered%20Motard%20Custom-4-X3.jpg)
giving off serious Mad Max TDR vibes :vroom:
here you go.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1553923260106790/
i actually would do it. :burnout:
FZr250 chicken chaser;-
IMG_20200524_133545.jpg
(https://i.pinimg.com/736x/a5/77/32/a577323c9c28f317329360e611ecd027.jpg)