Open-class two-strokes are all however extinct. The Japanese producers stopped making them within the early 2000s, and now the elements for these iconic machines are not out there. However, the aftermarket group is refusing to let the 500cc sector die out utterly. As a matter of truth, firms like BRC Racing and mXrevival are giving it an enormous shot of adrenaline. This GasGas MC500 is a testomony to only that.
This construct began with the acquisition of a barely used 2023 GasGas MC250 from Carl’s Cycle Sales in Idaho. Overall, the machine was in nice form, however Charles at mXrevival had some large plans for it from the beginning—double the displacement, give it an all-new look and make it deal with like nothing else on the planet. Pretty customary objectives, proper?
Doubling the displacement may sound utterly loopy, however which may have been the best factor to perform on this undertaking with the assistance of Riley and the crew at BRC Racing in Canada. The BRC’s 500cc engine conversion is designed to bolt proper into the last-generation KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas metal body with out main modifications. Select “donor” inside (full transmission with clutch) and electrical elements had been wanted from the MC250 engine. We did should supply out all the electrical starter elements from KTM, as a result of our donor engine was a kickstart-only mannequin. Tony Jeske from Elite Moto Factory dealt with all of the meeting of the BRC engine package and the switching over of elements from the MC250 engine that was wanted.
With the addition of huge energy, it’s by no means a foul thought to improve the suspension, brakes and drive, too. Brandon at AHM Factory Services dealt with all of the suspension wants for the Helfyre undertaking. AHM customized anodized the inventory fork tubes and shock physique gold, and so they additionally DLC-coated all of our decrease shafts. Perhaps essentially the most substantial modification AHM carried out was they totally transformed the center of the AER air fork with the whole Yamaha KYB/SSS spring parts.
Just after we assume now we have seen all of it, one thing comes alongside that surprises us and makes us simply stand again and benefit from the completed product. What’s actually nice about this BRC Racing engine conversion is that we had been in a position to not solely double the engine displacement, however the BRC package additionally permits us to maintain a counterbalanced, exhaust-valve-equipped engine and add electrical begin to this as soon as “kick-only” GasGas mannequin.
Overall efficiency of the BRC engine may be very spectacular and has good tractable energy. Just like most big-bore configurations, short-shifting utilizing the midrange meat of the powerband produces essentially the most smiles. The Lectron metering rod-style carburetor does take a while to dial in, and admittedly we by no means acquired it good throughout. Brandon and his crew at AHM Factory Service completely nailed the suspension setup! Not solely does it have that trick manufacturing unit look that is supplied with all of the completely different specialty coatings, nevertheless it performs nearly as good because it seems to be. We take pleasure in working with Charles and all the businesses he incorporates into the builds he does, and now we have much more tasks deliberate with him sooner or later, you’re undoubtedly going to need to keep tuned for what’s subsequent.
