Damaged big end bearing

I am able to get a really good price on a mid 80's Suzuki RG250F with a
damaged big end bearing. I'm wondering if someone can tell me or direct me
to somewhere to find out how dire this is and if I could remedy it myself.

Cheers,

Shane.

 

Hi Shane,
It's pretty dire (as in engine-will-self-destruct if not remedied) (
It's not an easy job, IIRC the RG's have roller bearing big-ends on a
pressed-together crank - the individual parts of the crank are built up in a
hydraulic press with an "interference fit" (the holes are smalller than what
fits in 'em), and have to be pressed into alignment within a few thou' -
quite an investment in tooling for the home mechanic! A lot of race shops
will supply exchange cranks for them (with all the bearings replaced -
bigends, mains, and any outriggers, plus oil seals etc.), it'll be worth
getting a few prices before making your decision whether to buy. If you go
ahead, and can get the crank exchanged, the RG's a nice little bike for its
era -you'll enjoy it, i think )

HTH
Dave H.
(The engineer formerly known as Homeless)

 

Rebuilding a crank is definitely an expert job. The other alternative
with the RG is to fit a Yamaha RZ350 motor. It is an easy swap and
nets the "YamaGamma". see
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/ultimatelccrazy/html/gammaha.html
I almost built oen, but ended up buying a RG500 instead
There was a good article in a Performance Bikes many years ago as
well
Geoff
(nuke the obvious in the address for email)