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June 2006
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The June 2006 Bike of the Month belongs to a Japanese rider whose nick name is PAPA from Gifu Prefecture in Central Japan. |
| PAPA is a huge fan of Moto GP racing and one of his favorite riders is Loris Capirossi. PAPA wanted to build a replica bike based on the Sito Pons West Honda NSR 500 that Loris Capirossi successfully rode. |  |
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PAPA's bike originally started off as a 1992 NSR 250 SP Rothmans model that was a bit dated and in need of some cosmetic work and a restoration. Honda never sold the NSR's in these WEST Racing colors so PAPA decided to build one himself. |
| First thing was to pull the bike apart and go over all parts that needed cleaning, repairing or replacement. The engine was removed and rebuilt. The frame was cleaned up and most of the bolts were replaced with new light weight alloy ones. |  |
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The bodywork was next. Corin Motors in Tokyo, Japan supplied the parts for this bike including the MC28 type upper fairing, two piece lowers, one piece MC28 type seat, RS250 type front fender and a carbon fiber rear hugger fender. A Sito Pons West Honda decal kit was ordered on the Internet and the bodywork was custom painted to match the stickers and look just like the real bike Loris Capirossi rode. The stock headlight was replaced with a high powered and smaller projector lamp. New mirrors and a double bubble screen were added too. |
| Next PAPA wanted to upgrade the suspension as he enjoys riding his bike on weekends around his local twisties and the occasional track day as well. He ordered a new Ohlins rear shock designed for the MC21 and 28 models (Type 46HRCL - HO 206). The front suspension was sent out to a race shop that specializes in high performance rebuilds and set up for PAPA's weight and riding style. A rare HRC steering damper was added for extra security. Riding position is improved with the Coerce rear sets for a much sportier ride and feeling. |  |
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When the engine was rebuilt, PAPA added a few HRC parts such as the center mounted cylinder head kit, HRC reed valves, HRC spacers and the HRC stuffers for improved throttle response. The carbs were rebuilt and rejetted to match the modified airbox with a Daytona Turbo Filter. This NSR is fully derestricted with a HRC black box and the now out of production but classic Type D JHA 500V pipes that give that cool NSR500 look. |
| PAPA replaced the clocks or gauges of his NSR with this cool looking and very interesting one piece analog tachometer and digital speedometer that has a built in temperature gauge, odometer, trip meter, clock, lap timer and can record your highest top speed plus has a LED background light that you can switch to either green or orange. |  |
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The brake light openings are fitted with a dummy type silencer that fits over your brake lights to give the look of a real NSR500. CLICK HERE FOR CLOSE-UP Unfortunately these are no longer available. The rear brake light is still visible. Other extras are the clip on handle bars, preload quick adjusters, heavy duty clutch, AFAM sprockets, gold chain, new Dunlop GPR70SP tires fitted to freshly painted MAGTEK wheels, MC28 front discs and stainless steel braided brake lines with new pads. |
| I believe PAPA is still not finished with his NSR and there are probably going to be plans for even more upgrades in the near future. PAPA has done one great job building this beautiful Loris Capirossi replica bike. Nice work !! |  |
| Every month I try to feature a different NSR in this section. Above you can check out the featured Bike of the Month and past Bikes of the Month. Do you think your NSR belongs here ? Then send a few pictures and some information and maybe we can feature it here. Mail me here. Cheers !! |