The RS500 specials do occasionally appear for sale. I've always hankered after one but have been put off by the thought of kick-starting a 500 single if my experience of the  500 Enfield Bullet is anything to go by.

I know some models have the option of electric start but the FT500 had as a bad a reputation for a dodgy sprag clutch as the 500 Bullet Electra.

I always used to be able to kick start my XBR500 as the decompressor worked on that model unlike my 500 Bullet Electra.

I would also expect insurance problems with a "special".

Yes, I've always thought the RS would benefit from a bit more umph.
I believe it's possible to fit the XL500 or 600/650 lump or maybe the FT or XBR but that's way beyond my abilities. There used to be a guy on here who'd done the conversion if you search.

The XBR engine is NOT a direct swap over. It will go in but not without a fair bit of messing around. The RS uses the engine as a stressed member. Whereas the xbr frame is a traditional cradle type, hence completely different mounting points etc. the XL and FT are more of a direct swap, however I think the underside of the petrol tank needs to be “manipulated” slightly to fit because the 500’s are obviously slightly taller
Hope this helps
Cheers, Michael

Hi and welcome

I honestly don't know the answer to your question as I have no experience of Chinese engines, or for that matter RS250s, but I think a lot of Chinese engines are based around Suzuki GN series engines or Honda engines like the XR series. I suppose you have had a look at the Projects section of this website to see some of the amazing engine swaps people have done, might give you some encouragement or insight. Hope you get sorted.

Ian

Just wondering, is there any (Chinese?) Electric Start engine I could transplant into my CB250RS?  I wouldn't object to a jump (up) in capacity. Unless anyone has a decent RS250"D" lump for sale.

Ditto what Michael says ++