BFA/FRT 288 Racing Cylinder – Nearly 300 cm³ for Vespa Smallframe
78 mm bore, uncompromising two-stroke technology, and a displacement that far surpasses the limits of classic Vespa small-frame engines. The BFA/FRT 288 is an exceptional aluminum racing cylinder, designed in conjunction with a specially developed engine case and crankshaft assembly.
Instead of simply fitting an ever-larger cylinder into an engine block originally designed for 50 to 125 cm³, BFA has taken a different approach: The entire engine was redesigned from the ground up for this displacement and power class. The result is an air-cooled direct-diaphragm cylinder with five overflow channels, a three-piece exhaust system, and enormous power potential.
Highlights at a Glance
- Nearly 300 cm³: 78 mm bore and 60 mm crankshaft stroke
- High-end cylinder layout: Five overflow channels and a three-part exhaust
- Direct-diaphragm intake: Generous intake flow directly above the cylinder
- Aluminum construction: For high-performance, air-cooled racing engines
- BFA system component: Prepared for the specially developed Smallframe engine case
- Complete cylinder kit: Includes piston, cylinder head, intake manifold, and diaphragm unit
78 mm bore and five overflow channels
With a 78 mm bore, the BFA cylinder achieves dimensions more commonly associated with significantly larger two-stroke engines. Combined with the intended 60 mm crankshaft, this results in a displacement of just under 288 cm³.
The five overflow channels ensure generous fresh gas flow. The three-part exhaust system allows for a large effective exhaust cross-section without relying on a single, extremely wide exhaust channel.
This design provides the foundation for high cylinder filling and correspondingly high power potential. The power characteristics of the finished engine are determined in particular by valve timing, the exhaust system, and the intake system.
Direct Diaphragm – Fresh Gas Takes a Short Path to the Cylinder
A key feature of the BFA 288 is the diaphragm intake located directly on the cylinder. This allows the fuel-air mixture to be supplied independently of a conventional rotary slide intake in the engine block.
This offers design freedom in the layout of the intake path and allows for the use of correspondingly large carburetors and high-performance diaphragm systems.
The matching diaphragm intake manifold and diaphragm unit are already included in the cylinder kit. A suitable carburetor and the corresponding connection components are required for the final engine assembly.
Developed for the BFA special engine case
The BFA 288 was specifically designed for the solid BFA/FRT small-frame engine case. The cylinder mount, crankcase, and the special crankshaft geometry are all coordinated with one another.
It is designed for a BFA solid-flange crankshaft with a 60 mm stroke and 120 mm connecting rod length. The exceptionally wide crankshaft design and the special toothed primary sprocket housing fundamentally distinguish this engine concept from a standard Piaggio small-frame engine.
Important: The cylinder does not fit into a standard Piaggio engine case. The appropriate BFA case with the designated crankshaft is required for assembly.
Technical Specifications
| Feature |
Version |
| Manufacturer | BFA/FRT |
| Cylinder Type | High-end racing cylinder |
| Engine design | BFA 288 Smallframe |
| Cylinder material | Aluminum |
| Bore | Ø78 mm |
| Crankshaft stroke | 60 mm |
| Connecting rod length | 120 mm |
| Piston pin diameter | Ø18 mm |
| Overflow channels | 5 |
| Outlet | Three-piece |
| Intake | Direct diaphragm on the cylinder |
| Cooling | Air-cooled |
| Engine housing | BFA Small Frame Special Housing |
| Application | High-end tuning / motorsports |
What's Included
- BFA/FRT aluminum racing cylinder, Ø78 mm
- Matching piston
- Cylinder head
- Diaphragm assembly
- Intake manifold
To complete the engine assembly, you will also need the matching BFA engine block, the special BFA crankshaft, and other drive, ignition, cooling, and exhaust components.
Important Notes on Engine Assembly
Check cylinder position and squish edge: Even with system components designed to work together, piston position, squish edge, valve timing, and mechanical clearance must be verified during assembly. The settings must comply with BFA specifications and the intended application.
Consider intake and frame clearance: The large diaphragm intake manifold requires sufficient space within the frame. BFA notes that the corresponding frame opening must be slightly enlarged for installation.
Use the appropriate cooling air ducting: The high-volume aluminum cylinder requires a cylinder head and fan-driven cooling system designed to work with it. The corresponding BFA cooling air hood must be specifically accounted for when assembling the engine.
Check the exhaust and side fairing: The exhaust system must be compatible with the BFA cylinder and the respective Smallframe chassis configuration. With certain resonant exhaust systems, the luggage compartment of the left side fairing in particular may restrict installation.
Compatible Vehicles
For installing a BFA high-performance engine in suitable Vespa Smallframe frames, for example:
- Vespa V50 / 50 Special
- Vespa 90 / 100
- Vespa 125 Primavera / PV125
- Vespa 125 Primavera ET3
- Vespa PK 50 / 80 / 125
- Vespa PK S / XL / XL2
Vehicle compatibility requires the corresponding BFA special engine housing. Frame and component modifications may be necessary depending on the vehicle and engine configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the cylinder be mounted on an original Piaggio small-frame housing?
No. The BFA 288 was designed for the specially developed BFA engine case. The exceptionally large cylinder mount and the special crankshaft geometry are not compatible with a standard Piaggio case.
Which crankshaft is required?
The special BFA solid-flange crankshaft with a 60 mm stroke, 120 mm connecting rod length, and a piston pin bore of Ø18 mm is required. It is combined with the corresponding BFA crankcase.
Are the cylinder head and diaphragm included?
Yes. The complete BFA cylinder kit includes not only the cylinder but also the piston, cylinder head, diaphragm assembly, and intake manifold.
Is the cylinder plug-and-play?
The cylinder mounting in the designated BFA engine housing is already designed to fit. However, assembling the complete engine requires professional installation and tuning of all components. The frame opening may need to be modified to accommodate the intake manifold.
Is the BFA 288 a rotary vane or diaphragm cylinder?
The cylinder has its own diaphragm inlet. The fuel-air mixture is supplied directly through the cylinder and not via a traditional rotary valve control in the engine housing.
Is the cylinder approved for road use?
No. The BFA 288 is a high-performance racing cylinder designed for motorsports and does not have general street approval.
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