From Mini Bike to Masterpiece: Building the Ultimate Rascal GT for the PRI Show
Every so often, an opportunity comes along that’s too good to pass up. For us, that was a call from Tillotson to join them at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) show in Indianapolis. PRI isn't just any trade show; it's the epicenter of the racing world, a place where performance is king. We knew we couldn't just show up—we had to make a statement.
The idea hit us like a perfectly tuned engine: let's build a custom mini bike that embodies the spirit of both GoPowerSports and Tillotson. The vision? To transform our popular Rascal GT Mini Bike into a two-wheeled tribute to the legendary Tillotson T4 Go Kart. We called it the Rascal GT4.
A Vision in Blue and Chrome
The Tillotson T4 kart is iconic for its striking blue frame and meticulous design. We wanted to capture that same energy. The plan was simple but ambitious: strip a brand-new Rascal GT down to its bare frame and rebuild it as a show-stopping piece of machinery.
The first stop was a complete teardown. Every nut, bolt, and bracket came off until we were left with a blank canvas. The frame, forks, and tank were sent off to our trusted powder coater with a specific mission: match the exact Tillotson blue. Meanwhile, the handlebars, kickstand, top plate, and clutch guard were sent to J&B Chrome to get a mirror-like finish that would make the bike pop under the convention center lights.
More Than Just a Pretty Face
A show bike needs to have the performance to back up its looks. At the heart of this build is a powerhouse Tillotson 225 RS engine, but we didn't stop there. We fitted it with our new billet block, a billet head, and a massive 34mm Mikuni carburetor. To tie in the chrome theme, we added a chrome-shrouded electric start cover and a polished RLV exhaust.
Attention to detail was everything. We swapped out nearly every piece of hardware for lightweight, high-strength titanium bolts—from the engine mounts and wheels to the steering stabilizer and brake components. The goal was to elevate the Rascal GT from a simple mini bike to a high-end custom build, worthy of the PRI show floor.
The Devil is in the Details
One of the biggest challenges was adapting the T4 Go Kart's graphics package to the Rascal GT's round-tube frame. Go-karts have large, flat plastic body panels perfect for decals, but a mini bike is all curves and angles. It took patience and precision to cut and place each sticker, ensuring the final product looked clean, professional, and true to the T4 aesthetic.
The finishing touches brought the whole build together. We added aggressive footpegs, a custom seat that perfectly matched the color scheme, and a gold-on-black RLV chain to complement the chrome and blue. The result is a machine that’s as much a work of art as it is a performance vehicle.
The Final Product
The finished Rascal GT4 is a testament to what happens when you combine a great vision with high-quality parts and meticulous craftsmanship. It’s a rolling showcase of the best components GoPowerSports has to offer, wrapped in a design that honors our partnership with Tillotson.
This bike is more than just a project; it’s a statement. It represents our passion for pushing the limits of what a mini bike can be. We couldn't be more excited to display it at the PRI show and share it with the entire racing community.
Want to see how we brought this incredible machine to life? Watch the full build from start to finish in our video below: