OzVMX Forum

Marque Remarks => Kawasaki => Topic started by: piney on May 29, 2012, 08:33:44 am

Title: 1984 kx500 piston
Post by: piney on May 29, 2012, 08:33:44 am

can anyone tell me wether you can run later model piston in an 84
i have a standard barrell in excelent condion with only slight wear on piston  and rings
i have been able find plenty of later mod (ie post 87) but can,t find any standard earlier.
Title: Re: 1984 kx500 piston
Post by: Freakshow on May 29, 2012, 09:18:29 am
thats suprising i find with any piston you usually find a million standard bores, but all the overbores seem to be taken up especially as time goes by.
Title: Re: 1984 kx500 piston
Post by: Nathan S on May 29, 2012, 09:47:56 am
Kawasaki = Electrofusion bore = all genuine pistons are standard size.

Title: Re: 1984 kx500 piston
Post by: Stevo17 on May 29, 2012, 11:16:59 am
I have heard that the newer pistons work ok. Kawasaki say that they do, others say that you need to trim a little off the skirt where the curved cutaway is.  The newer pitons have two rings also.   Someone with greater engine building knowledge than me may be able to confirm.
Title: Re: 1984 kx500 piston
Post by: JohnnyO on May 29, 2012, 01:49:25 pm
You can use the later model piston but you need to remove the bottom ring so it doesn't snag in the inlet port.
Title: Re: 1984 kx500 piston
Post by: piney on May 29, 2012, 03:47:40 pm
thanx for help guys, I'll let you know the outcome
Title: Re: 1984 kx500 piston
Post by: Stevo17 on May 29, 2012, 06:01:35 pm
85 model piston is the same as the 84 also. You may be able to use a newer model Wossner or Pro-x  piston or similar that has one ring.
Title: Re: 1984 kx500 piston
Post by: piney on May 30, 2012, 08:34:02 pm
thanx steve. i'll check em out
Title: Re: 1984 kx500 piston
Post by: 490 tez on June 10, 2012, 08:38:21 pm
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NOS-Rocky-Cycle-Piston-Set-KX500-83-84-0-75mm-OS-/260656637919?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cb058a7df 

they have all sizes  :)
Title: Re: 1984 kx500 piston
Post by: BAHNZY on June 10, 2012, 08:54:50 pm
You can use the later model piston but you need to remove the bottom ring so it doesn't snag in the inlet port.

We do exactly what John has mentioned, just drop that bottom ring off or you'll be in a world of pain.
Title: Re: 1984 kx500 piston
Post by: Hardo on December 26, 2014, 04:58:36 pm
Guys, does anyone here know if the 'Rocky Cycle CO' pistons are okay to use in the standard bore barrels?

I have a NOS barrel for my 84 KX500 engine and want to know if these pistons are fine to use.
Someone once told me that the Rocky pistons are made at the same factory as the NOS Kawasaki pistons... I dont know.

Any knowledge out there that can help please?

Cheers!
Title: Re: 1984 kx500 piston
Post by: mick25 on December 26, 2014, 08:08:03 pm
Guys, does anyone here know if the 'Rocky Cycle CO' pistons are okay to use in the standard bore barrels?

I have a NOS barrel for my 84 KX500 engine and want to know if these pistons are fine to use.
Someone once told me that the Rocky pistons are made at the same factory as the NOS Kawasaki pistons... I dont know.

Any knowledge out there that can help please?

Cheers!    I have no idea hardo but it's at the top of the posts now , all I can do ::)
Title: Re: 1984 kx500 piston
Post by: FireKwaka on December 28, 2014, 08:55:53 am
I can't remember were I got my piston from 18 months ago but apparently a small hole should be drill in the piston, my new piston already had the hole.
Title: Re: 1984 kx500 piston
Post by: Hardo on January 01, 2015, 11:39:03 am
Thanks Micky G... lol   can always count on you popping up randomly ... ;)

Firekwaka - was it a Genuine Kawa or an aftermarket Rocky piston?
Do you remember at all?

Cheers,
Dave.
Title: Re: 1984 kx500 piston
Post by: JohnnyO on January 01, 2015, 12:15:58 pm
I had a Rocky piston in my 84 KX 500 and had no problems with it.
Title: Re: 1984 kx500 piston
Post by: Hardo on January 01, 2015, 06:55:06 pm
Cheers JohnnyO, was your barrel genuine (coated) or was it sleeved?

Title: Re: 1984 kx500 piston
Post by: JohnnyO on January 01, 2015, 07:34:43 pm
It was re sleeved mate and over bored. Very hard to find pistons but I was also told about using later model with bottom ring removed.
Title: Re: 1984 kx500 piston
Post by: Stevo17 on January 01, 2015, 07:40:48 pm
Hi Hardo,   I still have that Rocky kit and a OEM kit.  A mate of mine has used the Rocky kits in his RM500's for some time with no problems.  I am not sure if it would make any difference in a electrosil cylinder ??  cheers steve
Title: Re: 1984 kx500 piston
Post by: Hardo on January 01, 2015, 08:23:35 pm
Yes I have been told that works with an 85 piston JohnnyO - with bottom ring removed.
I am really wanting to make sure I get it right... especially considering I am bolting on a NOS barrel.

I guess thats the actual question Steve... Are the Rocky kits okay in the Nikasil bores?

Cheers....
Title: Re: 1984 kx500 piston
Post by: Stevo17 on January 01, 2015, 08:33:16 pm
I would be hanging on to that NOS cylinder and getting a good used one for race purposes....  do I still have that spare cylinder or did you snaville that when you were here??  :)
Title: Re: 1984 kx500 piston
Post by: GMC on January 02, 2015, 10:10:52 am
Electrofusion, Nicasil and steel liners all use the same style piston and rings.

The later model pistons fit fine but as said leave the lower ring off as the ring pin is exposed into the inlet port.

Don't know about the Rocky pistons but if they are claiming to be for the early models then you should check that the ring pin is in the right place. Easily done by looking into the inlet port with the reed block removed when the piston as at BDC
Title: Re: 1984 kx500 piston
Post by: Ted on January 02, 2015, 12:40:56 pm
Or you could just ask Greg Ball Engineering
Title: Re: 1984 kx500 piston
Post by: Hardo on January 03, 2015, 07:23:26 pm
Electrofusion, Nicasil and steel liners all use the same style piston and rings.

Thanks Geoff.

And Steve I have sent a PM mate.

Cheers for the heads up Ted. I will chat to Greg.