Bore / Cylinder Measurements

xlr8tn

XS650 Enthusiast
Messages
80
Reaction score
3
Points
6
Location
Northern VA
Took apart my engine not knowing any details from the previous owner. No odometer, no idea on miles, but leaking oil like crazy. Looking at the manual, I took measurements using a bore gauge at three different depths. Here are my numbers:

min bore: 75.27(L) and 75.25(R)
max piston: 75.24(L) and 75.23(R)
clearance: 0.03(L) and 0.02(R)

My pistons are stamped 0.25 which means they are Oversize 1. Since the documentation says a standard piston wear limit is 75.1, does that mean oversize 1 wear limit should be 75.35? If so, I think I'm good on wear. Where would I need to be to have to move to oversize 2 (0.50)?

Here are all my measurements:
top: 75.29L 75.29L, 75.25R 75.26R
middle: 75.27L 75.30L, 75.28R 75.25R
bottom: 75.28L 75.27L, 75.29R 75.30R

Thanks,
Brent
 
Last edited:
Ok, the stock size piston is always 74.xxx, the xxx is marked on top of the piston. As in 956. The size of the bore is always 75.xxx, the xxx is marked on the lower end of the cylinder sleeve. As in 010. To determine the stock piston to cylinder clearance you subtract the piston size from the cylinder size, in this case 75.010-74.956+.054. This is with in the limits of .050 to .055 mm.
On the over bore sizes they are in.25 mm steps starting at 75.25 This is marked on the pistons as 25. Second over marked 50, third as 75, and so on.
Now on your measurements, they should go to the third digit after the decimal point. Just two isn't very accurate.
Also on your list the first two numbers start with a 25. Shouldn't they read 75.
The clearance spec has a limit of .050 to .055 That's a .005 difference. just two digits can't read that close.
Your .02 and .03 clearance, if right are way to tight. .050 is minimum, .050- .02 = .03 too tight.
I would recommend you take your pistons and jugs to a machine shop and have them measured. It won't cost much and you will get the proper measurements.
Leo
 
If I am just trying to determine if I need to re-bore, don't I just need real measurements of cylinder top (front to back) and piston skirt? I shouldn't have to worry about sleeve values right?
 
Yeah. You're mostly looking for clearances and taper. The right cylinder is at the max for taper (0.05mm). If the piston/cylinder clearance is really as close as your measurements show, a good sizing hone could get the correct clearance, and level-down some of that taper. But's that's a job for an engine shop. Best to have them inspect/measure as a double-check. Then, they could advise as to sizing hone usage, or overbore recommendation. Take your service manual, with the cylinder measuring specs, with you to the shop.
 
Back
Top