I'm doing the long overdue top end on my 2000 KDX 200. I found the piston scuffed on the intake side so I'm replacing it as well as rings. Question is- should I hone the cylinder or not?

Thanks!
Al

ummmmm, yes, you should...

honing the cylinder provides for a good ring seating and seal, which is good for longevity and good for compression.... rent the hone if you don't have one, they're cheap and worth it...

Eric Gorr recommends the ball type honer as compared to the spring loaded sharp edged honers.

Thanks guys, I wasn't sure I should since the cylinder is plated. I've seen both recommendations both ways.

Check Eric's web site, I think he cautions against honing the Kawasaki electrofusion cylinders because the hard coating is very thin on these.

Ken

Yeah that's the problem, some say hone some say not.....

If you are concerned about using a ball hone you might consider scuffing the cylinder walls with a Scotch Bright pad. Its a happy medium between using a ball hone or no hone at all. I've used the burgundy grade with good results but I expect green should work fine as well and is easily to find.

David

The ef coating on the cylinder is very thin. I personally would not hone it. If you can see uneven wear on the cylinder, I would send it to fredette for replating. If it is just smooth and shiny(normal even glaze) I would do just a light scotchbrite rough up as mentioned previously. It is very easy to go to heavy or cause uneven spots when stone honing...especially if you are inexperienced. I would also replace or upgrade your air filter...why was the intake piston side so scratched up?

I just rebuilt my bike a couple of months ago. New piston/rings etc. I did NOT hone the cylinder. I used what Canadian Dave suggested which was the burgandy Scotch Brite pad. I would not recommend to hone the Kawa cylinder.

re: 'why was the intake piston side so scratched up?'

I'm curious about that, too.

I think the only thing that causes an intake side piston failure is improper lubrication....that would come either from the particular oil being used, or the volume of that oil in the fuel.

Well, or FOD.