New Bike Question

[n7qnc]

A friend just gave me a '79 XS1100SF. The chasis is all together but the engine is in about five boxes. That is not really a problem, as manuals are available. What I really need is a top piston ring.
All the other rings are OK.
Any suggestions.

[thumperjsa]

I heard rings were hard to get. According to the web site, www.bikebandit.com, they have some for my XS if I need them. You can try there.

-Jonathan

[ratbyk]

Used Rings

David, do not consider reassembling an engine with used rings. The engine rings/pistons/cylinders will never seal properly. Go for a full set of new rings and also have the cylinders honed or at least de-glazed so that your new rings have a surface that will allow things to re-seat.(don't remove any more material from the cylinders then necessary-just enough to scuff up the cylinders with a slight cross hatch pattern)
If you don't then the engine will always be down on compression and have trouble controlling oil consumption.
Ken/Sooke
78E Ratbyk
82 FT500 "lilRat"

[n7qnc]

Thanks

Thanks for both suggestions. Hopefully I can call the one place this week and see if they have any rings on the shelf. I appreciate both of your responses.
This web site has been the best source that I have found for this bike.
The bike only has 14k miles on it. I think that it is worth doing a rebuild on it.