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Considering buying a 2004 220 with low hours and original top end. Have read about the suggested piston replacement issue on the 220's. But have questions on whether this is recommended for only some years or every 220 made. Does just the piston need replaced or entire top end? Thoughts on the 2004 model year? Thanks

the only changes to the 220 throughout it entire run were aesthetic so the shape the bike is in is much more important then the year

the only weakness that bike has is the stock piston which tends to break unannounced and drop its skirt into the bottom end
if you get the bike and replace the piston before it fails all you will need to replace is the piston and the cylinder gaskets

if you wait for it to fail and then replace it you will need to replace the piston, the cylinder and most likely the bottom end

I picked up a 2004 220 this summer with the original piston. I picked up a Wiseco piston and rings off of ebay and replaced the top end before riding the bike. Well worth having the piece of mind that I won't lunch my motor by ignoring a well documented issue. Good luck.

It is a recommended action to take, however I rode my 2001 220 (bought new) for 6 years before I replaced the piston and never had an issue. The peace of mind is worth the cost in my estimate, but back then my peace of mind was a little too expensive lol. As stated, the condition of the bike is the most important factor over the year, and the presence of any engine/exhaust/intake mods should serve as a warning since these put additional stress on the stock piston and can lead to earlier failure.

Bought a 2003 220 new.
4 months later the ring locating pin backed out and scabbed the cylinder up. The piston skirt was showing cracks.

Just got a new to me 220 thats in bad shape. Stock piston with bad skirt cracking. I'll post pics tomorrow when I'm on the computer

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