cylinder and piston question

[scheckaet]

I already posted on the RB section so sorry for the repeat, but this is more of a general topic than just RB topic.

Decided it was time to experience the RB mods, I can't wait!!!
Questions
My 200 is an 2005 model and I have about 3500 miles on it.
The cylinder looks good, BUT one area doesn't fell smooth, it looks like 2 scratches I'll try to take some pics.
I guess I'll have to take the cylinder off and inspect everything

Here is a pic of the piston, there is a bit of carbon deposit but I don't think it's too bad, I manage to remove most of it.



I noticed the piston can rotate a bit, maybe less than 1 degre; is this normal?
This is the 1st time I pulled the head off, so don't really know what to expect.
Since the head is off, should I replace the piston and / or ring?
Do you have to replace the head gasket everytime you remove the head?
Anything else I should check while it's all torn down?

Thank you all

wilf


Here are some more
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Yeah Jeb I have the manual and will check things out tonight.
I wasn't gonna remove the cylinder but my curiosity took over and that scratch worried me, so wanted to check everything out since it's all torn down. As for the thorough cleaning I second that, I thought I cleaned everything pretty good but there's always some dust coming out of nowhere
The scratch is not very deep, you can see it and feel it, maybe 1/5 of a millimeter?

And yep I am like a kid before xmas, can't wait for Ron's goodies
Thanks for the feed back.

[j753301]

if you can feel it its time for a replate! you will lose compression if you dont

[Indawoods]

Well... you are getting some blowby.... Personally... I think the plate looks pretty good... Probably Scotch Brite the cylinder and get a set of rings and ride til winter and take her down again and see where it's at. It's summer.... so RIDE!

[Flying W]

Since the head is off, should I replace the piston and / or ring?
Do you have to replace the head gasket every time you remove the head?

Aside from any decisions about your cylinder, I would replace the rings every time I remove the cylinder. I would also replace the piston if it is the stocker (and your bike is a 220...I cannot remember which it is).

I would not replace the head gasket if it is in great condition. Just my opinion though.

Good luck!

[scheckaet]

It doesn't look like I will get the rings in time before the long week end .
I really really NEED to ride though, (my sanity demands it) so my question 1 is: is it ok to put everything back together with the old ring (along with the RB goodies, and new gasket) or is it a REALLY bad idea?
(I would replace everything when I get it.)

Question 2: I used scotch brite on the cylinder but I can't really see any pattern, is this expected?
Thx

[KarlP]

I think it would be a shame to put it back without at least new rings. It does look like you've got a little blow by. I don't see any other big problems. If you got to ride, put it back together!

(I like to get most of what I think I'll need BEFORE pulling a motor apart. I don't believe I have ever gotten all of it, but usually a good chunk)

[scheckaet]

I think it would be a shame to put it back without at least new rings. It does look like you've got a little blow by. I don't see any other big problems. If you got to ride, put it back together!

(I like to get most of what I think I'll need BEFORE pulling a motor apart. I don't believe I have ever gotten all of it, but usually a good chunk)

yeah I know, I wasn't planning on taking the cylinder out or replacing the rings so I'm learning as I go.