New Top-end Or Rings?

[Doodle]

I have a stock 1999 Banshee that has never been "freshened up" yet. I've decided it's probably time to do some work to it. I should have checked the compression to see what it was before I took the motor out, but I wanted to at least replace the rings. I had several questions in this regard. Since the bike is 5 years old would it be better to go ahead and throw new pistons in it or just replace the rings. The cylinders and pistons look pretty good, but since I have everything already tore apart, it may not hurt to do it right. Plus, the rings are like $25-35 a cylinder and you can get a complete piston kit for $150. My other concern is whether I should bore it out or just hone it? The local "stealership" want's like $50/cylinder to bore it out. I guess I was wondering is it always critical to hone the cylinders out if you're just re-ringing it? If I decide to put new pistons in, could I just hone it and throw in a set of standard bore pistons? Any suggestions appreciated.

[frocashmoney24]

well compression test woulda helped but... since its 5 years old i would just throw a new top end in, its not hard, and you will get back all the power you might hve been missing, and dont take it to the dealership, napa did mine for 40 a piece and im sure theres other machine shops that could do it cheaper then the stealership

[BenBB]

I agree with fro, topend it if you can. I would have someone who knows what they are doing bore the jugs to the new pistons (depending on the condition of the cylinders; taper, oval, etc. it may need 10 or 20 over pistons). At the very least you do need to have the cylinders ball honed if you just re-ring, but be sure to double check the chamfer on all the ports or the rings won't last very long...again you're better off with a fresh topend if possible because the cylinder itself is a wear item just as much as the pistons. Good luck.

[sandman121383]

do the whole top end. i think shee ddeserves it man. let us know how things work out

[sredish]

do the whole top end.

my vote also.

[Lepew]

Do the top end. A decent machine shop will measure your pistions and cylinders for nothing but I will bet you they'll be out of specs. Bore, hone and chamfer $45 a hole and wiesco top end kit with gaskets and bearing $160.