1975 Z1 ring replacement

I have a 75 Z1 that I am going to replace the rings on. When I took the head of and inspected the cylinders they didn't look that bad. I was thinking that I would just hone the cylinders and replace the rings with the standard size rings. It wouldn't seem I needed to go up a size if I don't upsize the pistons as well.

Looking for some guidance and suggestions before I do the work.

davej6997 wrote: I have a 75 Z1 that I am going to replace the rings on. When I took the head of and inspected the cylinders they didn't look that bad. I was thinking that I would just hone the cylinders and replace the rings with the standard size rings. It wouldn't seem I needed to go up a size if I don't upsize the pistons as well.
Looking for some guidance and suggestions before I do the work.

Here's a direct link to the FSM included in KZr's FILEBASE:
www.kzrider.com/filebase/doc_download/43...asaki-service-manual

See page 83 for bore specs.



Good Fortune!

compression measurements as is...?

If all 4 cylinder bores measure in @ 100 + as is, then hell hone & new rings will most likely be just fine...

Of course also depends on what your looking for in power, stock cams or performance, riding style etc ...

Take a look at the cylinder and see if it has been sealing all the way around. High spots will be smooth and darker while the low spots will still have fresh looking hone marks.

If you see these, I'd say get the cylinders honed to get rid of high spots and get a set of rings with a 3-piece oil ring. Actually, on second thought, I would say replace the rings either way. I am NOT a fan of the oil ring that Kawasaki used on the 900's :laugh:

How many miles are on the engine?

14,000 miles on the motor.

You should be able to run a light hone down the bore and re-ring - that's not very many miles.

One quick and dirty way to check the bore is to run your fingernail UP the bore (after you remove any carbon) - if you feel any lip at the top of the bore it needs to be bored out.