Kawasaki Dirt Bikes Forum

I would like to freshen up the top end on my KX125, but I have a million other things I would also like to put on it, and I'm on my own as far as paying for all things bike related. I'm 16 so you could say I have a limited budget, because I don't make money fast. If I were to just put new rings in it, and leave a new high comp piston and rings for winter. Would it be an ok move, or not.
Thanks.  
01 KX125

I guess so.

I dont understand the problem though.  
When the power of love overcomes the love of power; the world will know peace

no why the hell would you do that. a piston costs 60 dollars. rings cost 10 dollars. and gaskets cost more then the damn rings. so basically your going to spend more money for 2 gasket kits then a piston. while your at it you should check your cylinder diameter to make sure its still in spec. if that is off a little bit then you can wait till you have more money for that because that will cost about 180 dollars.

if you are that tight on money then why not just wait till winter. and if you are tight on money why would you put a high comp piston in. it will wear twice as fast as normal pistons.  
1998 cr125
2002 cr80

I don't need my money for anything other than toys, so its not that its tight, it just comes slow. The bike is an 01 and has never been rebuilt. It has been ridden 2 years, and has sat all the rest of its life. I will put a high comperssion piston in, but im putting it off till winter. A high comp piston last longer according to wiesco, and cost 120 bucks. If i were to put a stock piston in, it wouldnt have much if any power gain. I was planning on re-using the gaskets that are already in the engine, but if one was to rip or break during the ring change i would replace it. Are you sure that a high comp piston wears faster?  
01 KX125

What does yzwoods, or bghorrigan have to say?  
01 KX125

i am not being rude but your crazy. you cant reuse gaskets. just leave it how it is and get it bored to a 144 or 151. that will give you a lot more power then a high comp piston will.

eric gore is good. i think that is his name.  
1998 cr125
2002 cr80

for god sakes man listen...use the gaskets again and your gonna have problems...replace them now and save yourself the aggrevation later its not worth it...unless you want the practice of tearing down your motor  

Whats up 214, Long time? Any way everyone is right. You can not re-use gaskets. Your bike needs a full top end i'm shure.
But if you want to look at the piston and jug to make shure its okay then thats fine but replace the gaskets and ring new and seat properly ang you will maintian power till winter if thats what your looking for.  

ok sounds good, thats what ill do. gaskets and ring, but i dont understand why it only has one ring  
01 KX125

ok, i ordered and recieved my ring and gasgets, (along with a sweet asss thor sentinel chest protector). and yesterday before i started, i called my local dealer to ask about just  replacing the ring and not the piston, and he said it wasnt the best idea, and that i should definetly replace the piston, wrist pin... also. so i ordered that too. wont be in for a week.... guess it works out tho, doc says i shouldnt ride for a while(even tho i have for the last 2 weeks). 2 and a half weeks ago i went over backwards without my mx boots on, and the bike landed on my led and gave me a pretty good gash. the ambulance and everything had to come to stop the bleeding and such. i got 6 stiches inside, and 10 out, and i can only move my foot down about an inch and a half. just enough for the rear brake... they say im lucky thats the only permanent damage. i say its a sweet asss video/pics, and a sweat scar. lol.  
01 KX125

already tried to put it on youtube.. still working on it. if i get it ill let you know.  
01 KX125

Tenzer- I'm sorry to hear about the crash.  My opinion is this.  Your piston is older and should be replaced.  Might as well do it now.  Your top end should be checked every 15 to 20 hours of ride time.  You have to replace your gaskets everytime you take your engine apart.  Be sure to remove any gasket residue before putting on a new gasket.  When you check your top end tolerances next time you could get away with just replacing the ring.  Keep a good log of how many hours you put on your bike if you don't have an hour meter.  

I will be changing my top end soon and will post up a step by step if you want.  
Bill H. 2000 CR250R

i still do a bore kit instead of high comp. high only adds power on bottom or it might be top, cant remember at this time. bore kit will add power everywhere.  
1998 cr125
2002 cr80

I don't recommend the high comp either.  Unless he is racing for money.  Any changes away from stock are going to take a hit on your bikes durability.  If he is set on more power the biggest bore I suggest is a 139.  It adds power without taking away response.  
Bill H. 2000 CR250R

how bout a port and polish. do you think that sounds better bill  
1998 cr125
2002 cr80