[rdalley]

If the rekluse is just the EXP and not the Core EXP it will interchange. The 02-08 R and the 05-12X use the same clutch. I went from an 08R to my 09X and its the same part#. I also used a inexpensive R exhaust from a '05 with a Pro Moto Billet Spark Arrestor that I found on eBay for 50 Bucks. Repacked it and it runs and sounds great. The 05R is the only exhaust that is a direct bolt on for the X. I used the can only and kept the X headpipe. After opening up the airbox, the pipe swap, and getting my jetting dialed in with the NVCS needle I can honestly say my x runs almost as hard as my 08R did.

Opening the airbox, jetting and a better exuast will totally transform your bike.

[MA$TER_E]

Pulled the top end out of the X last night.





The front and back side of the piston is worn down on the skirts. Didn't really do much damage to the cylinder but you can see where its worn a bit.





Something I'm assuming and investigating into is that I think someone got into the top end before and did some silly things. There is gray high temp silicone on EVERYTHING. I've always been under the impression you never use silicone on head gaskets. Ever. The gaskets are designed to work without it. I'm theorizing that the top end was taken apart and put back together using the same gaskets but with a good slathering of silicone. Could that be the cause of my low compression? Recycled silicone'd over leaky head gasket?

[MX_RACER1]

WOW.... just WOW !!! If you know the guy you bought it off of please go slap him around a bit!!!
Looks like you are going to get things corrected but my first question would be.... why did he have the head off in the first place? AND if he had it off why not freshen up at least the rings while you are in there?
You are correct about head gaskets. OEM only for me and NEVER silicone.
I'm betting you have no rings life remaining and possibly a bad wrist pin bearing. Something is allowing that piston to rock pretty good.

What does the bottom end look like? Any play in the rod?

The guy posting about the Rekluse is right. If you have just the EXP you can move it from one bike to the other. If you have the z-start / pro or the core exp you will need a couple of different parts from Rekluse. But that is the least of your worries right now. GOOD LUCK!! Build a BEAST !!

[MA$TER_E]

Hey thank you, I dropped the head and cylinder off at a local shop. They're just going to clean them all up, make sure the surfaces are all flat, give the bore a quick hone and generally just prep for assembly. They pulled the intake valves while I was there and were blown away at how good they looked. Almost new. The bottom end doesn't feel bad at all. I've pulled on the rod quite a bit and I cant feel anything. I need to get the stator off and chain out so I can feel how smooth it is.

But you're exactly right. I'm wondering why this guy was in there in the first place. Aftermarket piston, recycled head gaskets, beautiful looking intake valves and completely stock airbox and I'm assuming jetting... Suspicions... The wrist pin didn't look bad but I haven't given the bearing in the rod much attention. I'll give that a good going over tonight while I work on, "The List". May my credit card rest in pieces...

[Kyle450x]

I'm not so sure that that is truly just some generic high temp silicon. When I rebuilt my engine I spent awhile cleaning up a similar residue that was left/stuck on my cases and cylinder, which is from the OEM gasket assembly. You could very well be right and the PO put some silicon on there, but like I said the OEM gaskets do leave a film which must seal the surfaces.

[MA$TER_E]

Quick question fellas, Installing the TRX piston and rings.

The markings face up and the dark colored ring goes between the oil ring and the shiny compression ring. Right?

Like this correct?

[MX_RACER1]

Top - Compression
2nd - sealing / compression
3rd - Oil Ring

[MA$TER_E]

Top - Compression
2nd - sealing / compression
3rd - Oil Ring

Top is chrome and shiny color
2nd is uncoated and matte black colored
3rd is self explanatory

Right?

[MX_RACER1]

You got it !!

[MA$TER_E]

Excellent. Thank you.

Now all I need is to get my head and cylinder back from the shop. Which is proving to be a real pain...

[MX_RACER1]

Just curious why you elected to have the cylinder worked on vs purchase a new one? $200ish bucks for new. Not sure what your machining costs will be to hone a worn cylinder.

[MA$TER_E]

They cylinder was in really good shape. They're just going to clean up the mating surfaces and run a quick hone through it to take off any glaze for a new piston and rings.

The head I just wanted them to pull it apart, check it out and look for anything bad that needs done. Decided to have the seats ground so they're fresh. But so far the valves, guides and all look great. Usually the intake are shot but these looked like new.

So I was expecting a quick turn around. Dropped it off Thursday, they said next Wednesday called Thursday they said Friday for sure called Friday and now its mid this week.

[MA$TER_E]

Just pulled the top of the carb off. I am not amused at all. This guy totally screwed me. "Just got it back from the shop having the carb gone through." Yeah sure buddy. Thanks for the bike jack wagon...

[crfsonly]

he may have been told that by the shop...but yeah, that's a bad thing right there. the carb is one of the most neglected areas of regular maintenance. it's why so many have starting, idles, throttle issues, etc.

[MX_RACER1]

Ken... you need a "like" button for some of these posts!!

MA$TER_E ... Just think how nice it will be when you are done and you will have 100% peace of mind while riding!!