piston installation in bike

Corey Clough has rebuilt quite a few 550's (he used to race them) and I think I recall him using the loaded-block-drop method (i just made up that name). Before that I recall discussion of soda-can ring compressors etc. (on the Gpz550 forum).

Sorry I don't remember which way was agreed upon as better on the 550.

He's a member here too. Hopefully he can chime in.

And yes, I see this is an old topic. I just don't remember ever seeing a conclusion on which way is easier.

Hi Lou. I felt the disturbance in the middle of the night, and see you have mentioned me. LOL!!!

Hose/band clamps work for me in reinstaling the cylinders onto the pistons. Centers first, then slowly turning the engine over by hand, it will lower them to the outer cylinders. Here are pictures when I installed the Wiseco 615 Pistons years ago on the race bike. Go slow, taking your time. Might be a little teadious, but you'll get it. I do this with the engine in the frame. You can see the APE Studs in the pictures. You too can have a set.

hose bands has been my method for years. last time i used that method and shopped for new bands, i found the manufacturers made them 2 or 3 mm thinner. makes it a bitch to cover all 3 rings. don't throw away your old bands

Thanks a lot Corey!

Can you use piston ring compressors like they rent at LAPS? Or are they too tall?