Hey there fellow ninja runners!

Well the engine went down the other day, (piston cracked and came apart, luckily while starting it locked up, not while running.So no major damage.)and I thought since I was going to build it anyway, I would go ahead, take advantage of the fact that it istorn down,and begin the build up. Does anyone know of some higher compression pistons(meaning like 11.0 to 13.5)that will work in a 1988 ex500? If not ones made specifically for this engine, then ones that will fit and do the same job. I have done quite a bit of reading, and have found that there are a few other ninja 4 cyls (zx1000 or something like that) have matching head patterns and pistons designs. Is this true?
So to make a long question short, does anyone know where and what pistons to get that will fit this engine that are a little more on the performance side of things. If not does any one know of a place that sells the pistons individually on those 4 cyls?

I will keep you all posted as to how it goes, and post my final specs when it is all said and done.

 

The pistons in the EX500 are the exact same part number as the pistons in a Concours, (there are just two of them instead of four.) And the Concours is based on the earlier ZX10R/11R motor, so finding sportier pistons is pretty likely.
Good luck and keep us abreast. (Or two.)
-CCinC

 

Plus the 10's and I think the 11's have .5mm overbore pistons. Not sure on the 500 useage, but just something to check on.

 

the only problem that I for see having if I use some made for another engine, that has a lot of compression, will everything be kosher in the cylinder head, I can get many different pistons that will fit bore and stroke, along with the wrist pin. Again it is finding something that will fit up in the combustion chamber without hitting anyhting.

Does anybody know if the bikes mentioned earlier in this thread have similar heads?

 

No, I do not. Clay it and find out is all I can say. I have not checked this comparo.

 

I have founda manufacturer that makes 4 kits for this engine, but they never answer their email, so I am going to call them tonight.

The manufaturer is arias pistons, and the part number is AK102 for KAWA EX500

Any one know any specs on this piston?

 

What did you find out on the phone call?

 

Sorry guys I didnt have a chance to call arias last night, I intend to do it today on my lunch brake

 

just make sure you bore it out, while your in there, you wont (probably get another chance to)

 

Hey guys, sorry about not getting back to you in a reasonable time amount, had a few other things going on and the Kawa got set back for a while.
Well here is how it went.
Salesman, Arias pistons,may I help you?
Me Yeah, I sent a email to you a while back, no one ever answered it. Would you be able to answer a few questions for me?
Salesman Sure fire away sir.
Me Well I saw the kit you had listed on a catalog site, but you new site has no selection for the kit number....
Salesman Well sir, that kit was made back in 2001, and it did not sell well so we discontinued it. But yes it was for the Kawasaki EX500.
Me So what are you telling me, that your catalog has it listed but you dont make it?
Salesman Well let me go see if i can find a kit left on the shelf

on hold 20 minutes

Salesman Sir?
Me Yes.
Salesman Well I have three kits left, instead of selling it to you at 350 like they went in 2001, I will sell it to you for 200 plus shipping.
Me SSWWEEEEEETTTT!!!! Well before we go and do anything major, I want some specs, for example what the bore needs done to it, what compression is in this kit, what all the kit includes, wether it still has a good warranty,...
SalesmanWell the compression is listed at 12.1
Me Sweeeeeettttt!!!!
Salesman It comes with rings pistons wrist pins and a full warranty that all the other kits wesell come with.
Me Sweeeeettttt!!!!
Salesman The bore will need to be 2.992 and have a good 45* cross hatch
Me ya ok!
Salesman Would you be interested?
Me man consider it as if you have two kits left
Salesman Thats great can i get your address.......

Sooooo needless to say, that engine will be raring to go as soon as the parts get here.

Also, I found that one of the magnets on the flywheel is cracked, and I ned to get a new one, I have heard that several models of the ninjas have a flywheel that will work. Does any one know these models? I found one on ebay for a 1985 ninja250with starter clutch and all, just a smaller magnet. Will this work with the ignition system and charging system on a 1988 ex500?

hey thanks for all the help guys youve been a great force.