Cylinder honing

[Kevin 1G Drummer]

So I'm trying to get my motorcycle engine back together as soon as possible, and getting the cylinders honed will set me back another week. There's only 10k miles on the engine and the factory crosshatching still looks great. I'm only replacing the rings since I have it all apart. Do you think the new rings would seat well enough without honing the cylinders?

[Goat Blower]

I would definitely rehone or they won't seat properly. I just do it with a cordless drill and a ball hone, although the more common tri-stone one you can get from any auto parts store works well too. Just make sure you pull up and down at the right speed to get about a 45 degree crosshatch pattern.

[JET]

Doesn't the SV1000 have a nickasil coating in the bores like most Suzuki's? I know the SV650 does and all the GSXR's. If that is the case do not hone it!

[2Point3TSi]

I was curious about this too but here is what the experts have to say:

"When I hone Nikasil cylinders, I use a medium-grit flex-hone and turn
it as fast as I push it up and down. This gives a good approximation of a 45
degree crosshatch. I listen to the sound of the hone in the cylinder and stop
when it changes, indicating that the surface glaze has been removed. The
actual Nikasil material is so hard that the hone I use barely touches it, so
in effect, though I call it honing, I'm really just deglazing the cylinder in
a consistent and thorough manner."

[JET]

Back when nikasil was first starting to be used in production bikes (my '96 was one of the first bikes with it) they said that nikasil was fairly soft at room temperature, but very hard once it warmed up. I have no idea if that is accurate now that people know more about it, but would be worth checking in to. I know the coating is less than the thickness of a human hair at .002-.003" thick.

[2Point3TSi]

I would say your best bet is too take it in and have it professionally done. Peace of mind and knowing It's been done right.

[Goat Blower]

Whether it has Nikasil or not, you would still need to hone it out one way or the other because new rings will not seat to a smooth surface. Considering that on a motorcyle, it's probably a 4-hour job to pull the motor and pistons, I'd try that and if for some reason it doesn't work(small chance), I'd pull it and bring it to your favorite machine shop for the full treatment.

[Super Bleeder!!]

What does the factory manual say to do with respect to honing?

[Kevin 1G Drummer]

The FSM doesn't specify anything as far as honing or ring end gaps.