Any performance or reliability differences between the two - nikasil or cast iron sleeve?

Just wanted to find out before going out and buying a bb kit... thanks

 

I think the nikasil cylinders provide better heat transfer to run cooler and last longer...longer life for the bore, piston, and rings...makes for a lighter cylinder also. That said, traditional liner cylinders are pretty darned reliable too. Break-in dynamics may be a tiny bit more critical on a traditional liner setup, but some of this may also depend on the efficiency of the cooling system. The KLX is one heck of a cool running bike as a rule, so this isn't much of an issue for it IMO. Frankly I wouldn't let this issue alone be the deciding factor in a big bore kit choice for the KLX. Do a Google or other search on "nikasil" and you'll get some good technical info about the pros and cons. Traditional liner setups are represented in many high end, high performance applications with no problems and long life. For the KLX in particular it's probably a non-issue.

 

I think a more important issue is the quality of the machine work to fit the liner and the bore dimensions and fit of critical parts. Also the experience and ability of the installer.

The experience and QC of the supplier very may well be as critical.

The big bore kit provides great gains but it is not going to make the KLX a race bike so the difference in material may not be enough to worry about. The factors mentioned above may be more critical have more profound effect on success of the conversion.

 

one article i read said the nikasil transfers heat better but cast iron liners and ever more so cast iron cylinders last longer, and cast iron cylinders are more stable, of course this does not include hi-tech racing products with special alloy's. these guys sell and race motorcycles, and hold a few records too!! they sell cylinders in both configurations

 

Not klx related: But match the proper rings, piston and cylinder components. As in, break in and hone matched with the proper set of rings for that lining.

 

Thanks for the replys.
I had an electro fusion bore flake/chip off a kx cylinder but that could have been due to another issue. Thanks

 

Bill Blue all the way. The steel liner will be fine, 60-70% of the bikes made today use it. All cars use it.

The Bill Blue big bore is less expensive then most others- you my be able to get a pumper carb with the money you save.
I put his 331 kit on my klx250- one of the greatest up grades to the bike,

 

I agree based on my bikes performance the pumper carb gives you that boost at take off that makes riding these little bike a blast.

I also think that the money I spent on the KLX and the BB kit and installation gave me a great performing bike for far less than a new 400CC bike.

 

If someone offered me a cylinder with a coated bore in one hand or a cylinder with a press in liner in the other hand I'd take the coated; but I see nothing wrong with a properly installed liner in a play bike like the KLX.