Topic: Where to get new rings for F2?

[BlackMax]

Now that I'm going to have to have my head totally redone (worn guides in both heads....can't use), including new valves, guides and a 3-angle job, plus some porting work.......I guess there is no reason not to replace the rings, right? I mean, the engine is out, right?

Anyone know where to find the rings? I didn't see them at Dynoman or at Cycle Exchange. 

[Bodain]

Oh. The 78F Black motor... Good luck! Been there did that. You can't find original stock rings anywhere. They don't make them anymore. I finally gave up and purchased 69-76 rings. They are a bit fatter. Had a machinist widen the groves on the pistons.

[BlackMax]

You've got to be kidding me?  You mean to say that nobody with a black motor has ever replaced their rings? 

I guess that's why I could only get people to say "now's a good time to go with the 836 kit...that's what I'd do".     Well, I have already done 10x more than I planned on doing to the bike; so, I'm simply not buying all new pistons and cylinders (or having them machined).  I guess if nobody has ever done  a ring job, then they must last a long time and I'm probably good.    Now, what if I break one??

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Forget Honda on this! Has anyone shipped a piston off to Total Seal, Hastings, etc for possible fitment or piston cutting and fitment?? This information along with part numbers needs to be posted!!

I sent my NOS Henry Abe 900 piston set to Total Seal. I expected cutting but I was plesantly surprised that Ed was able to fit an off the shelf ring set. 

[Bodain]

You've got to be kidding me?  You mean to say that nobody with a black motor has ever replaced their rings? 

I guess that's why I could only get people to say "now's a good time to go with the 836 kit...that's what I'd do".     Well, I have already done 10x more than I planned on doing to the bike; so, I'm simply not buying all new pistons and cylinders (or having them machined).  I guess if nobody has ever done  a ring job, then they must last a long time and I'm probably good.    Now, what if I break one??

No kidding. Imagine. I have this really excellent 1976 Honda CB 750K. I parted with it for one reason. I wanted to do a 78F... So I sold the 76 and bought this beater 78F and went to work. Then I start learning about the 78F curse.
If you break a stock 78F ring your pretty much hosed. I've heard a few guys say they were able to aquire them out of Canada. I looked high and low. Same answer everywhere. "Those are not available"

Lots of threads here on the very subject. I would probably buy another CB 750 if the opportunity presented itself,but only 69-76... I will never touch a 78F again.

[754]

Thats probably why I have a cosmetically nice, black 78 sitting here, that is nearly complete, except pistins!

Save some coin up, go with the 836cc kit, you will never regret it..

[jumpjg]

I just did a quick search at Hastings (http://www.hastingsmfg.com/RingFinderIndividualRingsDetails.aspx?AppMACD=2.4025). Doesn't look like they list rings that will fit the F motor. They show a listing for the 750 Honda, but I'm afraid it's for the Ks. Still might be worth a call (1-800-776-1088 toll free). Their engineering department is very helpful.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Forget the frustration guys. Ship a piston if it hasn't already been documented!

I've worked with both Hastings and Total Seal. Shipped my Yoshi 812 piston to Hastings. They checked it and ID'd it as using the old CB350 twin rings. Said to just buy from Honda. No charge too! I recently shipped my 900 pistons to Ed at Total Seal. He found a set of rings that fit with no cutting required. I had expected to pay for cutting but didn't have to. I had the local machine shop ship my 1080 73.75mm pistons to Total Seal last year. Ed couldn't find a fit so he cut them for rings they had. Ed will measure the ring grooves and look up a match that way. He doesn't look up by bike or engine. At the worst it will cost you shipping.

HIGHLY unlikely you will see a chart that lists rings for a 77/78 F BUT very possible they have them on hand. Just need a free fitment.

Post your results when you get your pistons back so no one else will have to do this .