It has been a while since i have posted, but I have been waiting for the shop to hone my new cylinder head and lap the valves, etc. I got a call from the shop Friday and picked up my new cylinder head with the factory size cylinder holes, four brand new in-the-box pistons, four brand new sets of rings, new clips, and a rebuilt valve head, all reassembled. Lucien, the shop owner, also provided me with a new head gasket, showing me how the Honda brand is much better than the Athena knock-off that came with the complete gasket set I bought last month. Total bill was more than I paid for the bike and I have now decided not to keep a tally of what I'm spending. It is just too painful.
Anyhow, I have a question for you experts: Why do the piston ring kits come with five rings? The shop manual lists three for each piston. I have read the threads about using the silver ring at the top and the others below it, but there are two more - including a gold one that is ridged like a Ruffles potato chip and has no break in it like the others.
I know I can call Lucien at the shop, but I hate bugging the guy with too many questions. It's like asking a doctor for tips on how to remove a gallbladder. It's his livelihood and why she he give out free advice all the time?
Photos of the new parts (including the old racing cylinder and the new factory cylinder )are below: