TBparts Big Bore Kits

More Power.
More Fun. More Throttle.

Complete big bore kits for the Honda CRF110, Kawasaki KLX110, Yamaha TTR110, Honda Grom, and more. Double your horsepower. Drop-in installation. Built by TBparts since 1995.

Drop-in installation — no case boring on most kits
Can double horsepower vs stock
Free shipping over $75
30 years in mini-moto performance
The Basics

What Is a Big Bore Kit?

A big bore kit (BBK) replaces your stock cylinder, piston, and top-end gaskets with larger-displacement components — increasing your engine's swept volume and producing more horsepower and torque. On mini-motos and pit bikes, a well-matched big bore kit is the single most effective performance modification available.

🔧
What's Included
Oversized bore cylinder, piston and rings, top-end gasket set. Upgraded kits add a performance carburetor, performance cam, and big-valve cylinder head for maximum power.
What It Does
Increases displacement = more air and fuel burned per cycle = more power. On a stock Honda CRF110F or Kawasaki KLX110, a quality big bore kit can double usable horsepower.
🔩
Installation
Most TBparts kits are direct drop-in replacements — same procedure as a standard top-end rebuild. No engine case boring required on the majority of our models.

Why do riders install big bore kits? Stock mini-motos are tuned conservatively for beginners. As your skill level grows, the stock engine becomes the limiting factor — especially for adult riders, racers, or anyone who wants to keep up on the trail or at the track. A TBparts big bore kit closes that gap permanently without buying a new bike.

Shop by Model

Big Bore Kits by Bike Model

Every TBparts big bore kit is engineered specifically for its platform. Select your bike to see available displacement options, kit configurations, and pricing.

Honda CRF110F Big Bore Kits

The Honda CRF110F runs a stock 109cc engine that leaves significant performance on the table for adult riders. TBparts offers 132cc and 147cc big bore options, with complete packages that include a performance cam and Mikuni VM26 carburetor for maximum gains. All kits are direct drop-in — no engine case modification required.

  • 132cc kit: most popular — significant power increase, drop-in installation
  • 147cc kit: maximum displacement for CRF110, requires re-jetting
  • Complete kits include VM26 carb + performance cam for best results
  • All kits fit 2013+ CRF110F — year-specific options available
  • Recommended add-ons: TB performance exhaust, clutch upgrade for high-power builds
132cc
Most popular CRF110 big bore — 21% displacement increase over stock 109cc
147cc
Maximum CRF110 displacement — 35% over stock
⭐ Most Popular Kit
Best sellerComplete kit132cc
TB 132cc Big Bore Kit, VM26 Carb & Cam — CRF110
Our top CRF110 package. 132cc bore + Mikuni VM26 carb kit + performance cam. Everything needed for a complete power transformation in one box.
132ccWith cam
TB 132cc Big Bore Kit w/Cam — CRF110
132cc bore + performance cam. Pair with your existing carb or add a VM26 separately. Great for riders who want the cam upgrade without a full carb kit.
Max displacement147cc
TB 147cc Big Bore Kit w/Cam — CRF110
Maximum CRF110 displacement at 147cc. Includes performance cam. Requires carburetor re-jetting or upgrade. Best for experienced builders seeking top power.
🔩
Complete your CRF110 build
Pair your big bore kit with TBparts suspension upgrades — the two most impactful CRF110 modifications sold together.
View Suspension Kits →

Kawasaki KLX110 & Z125 Big Bore Kits

The KLX110 is TBparts' highest-volume platform for big bore kits — the most popular pit bike in flat-track and backyard racing. Stock displacement is 112cc. TBparts offers kits from 143cc up to the 155cc forged stroker, covering every performance level from weekend trail rider to competitive flat-track racer.

  • 143cc: most popular — 28% over stock, drop-in installation
  • 143cc with Stage 2 cam: race-oriented, significant top-end power increase
  • 155cc forged stroker: maximum displacement, includes Nibbi PE28 carb
  • Kits available for 2002–2009 and 2010+ model years separately
  • Z125 compatible — specific kits available for the street model
143cc
TBparts' most popular KLX110 kit — 28% displacement increase
155cc
Stroker kit — maximum KLX110 displacement with forged piston
⭐ Most Popular Kit
Best sellerDrop-in143cc
TB 143cc Big Bore Kit, 60mm — KLX110 All Models / Z125
The most popular KLX110 upgrade. 60mm bore, complete top-end kit. Drop-in installation, fits all KLX110 model years and the Z125. The essential first modification for any KLX110.
Race build143cc + Stage 2 cam
TB 143cc Big Bore w/Stage 2 Cam Kit — KLX110 2010–2016
143cc bore + Stage 2 performance cam. Significant top-end power increase. Popular among flat-track and pit bike racers who want more than a basic bore kit.
Premium155cc stroker
TBparts V2-1 Forged 155cc Big Bore Stroker Kit, Nibbi PE28 — KLX110
Maximum KLX110 displacement. Forged piston, stroker configuration, Nibbi PE28 carb. The complete high-performance engine package for serious racers.
🔩
Complete your KLX110 build
The most popular KLX110 build pairs a big bore kit with a suspension upgrade. Buy both together for the complete transformation.
View Suspension Kits →

Yamaha TTR110E Big Bore Kits

The TTR110E runs a stock 110cc single-cylinder engine. TBparts' 130cc big bore kit adds meaningful power while maintaining the smooth, tractable power delivery the TTR110 is known for. Available as a basic bore kit or with a matched air filter and jet kit for optimal tuning.

  • 130cc kit: 18% displacement increase over stock 110cc
  • 55.5mm bore — dedicated TTR110 cylinder design
  • Drop-in installation — no case modification required
  • Air filter + jet kit version recommended for best performance
130cc
18% displacement increase over stock TTR110
⭐ Most Popular Kit
Best sellerComplete kit130cc
TB 130cc Big Bore Kit, Air Filter & Jets — TTR110
Complete TTR110 power upgrade. 130cc bore + matched air filter and jet kit for optimal air/fuel tuning out of the box. The recommended kit for most TTR110 riders.
130ccGreat value
TB 130cc Big Bore Kit — TTR110
Core 130cc bore kit without filter/jet kit. Good choice if you already have performance air filtration or want to source jets separately.
🔩
Complete your TTR110 build
TTR110 suspension kits are the most popular pairing with a big bore kit — transform both power and handling in one build.
View Suspension Kits →

Honda Vintage Big Bore Kits — Z50, CT70, XR50, CRF50

TBparts has been building big bore kits for vintage Honda mini-motos since 1995. Our kits for the Z50, CT70, ATC70, XR50/CRF50, and XR70/CRF70 are used for everything from restoring power to road-legal street bikes to building serious race machines. Some 95cc and 117cc kits using a 54mm cylinder require engine case boring.

  • 88cc kits: most popular for 50cc and 70cc models — drop-in on most
  • 95cc and 117cc: maximum displacement, requires case boring on 54mm kits
  • XR70/CRF70: 88cc and larger options available
  • Ideal for restoring performance on vintage road-legal bikes
88cc
Most popular vintage Honda upgrade — 76% over stock 50cc

Browse the full range of vintage Honda big bore kits — Z50, CT70, ATC70, XR50/CRF50, XR70/CRF70 and more.

Shop Z50 / XR50 / CRF50 Kits

Honda Grom & Kawasaki Z125 Big Bore Kits

The Honda Grom 125 and Kawasaki Z125 are fuel-injected street mini-motos with a growing race and track community. Big bore kits for these models require an aftermarket fuel controller for proper tuning. TBparts offers 186cc kits for the Grom and dedicated Z125 options, delivering real performance gains on the street and at the track.

  • Grom 186cc: biggest available displacement increase for the Grom platform
  • Fuel injected — aftermarket fuel controller required with any bore kit
  • Performance exhaust strongly recommended
  • Z125 kits also compatible with KLX110 143cc option
186cc
Maximum Grom displacement — 49% over stock 125cc

Browse all Grom and Z125 big bore kits and engine performance parts.

Shop Grom Kits
Buyer's Guide

How to Choose the Right Big Bore Kit

Not all big bore kits are created equal. The right kit depends on your bike model, intended use, budget, and whether you want to install additional supporting modifications.

Basic Bore Kit Only
Lowest cost entry point
Simplest installation — like a standard top-end rebuild
Good power increase — especially on 50cc and 70cc models
Stock carburetor will need re-jetting
Leaves power on the table without cam/carb upgrade
Stock exhaust may restrict performance at higher displacement
Complete Kit (Bore + Carb + Cam)
Maximum power from a single purchase
Matched components — carburetor sized for the new displacement
Performance cam maximizes top-end power
Best value per horsepower gained
Still recommended to add performance exhaust
Clutch upgrade may be needed on high-power builds

Displacement Guide by Model

Bike ModelStock CCKit OptionsCase Boring?Starting Price
Honda CRF110F109cc132cc, 147ccNo$259
Kawasaki KLX110 / 110L112cc143cc, 155cc strokerNo (143cc)$205
Kawasaki Z125 Pro125cc143ccNo$205
Yamaha TTR110E110cc130ccNo$170
Honda Z50 / XR50 / CRF5049cc88cc, 95cc, 117cc95cc+ with 54mmContact us
Honda CT70 / ATC7070cc88cc, 95cc95cc with 54mmContact us
Honda XR70 / CRF7072cc88cc, largerDepends on kitContact us
Honda Grom 125125cc186ccDepends on kitContact us
Installation Guide

What Else Do You Need with a Big Bore Kit?

A big bore kit increases airflow demands. Supporting modifications ensure your engine runs correctly and delivers maximum performance without running lean.

1
Carburetor / Fuel System
Almost always required. A larger bore needs more fuel. At minimum, your stock carb will need re-jetting. For larger kits (143cc+ on KLX110, 132cc+ on CRF110), a bigger carb like the Mikuni VM26 delivers significantly better results. Fuel-injected bikes (Grom, Z125) require an aftermarket fuel controller.
2
Performance Exhaust
Strongly recommended. A stock exhaust can restrict airflow and cause your engine to run hotter at higher displacement. A performance exhaust improves scavenging, reduces heat, and completes the power gain from the bore kit.
3
Air Filter
Recommended. A high-flow air filter ensures the engine can breathe properly at the new displacement. Many complete kits include a matched filter. If yours doesn't, add a performance filter and make sure your jetting accounts for increased airflow.
4
Clutch Upgrade
Required for high-power builds. On large displacement kits (155cc stroker, 147cc CRF110 with race head) the extra torque can overwhelm stock clutch plates. TBparts HD clutch kits are available for KLX110 and CRF110 and should be considered for any high-performance build.

Can I Install a Big Bore Kit Myself?

Yes — for most riders with basic mechanical skills. TBparts big bore kits install exactly like standard OEM top-end components. If you can replace a piston, you can install a big bore kit. The key differences are: the bore is larger, and the carburetor will need jetting adjustment.

If you're not familiar with engine work, a local motorcycle shop can install a basic bore kit in 1–2 hours. Ask for a quote on "new piston and cylinder installation with carb jetting." For kits that include a cam or carb kit, the additional installation time is minimal.

Note on case boring: A small number of TBparts kits require engine case boring to fit a larger cylinder skirt. These kits are clearly marked in the product listing. If case boring is required, complete engine disassembly is needed — recommend a professional motorcycle or machine shop for this procedure. TBparts kits that require case boring include: Honda 50/70 kits using a 54mm cylinder (95cc and 117cc), KLX110/Z125 kits over 143cc, and some Chinese engine kits.

After Installation

Big Bore Kit Break-In Procedure

Proper break-in protects your investment and ensures your new bore kit seats correctly. Follow these steps after any top-end rebuild or big bore installation.

1
Before First Start
Drain old oil. Replace oil filter if applicable. Clean and re-oil air filter. Fill with break-in oil — Brad Penn or Royal Purple recommended. Never use full synthetic oil for break-in. Fuel-injected bikes: install and tune aftermarket fuel controller before first start.
2
First Heat Cycle
Start the engine. While on the stand, constantly blip the throttle — vary the RPMs but do not let it idle on its own and do not rev it hard. Continue until operating temp is reached (5–10 minutes, approximately 190–200°F). If the header pipe glows red, shut off immediately and increase pilot jet size.
3
Cool Down & Re-Torque
Shut off the engine and let it cool completely. Re-torque head studs, manifold bolts, and exhaust flange bolts. Repeat heat cycle one more time, then let cool again.
4
First Ride
Find a flat area. Bring to operating temp, then ride in 2nd or 3rd gear. Rev to ¾ throttle, then engine-brake back down. Repeat for 20 minutes. Do not lug the engine. Do not go to full throttle yet.
5
Final Steps
Let the engine cool completely. Drain break-in oil, install new oil filter, fill with your preferred engine oil. Re-torque all fasteners. Check valve lash. Your engine is now broken-in and ready to ride.
1995
Year TBparts was founded — 30 years in mini-moto performance
Horsepower potential on most models vs stock
6+
Bike platforms with dedicated big bore kits
$170
Starting price — the most affordable power upgrade available
Common Questions

Big Bore Kit FAQ

+What is the best big bore kit for the Honda CRF110F?
The most popular CRF110F big bore kit is the TB 132cc Big Bore Kit with Mikuni VM26 Carb and Performance Cam. This complete package includes a 132cc bore cylinder, piston, gaskets, a properly-sized Mikuni VM26 carburetor, and a performance camshaft — everything needed for a significant power increase in one purchase. For riders who want maximum displacement, TBparts also offers a 147cc kit. Both kits are drop-in installations requiring no engine case modification.
+What is the best big bore kit for the Kawasaki KLX110?
The TB 143cc Big Bore Kit (60mm, fits all KLX110 models and Z125) is TBparts' most popular KLX110 kit. It increases displacement from 112cc to 143cc — a 28% increase — and is a direct drop-in installation. For more power, the 143cc with Stage 2 Cam Kit adds a performance camshaft for significantly better top-end output, popular among flat-track and pit bike racers. The V2-1 Forged 155cc Stroker Kit with Nibbi PE28 carb is the maximum-performance option for serious racers.
+Does a big bore kit require engine case boring?
Most TBparts big bore kits do not require engine case boring. The 143cc KLX110 kit, 132cc and 147cc CRF110 kits, and 130cc TTR110 kit are all drop-in installations. Case boring is only required when using a cylinder with a larger skirt diameter than stock. Kits that require case boring include: Honda 50/70 kits using a 54mm cylinder (95cc and 117cc), KLX110 kits over 143cc, and certain Chinese engine kits. TBparts clearly marks which product listings require case boring.
+How much horsepower does a big bore kit add?
The actual horsepower gain depends on the model, kit size, and supporting modifications. As a general guide: a basic big bore kit alone typically increases power by 20–40%. A complete kit with carburetor and performance cam can double horsepower compared to stock on models like the KLX110 and CRF110. The stock engines on these bikes are deliberately conservative — a quality big bore kit with proper carburetion and a performance exhaust delivers a night-and-day difference in real-world performance.
+Do I need a bigger carburetor with a big bore kit?
At minimum, the stock carburetor will need re-jetting with a larger main jet to prevent a lean condition. For best performance, a larger carburetor is strongly recommended with any significant displacement increase. On the KLX110, TBparts recommends the Mikuni VM26 or Nibbi PE28 with 143cc+ kits. On the CRF110, the VM26 is the standard recommendation with 132cc and larger kits. Running a lean condition (insufficient fuel for the increased air volume) causes the engine to run hot and can cause damage.
+Can I install a big bore kit myself?
Yes, for most kits. TBparts big bore kits install exactly like stock OEM top-end components — if you can replace a piston, you can install a big bore kit. The additional steps compared to a standard top-end rebuild are: installing the larger bore cylinder instead of stock, and adjusting carburetor jetting. If you're not familiar with engine work, a local motorcycle shop can typically install a basic bore kit in 1–2 hours. Kits that include a carburetor and cam add minimal additional installation time.
+Will a big bore kit void my warranty?
Yes. Installing a big bore kit modifies the engine beyond manufacturer specifications and will void the factory warranty on the engine. This is expected — big bore kits are performance modifications for riders who have moved past the stock configuration. If your bike is under warranty and warranty coverage is a priority, wait until the warranty period has expired before installing engine modifications.
+What is the break-in procedure for a big bore kit?
TBparts recommends a 5-step break-in: (1) Drain old oil, install fresh break-in oil (Brad Penn or Royal Purple — never full synthetic for break-in), clean air filter. (2) First heat cycle on the stand — constantly vary RPMs with light throttle blips until operating temperature is reached (190–200°F), approximately 5–10 minutes. (3) Let cool completely, re-torque all fasteners, repeat heat cycle. (4) First ride on flat terrain in 2nd–3rd gear — rev to ¾ throttle then engine-brake down, repeat for 20 minutes. (5) Final cool-down, drain break-in oil, install fresh oil, re-torque, check valve lash.
+What pairs well with a big bore kit?
The most common and impactful pairings with a big bore kit are: (1) Performance carburetor — required for proper fuel delivery at the new displacement. (2) Performance exhaust — reduces heat and improves scavenging. (3) Suspension upgrade — the most common next modification after engine work, especially for adult riders on CRF110 or KLX110. TBparts suspension kits are specifically designed for these platforms and are frequently purchased together with big bore kits.
+How long does a big bore kit last?
With proper break-in, correct jetting, and routine maintenance, a TBparts big bore kit will last as long as or longer than stock OEM components. Key maintenance items after a bore kit installation: change oil every 500 miles or 10 hours (racers should change every race), check valve lash regularly, change oil filter at each oil change, and inspect/re-oil the air filter before every dirt ride. Proper carburetion (not running lean) is the most important factor in longevity.
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More Power Starts Here

Select your bike model above or browse the full TBparts catalog. Not sure which kit is right for your build? Contact us — we've been doing this since 1995.

TBparts big bore kits

Whether your a hobbyist rider or live and breath riding every single day, there's no doubt that  TBparts.com offers many types of Big Bore Kits (BBK) for many different models of dirt bikes. This page is designed to help lead you into the right direction by providing you the most complete content.

What is a
Big Bore Kit?

Get some answers

Big bore kits

Typically include

A big bore kit typically consists of a new larger bore cylinder, piston kit, and top end gaskets. They replace your stock Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts and increase horsepower and torque by increasing the engine size (displacement). Some big bore kits will also include other items like bigger carburetors, performance camshafts, and big valve cylinder heads to deliver additional power and performance.  

Why modify your mini with a big bore kit?

In the minibike/small bore engine world, the number one reason is to increase power and performance and therefore, fun! If you rode little Honda 50s or 70s as a kid and get back on one now as an adult, you will quickly find out they don’t pull like you remembered. Our big bore kits can double horsepower (or more depending on the kit) and will be a night and day difference over stock bringing huge grins on the first ride. If you are currently into riding and/or racing pit bikes like the popular Kawasaki KLX110, eventually you will want more power to level the playing field with the others who have already modified their engines. It’s no fun being last to the first corner off the start and a big bore kit can help fix that issue. Or, you may simply want some extra power and torque to get up the big hills on your local trails and a big bore kit will help with that as well.

Small bore street bikes

On small bore street bikes like the Honda Grom and Kawasaki Z125, a big bore kit definitely adds some fun over the underpowered stock engines at the track!  Track racing these bikes also has become very popular and more power is almost certainly needed to compete these days.  No matter how or where you ride your mini, the natural progression is to increase power and performance because it delivers more fun.

There are a few other reasons people install big bore kits – they are:

To replace a worn out or destroyed top end.  In most cases, it’s cheaper to buy one of our big bore kits than an OEM piston kit, cylinder, and gasket kit.

Parents often buy them for their kids as their skill level goes up.  Big bore kits can provide the extra power without having to spend money on a whole new bike.

For increasing speed on street legal vintage Honda 50s or 70s to keep up with traffic on local roads.  Normally, increasing speed will also require sprocket changes.

TB 165cc Bore Kit, Race Head V2, and 28mm Carb Kit - 02-09 Models

tbparts quality bbk

parts included in a big bore kit

Not all kits are created equal but here are some of the parts that you can typically find in a Big Bore Kit.

What is the cost
Big Bore Kit?

Let's break it down

Let's break it down

What is the cost of a big bore kit?

Big bore kits are the most affordable and effective way to increase your horsepower and torque when compared to other performance modifications.  The actual cost will depend on your model, how big you want to go, or the type of kit.  For many models we offer different size big bore kits and kits that include carburetor kits, performance camshafts and big valve cylinder heads.  Usually, the best deal is to buy a complete big bore kit that includes a carburetor kit or one that includes those plus a big valve cylinder head.  However, depending on your model and budget, you can also start gradually and build up your engine over time. For example, on a KLX110 you can start with a basic 143cc big bore kit, then later add a bigger carburetor kit, and finally add our V2 Race Cylinder Head if the most power is desired. If you are unsure how to proceed with your bike modifications, please contact us and we can provide some suggestions based on your particular situation.

Some other parts may be required or recommended when installing a big bore kit. Similar to above, this depends on your model and the type of big bore kit you want. In general, when installing a big bore kit it’s recommended to also use a performance exhaust and a bigger carburetor. A stock exhaust may restrict flow and cause your engine to run hotter while a bigger carburetor will provide the increased air/fuel needed to prevent a lean condition (which also would cause the engine to run hotter). In the case of fuel injected bikes, an aftermarket fuel controller may be required. Again, it all depends on the bike and kit. Here are some examples:

Definitely needs a bigger carburetor and performance exhaust

Can use the stock exhaust and carburetor (A performance exhaust and bigger carburetor would help performance though)

Can use the stock exhaust and carburetor (A performance exhaust and bigger carburetor would help performance though)

Definitely needs a bigger carburetor and performance exhaust

Can use the stock exhaust and carburetor (A performance exhaust and bigger carburetor would help performance though)

Definitely needs a performance exhaust and an aftermarket fuel controller

Note:  If using the stock carburetor with a big bore kit, it most likely will need to be re-jetted but OEM jets are inexpensive and readily available. Additionally, if you go with a really large big bore kit or a bore kit and a big valve cylinder head, it’s possible you will also have to upgrade your clutch springs and plates to prevent clutch slippage due to the extra power.

If you aren’t sure what you may need for the big bore kit you are interested in, just email us and we can provide assistance.

TB Stock Head, 88cc Bore Kit - 82-87 Models

see for yourself

stock vs big bore kit video

Check out this video that shows the pull you can gain with installing a big bore kit on your mini bike.

Can I install the BBK kit myself? If not, what are the installation costs?

Big Bore Kit installation

We recommend a professional technician install the big bore kit for you if you are not familiar with your engine and working on it. Having it installed professionally will bring peace of mind it was done properly while saving you a lot of time and headaches if you aren’t familiar with jetting a carburetor. The cost will vary greatly depending on the type of bike the big bore kit is being installed on and local shop labor rates. We recommend calling your local shops for quote. If you are doing just a big bore kit, all you have to ask them is for a quote on installing a new piston and cylinder and dialing in the carburetor. If you purchased a kit with a big carburetor kit and a cylinder head, it shouldn’t be much more expensive to install than just the bore kit (as they would have to re-install the stock OEM carburetor and cylinder head anyway).

Note: For fuel injected bikes, you will have to also ask for a quote on installing an aftermarket fuel controller and tuning it.

Installing the BBK yourself

If you are familiar with working on engines (or interested in learning) and want to install a big bore kit yourself, it’s typically not a difficult or time consuming procedure. All the TBparts.com big bore kits are installed exactly like the stock OEM parts. So, if you are familiar with changing out a piston, installing a big bore kit will be the exact same procedure only you are putting on a larger bore cylinder and piston. Once installed, then you will have dial in your jetting to make sure it’s not running lean. If you are not familiar with replacing your piston and want to learn, all you have to do is pick up a Clymer or Haynes repair manual for your model bike. They will instruct novice mechanics on how to remove and replace your cylinder and piston, tune your engine/carburetor, as well as many other repairs and general maintenance procedures. They also provide many important specifications and are “must have” manuals if you plan to work on your bike. If Clymer or Haynes doesn’t offer a repair manual for your model, you can always purchase a shop manual from the manufacturer. They will do the same thing but are typically geared more towards the professional mechanic.

Use a professional mechanic with experience

There is one important exception on big bore kits that makes installing them more complicated. Some kits will require engine case boring so the larger cylinder skirt will fit into the engine case. With these kits, complete engine disassembly is required and then the engine cases will need to be bored (recommend a professional motorcycle shop or machine shop for this procedure). If you have to disassemble your engine for other reasons, it’s a great time to install one of these types of big bore kits. One good reason would be the installation of a stroker crank since it also requires engine disassembly. Installing the crank and the bore kit at the same time will save a lot of time and expense. You also most likely will reach the maximum engine displacement for your model (and more power, of course). We only have a few of these kits that require engine case boring and they are:

  • Honda 50/70cc Big bore kits that use a 54mm cylinder – 95cc and 117cc
  • Kawasaki KLX110 and Z125 Big bore kits over 143cc
  • YX150/160 & ZS155 Chinese Engines – Big bore kits that use a 67mm cylinder

Additionally, if the kit requires engine case boring, the product listing in our shop will mention that.

maintenance
procedures

what are they?

After a bore kit or new piston is installed, the engine should go through a “break-in” procedure.  There is a lot of debate on the proper way to do this and a simple Google search of “motorcycle bore kit break-in” will lead to many articles on this topic.

This is the engine break in procedure we recommend for our big bore kits:

Before starting your fresh engine, you should be sure to complete the following:

  • Drain the old oil
  • Replace the oil filter (if applicable)
  • Clean and oil the air filter.

Supply the engine with break-in oil. Brad Penn or Royal Purple brands are recommended break-in oils.

Important Note: Never break-in a new engine with full synthetic oil.

Important Note: At this point, fuel injected bikes should have an aftermarket fuel controller installed and tuned per the manufacturer instructions

Next, you should start your fresh built engine and do its first heat cycle. Start your engine and while it’s on the stand, constantly blip the throttle and vary the RPM’s. It is important to note you do not want to rev the engine hard – just slight blips of the throttle while not letting the engine idle on its own is the goal. Continue to do this until the engine has reached its operating temperature (about 5 to 10 minutes – the bigger the bore kit, the quicker it will heat up). If able to measure the actual temperature, it should be approximately 190 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Important Note: For carbureted bikes, while doing the first heat cycle, if the header pipe starts to turn red, shut off the engine immediately and increase the pilot jet size. If the engine is popping, check for air leaks or to see if it needs a pilot jet increase. If these situations occur on a fuel injected bike, shut off the engine and the fuel controller will need to be tuned again to fix the lean condition.

After the engine has reached operating temperature, shut off the engine and let it cool completely. When the engine has completely cooled, re-torque the head studs, manifold bolts, and exhaust flange bolts.

Repeat Step 2 and again, let the engine cool completely.

The next step is to take the bike for a ride. Locate an area that is very flat, such as a parking lot or field (this is important as you do not want an area that has grades which would induce a heavy load on the engine).

After finding a suitable flat area, start your engine and let it come up to operating temperature. Once there, take off and get the bike in 2nd or 3rd gear. You should rev the engine up to about ¾ throttle, then back off the throttle and let the engine brake itself to a lower rpm. It is important to note when letting the engine brake to a lower rpm, do not let it get so low that it causes lugging/bogging to the engine. Once the engine has dropped to a lower rpm, throttle back up to ¾ throttle and again back off the throttle and let engine brake to a lower rpm. Continue to repeat the rev up and engine brake down for 20 minutes.

The engine is now broken-in but there are still a few things to do before enjoying your bike and the added performance. After performing Step 5, let the engine cool down completely. Once the engine is cold:

  • Drain the break in oil and remove the oil filter (if applicable).
  • Fill engine with your preferred engine oil and a new oil filter (if applicable).
  • Re-torque head studs, manifold bolts, exhaust flange bolts.
  • Check the valve lash (this is covered in your owner’s manual).

Now you are ready to get out there and throw roost or hit the pavement! Once you have done the break-in on your big bore engine, below is a routine maintenance chart to follow:

Item Every RaceEvery 3rd race/500 miles/10 hoursAs requiredRemarks
Engine oilXXXRacers change oil every race. Trail riders/street application every 500 miles or 10 hours
Valve lashXXIf valve lash starts to tighten quickly after each lash, valves need replacing
Spark plugXX
Air filterXXEvery dirt ride should start with a fresh oiled air filter. Dry/dusty conditions filter should be changed between races
Oil filterXX

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