Euro GT550 Plated Cylinders: What Rings

[Vintageman]

Europe got later GT550 cylinder that were plated/extra transfer ports. Will OEM rings designed for non plated cast cylinders as USA got work? What was the plating material used by Suz ? Chrome? Nickel? I forget. I am thinking if I found a set I will most likely have to replate. Have other done this, What rings did they use?

Thanks

[Alan H]

https://www.oldjapanesebikes.com/mraxl_ ... s/page-A50
Some info here - but in German!
And here in English - https://www.oldjapanesebikes.com/mraxl_ ... les/page-9

As I understand, the plated barrels had softer (non chrome) rings, and the non plated barrels has chrome rings. It was done like that for wear benefits.
There's a company in the UK who had a load of pistons made for all types of 550 engines and did a rebore on my J engine. Their rings are a type of composite that they assure me are ok in both types of motor - https://imdpistons.com/products/suzuki- ... ton-kits-3.
I spoke to them at length before they actually ordered their piston kits from Japan as there are several types of oem pistons/rings/gudgeon pins in my 'stash' which I sent to them for examination.

Lots of other info if you do a search for 'suzuki gt550 scem coating' and it's possible to go iron with a new liner here, at PJME - https://www.pjme.co.uk/acatalog/Cylinde ... eving.html . I bought an almost new set of these and fitted them to a mate's 550 and it performed well with low end characteristics of the nikasil plated engine.
My A (Earwig) has plated barrels and a ported/skimmed head engine and is reliable & very quick.

[Vintageman]

Alan H.

Good information. Thank you and Cheers