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Piston for short stroke 1933 VH500
Posted: Thu May 14, 2026 7:47 am
by Simonpsmith
Currently have Hepolite 4173 (86.4mm) but have been suffering with seizures (the bike, not me).
Done 100 miles so far. Bike always starts after a few minutes, not sure what my options are here?
There is 5 thou clearance top and bottom, the rings are free.
Re: Piston for short stroke 1933 VH500
Posted: Thu May 14, 2026 11:27 am
by Roger Gwynn
I would suggest honing the bore by half a thou, (.0005"). .005" is the bottom limit for clearance and I would aim for the median of .006". My VA used to seize if it was thrashed, took half a thou out and it has never misbehaved again, well not by seizing anyway.
Re: Piston for short stroke 1933 VH500
Posted: Fri May 15, 2026 8:11 am
by Simonpsmith
Roger Gwynn wrote: Thu May 14, 2026 11:27 am
I would suggest honing the bore by half a thou, (.0005"). .005" is the bottom limit for clearance and I would aim for the median of .006". My VA used to seize if it was thrashed, took half a thou out and it has never misbehaved again, well not by seizing anyway.
Thank you, Roger.