1988 piston in a 1986?

[rotarymonster]

I can get a cheap wiseco piston kit for an 1988 (oversized to 87.5), if i rebored to this could i use it in a 1986? is the piston shape/ stroke different?

[hughes]

87 piston is the same as 88-04 model with one ring. They added two rings in 88. You need to compare the pistons. Piston skirts could be different or the same. PLease post you findings. I'm unsure if 86-87 piston are the same or not. Part number are different on Kawasaki's web site.

[SupermotoFan]

I NEED to get a piston for my '86, so I appreciate you asking the question for me.

It seems that Wiseco, Pro-X, etc. only make the piston for 88-04, and it also seems that the '86 is only available through the Kawasaki dealer.

I'm bringing this one up again to see if anyone has some input.

Thanks.

[rotarymonster]

HI, I found a post somewhere here on another forum that a guy has used 88-04 pistons in 87 (same as 86 by fische) and the rings are only difference. He said he was on his 3rd 88 piston .  i have bought an 88 piston and when i get it (about 5 days) i will let you guys know for sure, as i will compare skirts etc, it will probably last better too as Kawa has modified for a reason.

[Speedway73]

rotarymonster....What differences..if any...did you find between the '88 piston and the '86 piston??

[bobzilla]

Just put a 88up piston in my 87 and doesnt seem to have any issues at all. The only differences are the 86 and 87 had 1 ring and the 88 and up have 2 rings