Currently restoring a GJ72 to its former glory. Took the head off to have a look at the bores only to have the engine fall and ruin 3 out of 4 pistons. Skirts snapped/cracked and in ruins!! Since that horrible day I've been trying to track down some replacements but only finding GJ73 or bandit ones which apparently don't fit? Piston rings aren't a problem I don't think, as they'e cross compatible I believe? If anyone could point me in the right direction it would be much appreciated, don't mind ordering from overseas but if any are in the UK that's even better. Otherwise an full engine is going to be needed i think! Cheers Will
Hiya mate, Your right the rings are all the same, 72a and 73a pistons are different, across pistons will go in to the 72a engine as there identical bar the part no's..I've got a few sets if you want any of them (there used but within new spec but you'll need new rings..there so dependent on compression, get the bores honed, new rings and you'll have an 'as new' bottom end..just cover postage and packaging and a few quid for a few tinneys..if not I can get new oem pistons from japan (with rings) but your looking at £330 plus postage..and don't shoot me!!!!
Try alibaba (aliexpress). I started messaging chinese suppliers about "different items" not listed and many of them actually had what I was looking for - noting I have a 74a. I got piston AND rings for about $12 each set posted.
Here are some photos of the bike as i bought it before strip down. Plan to powder coat the frame, get fairings sprayed and recondition the bike as a whole once the engines rebuilt.
