Engines & Engine Parts
About Engines & Engine Parts
This is where the inside of the engine lives: the pistons and cylinders, the crankshaft and rods, the valves and cams, the oil system and the gaskets that seal it all. Riders come here for a top-end refresh, a full rebuild after a failure, a performance build, or a single worn part such as an oil filter, a bearing or a cover.
The sub-categories follow how an engine is built. The top end is Complete Cylinders, Cylinder Heads, Pistons, Rings & Piston Kits, Valvetrain Components and Cylinder Bolts.
The bottom end is Crankshafts, Connecting Rods & Parts, Engine Bearings and Engine Crankcases. For sealing and reassembly there are Gaskets, Seals & Kits, Engine Rebuild Kits & Components and Service Kits. Lubrication parts include Oil Filters and Oil Pumps & Parts, and Timing Components & Kits, Engine Covers and Complete Engines have their own pages.
Brands in this section include Athena, Bolt, Colony, Andrews and Arlen Ness. Engine parts depend on the exact engine, so pick your machine in the Ride Finder at the top of the page. Cooling parts are in Engine Cooling, and our guide to avoiding a part that does not fit explains how to check fitment.
FAQs on motorcycle engine parts
What is the difference between a top-end and a bottom-end rebuild?
A top-end rebuild covers the cylinder, piston, rings, head and valvetrain, which are the parts above the crankcase. A bottom-end rebuild covers the crankshaft, connecting rods, bearings and seals inside the crankcase. The bottom end takes more work, since the engine usually has to be split.
What information do I need before ordering engine parts?
Know the make, model, year and engine size, and any engine or frame number your manual lists. Parts can change within a model range. Pick your machine in the Ride Finder at the top of the page, then compare the listing's years and notes with your bike.
Do I need new gaskets every time I open the engine?
Normally yes. Gaskets and seals compress and harden once installed and do not always seal again. Plan a gasket kit, or the individual gaskets, for any job that opens the engine, and clean the sealing surfaces before reassembly.
Is it worth rebuilding an engine or should I replace it?
That depends on the damage, the cost of parts and your own skills. A worn top end is a common repair, while damage to the crankcase or crankshaft costs more. A complete engine listed for your model is the other option. Compare both before deciding.
How should I break in a rebuilt engine?
Follow the instructions from the manufacturer of the engine or parts, which usually cover warm-up, varying the engine speed and the first oil change. Avoid constant high speed or hard loads at first. Check the oil level and look for leaks after the first rides.
