TOPIC:

Just checked on the cruizingimage rings again. You already have them, so please confirm. They are described on the packaging as 'Top ring 1R', 'Second ring 2R'.
Yet both rings have the same 'R' stamped on them, and their profiles are identical. They look absolutely identical to me, shape, color, and markings. Except - one in each set has a red dye on it's's side. But that's just a permanent marker or something similar. Nothing about it in the description. I'd imagine the red would be used to make it easier to spot the right one for top and bottom, but there is no difference between these rings!

Checking the service manual, top ring should have a different profile - like in the photo below. The cruizingimage rings are simply rectangular. I am wondering if they made a mistake packing those I received or is it how they sell them?... In such case, it wouldn't be good. Rings are specified to go in the right site up, not randomly, and the right profile is there for a reason. I think we are in a pickle with this, and I am not feeling 100% confident with them, unless someone would confirm my observations back up by many miles of happy riding - without excessive oil loss or other side effects!

My Cruzinimage rings are exactly as you describe them, Identical except for the red mark on one of them. I also cannot see a bevelled edge to one of them and both have an R on them. Not sure which is top, but as they are indentical, I guess that doesn't matter (so why one with a red mark???)

Not sure if we should be worried... anyone else have rings that are different (ie; one with a bevelled edge?)

They do not respond to me at all, on any questions.... maybe you could try to ask them for clarification?

Paul

Thanks for posting the photos, I was too lazy at the moment, haha

The manual clearly shows the beveled one to be installed on top. Rings can't be installed upside down, or they will start pushing the oil in the wrong direction. Installing without the bevel would in a way be like installing a ring upside down.

Trying to apply any logic, seeing those red marks, would suggest it's done not to mix them up. But they are identical! Are they trying to bullshit us or just sloppy?

Personally, I feel uncomfortable. Imagine all this work done and complication....

Trying to search my memory I don't remember now theory I was taught in this regard. So, just by applying logic, a bevel on the top ring would make the top surface larger, therefore more force would be transferred to it from the combustion gases resulting in the ring expand, push outwards to the cylinder sleeve, and seal it much better. A ring without bevel would be pressed straight down, therefore not sealing as well. So, I think the bevel has to do directly with the combustion gases pressure and sealing the piston at the top. And that is crucial. Also, the chrome aspect would have to do with corrosion of the gases, heat, and perhaps overall more toughness? That's my thoughts.

I think these rings would work somewhat fine, but for how long? I'd feel like I am gambling. Loss of power, unusual wear of the cylinders, excessive oil use and contamination?
The rings I sourced for my running bike were from UK and cost I think 4 times as much, but they clearly had a metallic and beveled first ring.

I'm going to write them and see what's the answer, if they respond. But nope, I don't think I'll be installing them as they are. It's too bad you can't buy just the top rings! In any case, I guess these will be a good backup in case you brake one during installation.

Just did some search and here they explain it well. It confirms what I've been thinking. Nope, I want be installing that top ring which is a second ring basically. I guess no choice but eventually getting that other aftermarket more expensive set.

www.hotrod.com/articles/hrdp-9808-piston-ring-science/

Ok Stan, I know they don't respond to me, so if you get a response, please let me know. I am at least a month away from installing the pistons so we have some time.

In the meantime I will be on the hunt for a new set as well I guess

Don't panic just yet about the ring set / cruisinimage big bore kit.
I've had the kit in my engine for about five years and done about 25,000kms and still going strong.
The purpose of the rebore was to try and solve the oil consumption issue- but it didn't do that. There has been a number of discussions on this site about what might be the reason for high oil consumption and they are many and varied . Some people have solved it , others haven't.
Back the the ring set. I installed one set with the new pistons and still have a set. They are slightly different in appearance to yours - one is black and one is silver ( compression rings ) They both have the number 64 etched into the ring surface at the ring opening. Neither have a beveled edge as McBoney has pointed out.
Several months after installing the kit I did a leak-down test on the cylinders. I put 100 psi of air into each, and only number 5 was losing about 2 psi into the crankcase- indicating leakage past the rings on that cylinder. But well within spec. The other 5 cylinders had no leakage at all.
As I recall, the ring set in the engine is the same as the photographs shown by McBoney - both black, with "R" and the red "paint " on only one ring.
The set I still have as mentioned - one is black , the other silver, the number 64 with white paint. I have no ideaa why they would be different . The boxes they came in are all the same and all six are labelled Z13 64mm