86 Tecate: Big bore, yes or no?

[falloutboy]

The time has finally came for me to get my cylinder for the Tecate serviced. I have a couple different options. The cylinder I have is supposed to be in good shape and only needs replated (I have yet to do any measuring but can tell the plating is worn). For a couple hundred dollars more, I could go big bore which is about 290cc. The biggest hesitation I have with the big bore is punching out a perfectly good cylinder...

What is some of the good and bad of my choices I have available? This will be strictly a duner. I already have a 38mm carb, it's a Mikuni TM flat slide.

[ATC-Eric]

If the cylinder is whats stopping you, find another cylinder to work with.

[JasonB]

agreed with that guy. Having a cylinder on hand that is only or right next to stock bore will be worth hanging on to; it might be just me but it seems like the tecate stuff is just getting more scarce. Theres got to be handfulls of other worn cylinders around that are beat up and just need picked up and have it punched out

[ezmoney1979]

If the cylinder is whats stopping you, find another cylinder to work with.

He has a good cylinder, just needs plated. The only downside I will mention is added stress to the kicker assembly and kick starter which are not exactly growing on trees. You want to buy a big bore??, maybe I will part with mine........ maybe

[MIK6]

Both my 86 and my 87 run Sprock 300 kits. I love a 300cc Tecate!
I have 2 stock cylinders sitting o make the shelf but i cant ever see myself going back. You would be shocked how trail friendy of a trike it is once you get the carb dialed in! I can throw my gf on back and do a 40 mile ride on my 87. Ask ben hes seen me... lol

MIK6/ Mike

[TheBlueWale]

If your cylinder is only in need of a new plating, then I'd hold onto it and get it plated. The kx cylinders from 85/6 are the same thing if I'm not mistaking and can be found for cheap(the Kips emblem will add value). If your looking to get a big bore then it would probably be better to find a cylinder with deep scratches to work with or trade yours for one.

[nstyle73]

I have a Sprock 300 kit and if you take away the fact that he apparently doesn't know how to cc a dome for pump gas, and the previously mentioned kickstarter issues, the bike is a beast. It is great on top and absolutely amazing down low. It basically trucks along in the woods better than my 350x. I have a KX500 T3 and the 300cc kit pulls just as strong on bottom and stronger on top.

[just ben]

Both my 86 and my 87 run Sprock 300 kits. I love a 300cc Tecate!
I have 2 stock cylinders sitting o make the shelf but i cant ever see myself going back. You would be shocked how trail friendy of a trike it is once you get the carb dialed in! I can throw my gf on back and do a 40 mile ride on my 87. Ask ben hes seen me... lol

MIK6/ Mike

you spelled my name right finally!I did see mik6 do a 30 plus mile ride with his gal on the back. slow woods riding all the way to WFO (for me anyway)
his trike performed great beside his countershaft seal leaking. I have a sprock 300 on a 1st gen that is as reliable after 50 hrs. as stock and runs fine on pump gas. you would br surprised how reasonable the bolt on kit is considering what it includes.