06/09/2026
Reminder:
Don't forget the featured class at the AHRMA vintage road racing association next year.
This class will be featuring many Honda cb750 race bikes against some stiff competition from around the world.
Anyway.
Here are 2 very high-level cylinders being fitted to Honda cb750 engines.
Here are a few details:
Cylinders were machined and alloy cylinder sleeves were fitted.
The cylinders were treated to the Nikasil plating process with extreme final honing accuracy.
Race proven Wiseco/CycleX pistons are used.
People keep asking why go thru the expense and effort?
Copied and pasted this for you.
Advantages of a Nikasil‑Plated Cylinder
Nikasil (nickel–silicon carbide) plating is an electroplated coating applied to aluminum cylinder bores to create a hard, wear‑resistant surface that allows aluminum pistons to run directly without iron liners. This technology, developed by Mahle in the late 1960s, offers several key benefits over traditional cast‑iron or steel liners.
1. Superior Wear Resistance
The silicon carbide particles in the nickel matrix make Nikasil one of the hardest materials available, far exceeding the hardness of cast iron. This greatly reduces cylinder wear, especially under high‑pressure and high‑temperature conditions, and can extend engine life.
2. Reduced Friction and Improved Efficiency
Nikasil’s low friction coefficient and smooth surface reduce piston ring drag, improving engine efficiency, fuel economy, and performance.
3. Enhanced Heat Dissipation
Aluminum cylinders with Nikasil plating conduct heat far better than cast iron. This helps prevent overheating, maintains consistent operating temperatures, and supports higher performance outputs.
4. Weight Reduction
By eliminating the need for heavy cast‑iron liners, Nikasil‑plated cylinders allow for lighter engine blocks and components, which is advantageous in high‑performance applications like racing, motorcycles, and aircraft engines.
5. Corrosion Resistance
Unlike iron liners, Nikasil resists rust and chemical corrosion, making it ideal for marine engines, dirt bikes, and other vehicles exposed to moisture or harsh environments.
6. Compatibility with Aluminum Pistons
The coating’s thermal expansion characteristics match aluminum pistons, allowing for tighter tolerances and smoother operation.
7. Longevity and Durability
Nikasil coatings can outlast many other cylinder components, especially in extreme conditions, and are used in high‑performance and racing engines by brands like Porsche, BMW, Ducati, and Jaguar.
8. Design Flexibility
The ability to run aluminum cylinders without liners enables more compact, lightweight engine designs while maintaining durability LN Engineering.
In summary, Nikasil‑plated cylinders offer longer life, better performance, lighter weight, and improved efficiency compared to traditional liners, making them a preferred choice for high‑performance and specialized engine applications.
The highest level.