Motorcycle Glossary
Piston
In short
The piston moves up and down in the cylinder and transfers combustion pressure to the crankshaft through the connecting rod.
Pistons are made of lightweight aluminium alloy and work with the piston rings, gudgeon pin and pin clips. When a cylinder is worn and honed or rebored, oversize pistons and rings are used.
Common failures
- Scuffing (seizure): lack of oil or overheating
- Holed crown: lean mixture, wrong spark plug or detonation
- Pin play: a knocking noise that is worse when cold
When choosing a piston, the bore, pin diameter and compression height must match the engine.
Also known as (including Turkish names)
- Piston takımı
- Piston kiti
Related products
Pistons & Rings
Last updated: October 9, 2026
