Quick question!

[MJohnson239]

Does this look like I'll have to pull the whole engine to do piston work? Or would I be able to slide by without having to pull the whole thing? It's an 09 KTM 450 XCF

[Vortec]

Get a service manual. it'll tell you everything you need to know and WILL be a lifesaver. I don't even start a project without a manual.

[The Inquisitor]

Someone with your bike in the KTM 4T forum should be able to answer this but IMO once you get the exhaust, upper motor mounts, carb etc off, you should be able slide the head out and replace the piston.

 

Then really at that point it probably won't take much to get the engine out if you had to.

[BOAB]

Looks like plenty of room there.  I just had the head off my bike to install new valves and it doesn't have as much room as that.  Piece of cake.

[The Inquisitor]

Get a service manual. it'll tell you everything you need to know and WILL be a lifesaver. I don't even start a project without a manual.

+1

 

For my 05 CRF250R I got a Clymer when I first got the bike and well worth the $.

 

I now have the Honda full service manual and between them, pretty much covers everything you need.

[300lbsgorilla]

I just did a piston on my 2009 505 xc-f. Basically the same motor.  I took it out.  By the time you get all the stuff off you need to pull the head you are two bolts and the swing arm pivot away from taking the whole motor out anyway.  I found the torquing of the head bolts easier since it is a torque number and an angle after that.