Nicasil/Ceramic Lining Life expectancy?

[Scooterdude]

Not got an issue myself but was wondering what generally is the recognised life expectancy of a ceramic or Nicasil cylinder lining? Obviously running with/without an air filter will have a massive influence on this as would the infamous polish residue In stainless tanks fiasco.
Just interested and curious really.
Carry on...

[cgt75b]

Not very long when jetted incorrectly

[Doom Patrol]

This is quite interesting I think.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikasil

[Scooterdude]

Good find Doom, cheers.

[paul d]

I have between 20 and 25000 miles on a malossi t5 barrel and it's still running fine. I've changed the piston 3 times and rings maybe more though mainly because the scooter gets harder to start from 5000 miles on where the rings get worn a bit. The piston wears too and gets a very polished look in places. The malossi barrel seems to have a big safety margin built in and the piston always makes noise whether new or worn. I run with a filter. I've no long term experience of any other nicasil barrels but I'd say they're all the same.

[warts]

My guzzi has 160,000+ miles on the original bores. (One hundred sixty thousand miles)
Never run without air filters. Bores, pistons and rings fine and serviceable.

Guzzi original used Gilardoni* for the plating after using/having problems with chrome for a while. Around the early 80's guzzi developed their own proprietary method - a surprisingly small tank tucked away in a corner.
Called "Nigusil", just so there wouldn't be any confusion.

*Gilardoni I believe, do/did make cylinders for some scooter kits, they have a factory in Mandello del Lario, home of guzzi.

[eibargum]

Quality of the 2 stroke oil used will effect the lifespan, Putoline MX5 has always been my prefered choice on kitted engines.