Manufactured in Italy, Vertex, the premier brand of OEM replacementpistons, isthe OEM supplier to KTM and numerous European motorcycle and go-kartmanufacturers. Vertex offers enthusiasts state-of-the-art, high-qualitypistonsfor nearly any powersport use from motorcycles and ATVs to marine andkarting. Manufactured to the highest standards in Japan,Vertex’s pistonrings are produced by the OEM suppliers so that they are direct OEMreplacements. Vertex is the choice of those who truly seek theoptimum in powersport performance in any application.
Vertex Two-stroke Pistons
Because of a cast piston’s ability to contain higher siliconcontent compared to forged pistons, and because twostrokeshave lower cylinder pressures when compared tofour-strokes, cast pistons are ideal for two-stroke engines.Vertex pistons are gravity cast from an aluminum alloy with18% silicon content. Silicon is important because:
• It decreases thermal expansion, whichchanges the geometry after the piston reachesoperating temperature. With low thermalexpansion characteristics, Vertex pistons canbe run at tighter tolerances compared withforged pistons. This creates better powerand performance, also making them lesssusceptible to rattling or breaking.
• Silicon gives the pistons better wearcharacteristics and prolongs piston lifeby decreasing wear on the piston skirt.
Vertex Four-stroke Pistons
Four-stroke engines have much highercylinder pressures when compared to twostrokesand are generally manufacturedfrom forgings. To handle the internalpressures of a four-stroke engine, Vertex’sfour-stroke pistons are forged from thehighest quality 2618 aluminum alloyfor superior strength and durability.Vertex uses unique piston profiles andcompression ratios, offered in A,B, C and D sizes, to maximizepower and performance whilereducing blow-by and oilconsumption.
Vertex Wrist Pin Features:
• KTM four-stroke wrist pins are DLC coated.• Case hardened wrist pins are used with allVertex pistons.
• Nitride coated pins are normally used forhigh performance four-stroke engines utilizinga bronze bushing or with engines usinga steel connecting rod without bearings.This hardened surface is highly wear resistantand provides anti-galling properties.
• Nitriding is a highly specialized surface treatmentthatproduces a highly wear resistant surface. The significant advantage ofnitriding is that the surface hardness is developed without quenchingand the attendant distortion problems with case hardening. Finishingoperations can be eliminated or held to a minimum.
Vertex Piston Rings