ATHENA Cast Piston for ATHENA cylinder ref. S4C05000003 for BETA RR 50, RIEJU MRT 50 and APRILIA MX 50, RX 50 1995-2024

On APRILIA MX 50, RX 50, BETA RR 50 and RIEJU MRT 50 from 1995 to 2024, the ATHENA cast piston (Ø 49.95 to 49.96 mm depending on the size class) fits in place of the original part. Made from cast aluminium, this piston takes every combustion and passes it on to the connecting rod. Cheaper than a forged piston and fitted with a tighter clearance, it is very well suited to leisure riding, as long as you replace it at the recommended intervals.

Specifications

• Brand: ATHENA
• Manufacturer part numbers: S4C05000003A, S4C05000003B
• Engine: 2-stroke
• Piston diameter: A = 49.95 mm, B = 49.96 mm
• Available versions: A: ref. S4C05000003A; B: ref. S4C05000003B
• Weight: 130 g

Choosing the right size class

The letters A, B, C… are very close diameter grades, one hundredth of a millimetre apart. Measure the cylinder bore with a bore gauge (diameter, ovality and taper) and choose the grade that gives the piston-to-cylinder clearance specified by the manufacturer. As a rule, grade A goes into a new or reconditioned cylinder, grade B into a cylinder that has already been run in. A scored or out-of-spec cylinder has to be reconditioned: you don't make up for its wear with a bigger grade.

When to replace it?

• Loss of power, sluggish pick-up, harder starting: compression is dropping.
• Piston slap on a cold engine, getting more and more noticeable.
• On teardown: vertical scoring on the skirt, stuck or worn rings, thick carbon on the crown.

Replace the piston as set out in your bike's service manual, sooner if you race, and straight away as soon as these symptoms appear. As a Cross-Mania guideline, plan for a new piston every 15 to 30 hours of engine running depending on whether you race or ride for fun. Always measure the cylinder at the same time: a new piston in an oval cylinder won't last.

Fitting tips

1. Clean the cylinder and check it: diameter, ovality, taper and condition of the bore coating.
2. Check the end gap of each ring in the cylinder against the figures in the manual or the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Fit the rings with the mark facing up and each gap correctly located on its locating pin.
4. Check the small-end needle bearing and the pin: at the slightest play, tight spot or marked needle, replace the bearing.
5. Fit the piston with its arrow pointing to the exhaust side, oil the pin and the small end, then fit the circlips without distorting them, gap opposite the notch. A circlip that has been taken out is replaced with new piston pin circlips, never refitted.
6. Reassemble with a new top end gasket kit and tighten the cylinder head in a criss-cross pattern to the manufacturer's torque.
7. Refill the coolant and fit a new spark plug.
8. Break the engine in: warm it up gently, vary the revs and avoid sustained full throttle for the first hour.
9. This piston is designed for the Athena cylinder named in the title: it won't fit the original cylinder if the bore is different.

Why ATHENA?

Founded in 1973 near Vicenza, Athena is an Italian engine gasket specialist that has made its gaskets on its own production lines since day one, as well as a renowned manufacturer of pistons and cylinder kits. The brand supplies original equipment to manufacturers such as KTM, Ducati, Fantic, Piaggio and Triumph, and is a partner of the MXGP motocross world championship.

Spare parts and items to plan

• ATHENA cylinder kit : ATHENA P400130100005 · ATHENA P400130100007
• Piston rings : ATHENA
• Top end gasket kit : ATHENA
• Cylinder head and dome : ATHENA
• Exhaust power valve parts : ATHENA
• Small end needle bearing : ATHENA
• Spark plug : NGK 3961 · NGK 5722
• Coolant : LIQUI MOLY 1 L · TWIN AIR
• 2-stroke oil : LIQUI MOLY 1 L · LIQUI MOLY 4 L

Frequently asked questions

Does the piston come complete?
Yes: piston, pin, circlips and ring(s). The top end gasket kit has to be ordered separately, because a head or base gasket can never be reused.

Which size should I order?
Measure your cylinder: A, B correspond to different actual diameters (49.95 to 49.96 mm). Choose the class that gives the piston-to-cylinder clearance specified by the manufacturer.

Can I replace just the rings later?
Yes, as long as the piston and cylinder are still within tolerance. Replacement rings can be ordered on their own, as can the piston pin and the circlips.

Should I replace the small-end needle bearing?
It isn't included. Check it at every piston change and replace the needle bearing at the slightest play or tight spot.

Compatibility

Check the exact model and year of your bike in the list below before ordering.

Fits:
APRILIA MX 50 2004
APRILIA MX 50 2003
APRILIA MX 50 2002
APRILIA RX 50 2004
APRILIA RX 50 2003
APRILIA RX 50 2002
APRILIA RX 50 2001
APRILIA RX 50 2000
APRILIA RX 50 1999
APRILIA RX 50 1998
APRILIA RX 50 1997
APRILIA RX 50 1996
APRILIA RX 50 1995
BETA RR 50 2024
BETA RR 50 2023
BETA RR 50 2022
BETA RR 50 2021
BETA RR 50 2020
BETA RR 50 2019
BETA RR 50 2018
BETA RR 50 2017
BETA RR 50 2016
BETA RR 50 2015
BETA RR 50 2014
BETA RR 50 2013
BETA RR 50 2012
BETA RR 50 2011
BETA RR 50 2010
BETA RR 50 2009
BETA RR 50 2008
BETA RR 50 2007
BETA RR 50 2006
BETA RR 50 2005
BETA RR 50 2004
BETA RR 50 2003
BETA RR 50 2002
BETA RR 50 2001
BETA RR 50 2000
BETA RR 50 1999
BETA RR 50 1998
RIEJU MRT 50 2024
RIEJU MRT 50 2023
RIEJU MRT 50 2022
RIEJU MRT 50 2021
RIEJU MRT 50 2020
RIEJU MRT 50 2019
RIEJU MRT 50 2018
RIEJU MRT 50 2017
RIEJU MRT 50 2016
RIEJU MRT 50 2015
RIEJU MRT 50 2014
RIEJU MRT 50 2013
RIEJU MRT 50 2012
RIEJU MRT 50 2011
RIEJU MRT 50 2010
RIEJU MRT 50 2009