Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/1545069
June 2026 35 With the 1981 KTM 495 being a one-year-only model, sourcing a new piston kit proved to be quite the challenge, as the only parts source for vintage KTMs, located in Germany, is not currently shipping to the US due to the current tariff situa on. A er months of searching, and thanks to an industry insider who asked to remain anonymous, I was able to obtain a NOS first-overbore Wossner piston kit. Certainly a needle in a haystack at this period in me. I thank this gentleman greatly for his help and interest in this project. My local go-to engine guy, Jeff Cox, at Engine Works in Raymond, Maine, bored the cylinder to fit the piston, and soon the top end was all fresh and back together. As for the fuel system, spending good money on a red Bing carburetor makes zero sense. With a zinc body, once the slide bore is worn, there's nothing you can do other than toss it in the trash bin. It's no secret that we're huge fans of Lectron Fuel Systems carburetors here at Trail Rider, as we've experi- enced nothing but stellar results with their prod- ucts, and fortunately, Lectron is no stranger to rare applica ons. Once we filled out their worksheet with measurements from the old Bing, we had a new custom-machined Lectron Billetron Pro along with a new Domino thro le and cable, shipped to our door in less than 2 weeks. I'd like to add that procuring and installing the Lectron Billetron carbu- retor was hands down the easiest and most pain- less part of this rather trying project. Thank you, Hunter @ Lectron, you rock my friend!