So I've searched and read on this forum that the only way to tell if a bike was upgraded from an 88 to a 95 via the Big Bore Kit, is to run the bike on a dyno and see what the numbers say. If the numbers are higher then expected for an 88, then you likely have a 95. I find that somewhat hard to believe.

Is there really no visible external indication that the bike was upgraded?

 

It's just bigger pistons, how you gonna see that from outside?

 

Visually the same. Some things to consider as signs of potential motor work:

Look for an external tuner? I don't believe there's a flash upload for the ecu.

Maybe the different push rod covers as most replace the solid pushrods with adjustables if doing cams at the same time?

The motor would look identical; I used my existing jugs and had them bored.

 

No way to really tell. I had my cylinders bored and head work done, put in gear drive cams and re-jetted my carb. No external features indicate that it is 95 ci.

 

Don't rely on a dyno run...crappy 95 kit and your not making power. Cam upgrade and tune/carb upgrade on a 88 and your in the power. As others have said, no external diff. A lot of 95s are just bored 88s. Gotta take the heads off and measure the bore. Maybe if the piston tops were marked, could use a borescope, don't think so.

 

Looking for a tuner is a good idea... From the brief searching I did online it looks like the most likely spot for one is under and behind the seat, kinda hidden behind the rear mud-guard. Maybe a flashlight and mirror will be the key to seeing it!

 

I have some 95 pistons and they are marked on top, but how long until they are covered by carbon and unreadable.

 

If the cams have been replaced with higher lift cams and the exhaust has also been changed, then sometimes you can tell by the sound that it is hitting a better lick. That usually comes from higher compression pistons along with cams, but on a stock 95" bike you will never hear it.

 

What is the cost associated with doing this big bore kit?

 

When I had mine done in winter 06/07 they were running a special because the 96s had just come out. I had some different parts put on mine but they were doing them for 400.00. Thats with low compression pistons and new (to you) jugs. They kept your old jugs to bore out.