The rings should fit perfectly parallel to groove surfaces.
If not, replace the piston and all the piston rings.

Piston Ring/Groove Clearance Standard:
Top 0.03
0.07 mm (0.0012
0.0028 in.)
Second 0.03
0.06 mm (0.0012
0.0024 in.)
Service Limit:
Top 0.17 mm (0.0067 in.)
Second 0.16 mm (0.0063 in.)
Piston Wear Inspection
Piston Ring Groove Width InspectionSubthrottle Valve Actuator Inspection
NOTE
Be sure the battery is fully charged.
Remove the air cleaner housing (see Air Cleaner Housing
Removal in the Fuel System (DFI) chapter).
Turn the ignition switch to ON.
Check to see that all the subthrottle valves [A] open and
close smoothly.
Turn the ignition switch to OFF.
I ...
Piston Ring End Gap Inspection
Place the piston ring [A] inside the cylinder (upper
crankcase), using the piston to locate the ring squarely
in place. Set it close to the bottom of the cylinder, where
cylinder wear is low.
Measure the gap [B] between the ends of the ring with a
thickness gauge.
Piston Ring End Gap ...
External Shift Mechanism Removal
Remove:
Shift Lever (see Shift Pedal Removal)
Oil Pump Drive Gear (see Oil Pump Drive Gear Removal/
Installation in the Engine Lubrication System
chapter)
Circlip [A]
Washer [B]
Special Tool - Outside Circlip Pliers: 57001-144
Remove:
Shift Shaft Assembly [A]
Washer [B] ...