Does a nikasil coating allow for hotter safe running temps? Does it cause the piston and cylinder to hang onto heat longer than a thin chrome?
Is there a major expansion difference between the aluminum cylinder and piston and the ceramic coat that you know of, meaning they could expand at different rates and cause the plating to flake off?
How much longer do you think a happy time motor with a coating like that could survive compared to a normal set up. What about the longevity compared to a liquid cooled motor with normal chromed surfaces.
Nikasil is very tough, I've never had a problem with flaking on KTM, Husaberg and Yamaha motors.
There are no expansion issues with Nikasil and the aluminum cylinder.
It is not a ceramic and I don't know of ceramic cylinder coating. Ceramic paint for on the outside exists.
The aftermarket nikasil replating is usually much thicker and tougher than the original manufacturer's plating.
My only previous experience with chrome plating was with 1970s air cooled snowmobiles.
They had some big advantages over iron cylinders, cooled better and less detonation prone and less friction.
The chrome was much thicker but was prone to blistering and separating from the aluminum.
A nikasil coating on these cylinders would substantially improve their life and heat tolerance and allow 50:1 oil.
Liquid cooling does not necessarily increase the life of an engine, it limits temperature fluctuations that can improve reliability and life. Sounds like a lawyers answer and it is. There are no absolutes.
Marine outboards can run all day in part because of the unlimited cooling, but largely because of light cylinder loading. My 7.5hp was about 200cc IIRC, whereas a 200cc Yamaha Blaster makes 17hp in its detuned state, 25-35hp with light mods . My 18hp Evinrude was about 360cc. My 300KTM makes about 55hp, a considerable difference in power output per cc.
I did run my modded 48cc China Girl full tilt 9000rpm for many 20-100 kms trips. It withstood it quite well, but did fatigue a piston wristpin circlip at about 1600 kms and wristpin and bearing were pretty much worn by then.
If I were building an engine for maximum power and durability, I'd choose liquid cooled nikasil as all the MX bikes have done. No question about it.
As for water extending the ride, I found that to be true back in the day of waterbeds, mainly due to 4 stroking.
One power stroke and 3 riding the waves...