Wilsons Sandbox

My high mileage A2 needs head and valve work this winter. With the head off, I wonder if I could remove the barrel and replace the rings too? In an old car, replacing rings requires replacing the conrod bearings, but what about my KLR? Can the old con rod and main bearings hold up to new rings? Any thoughts? Thx, Don Vancouver, BC

18mm socket - take a plug to the store with you to ensure the socket is deep enough.