Most Reliable Engines - Page 2

Grider Pirate · 11-06-2007, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrubs

I did say it was subjective

However, I suppose I intended the question
as in - a long haul bike, across the country and beyond. a work horse
suitable for an RTW trip if need be.

Okay then, I vote for twin shock airheads - with points. The only time my /5 stopped running was on a trip was when the aftermarket electronic ignition took a dump. I pulled off the highway and put the stock parts back in, and rode on. They don't make enough horsepower to hurt themselves, they're simple, and easy to work on.

farmer fred · 11-06-2007, 01:05 PM

Round-fin Guzzis.

chiefrider · 11-06-2007, 01:33 PM

Stock 74 and 80 cubic inch flathead Springfield Indians, just as long as you don't try prolonged speeds of over 65mph

.

sonic reducer · 11-06-2007, 04:27 PM

volvo B20 as found in a P1800S with over 2 million miles on it.

Global Rider · 11-06-2007, 04:33 PM

Any last generation airhead.

bpw · 11-06-2007, 07:27 PM

Suzuki Gs850g, its an underbored 1000 and pretty close to industructable. I got a free one that had been sitting in a basement, was totally trashed, I set it on fire trying to start it and then it ran with only about 3 bolts holding the complety rusted through exhaust on. Even the bigger ones were way overbuilt. A friend of mine ran a gs1150 drag bike at close to 200hp with nitrous for years before it finally gave up. And the shaft drives are way better then BMW's, many go years without new driveshaft oil with no problems (yes I have an airhead now and love it, but it needs more care).

gsweave · 11-07-2007, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrubs

Yes it's subjective, But Which would you consider one
of the most reliable engines made? (bygone or present).
something bullet-proof, easy to maintain, with globally
sourceable parts (to a degree) .

So far I have the predictable DR650 and XR600/650 on the list
Which others?

Ford 302 straight six,

as found in both the F150 and farm tractors.

Hands down, can't break it,
most likely holds the record for longest production run.

hammers, pipe wrenches and baling wire is about all you need to service it, IF you service it

Putts · 11-07-2007, 05:56 AM

I have to keep fidgeting everything else on my '72 Toyota Land Cruiser but the engine keeps running ... well, a valve adjustment every 20K, but other than that ...

gsweave · 11-07-2007, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrubs

I did say it was subjective

However, I suppose I intended the question
as in - a long haul bike, across the country and beyond. a work horse
suitable for an RTW trip if need be.

Rotax, rotax, rotax. If that won't do.
K75's
airhead's
honda's GL's
Kawi concourse's

gsweave · 11-07-2007, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Putts

I have to keep fidgeting everything else on my '72 Toyota Land Cruiser but the engine keeps running ... well, a valve adjustment every 20K, but other than that ...

Only vehicle made that can climb tree's

FJ40's

Chisenhallw · 11-07-2007, 08:27 AM

Mid-80's suzuki GS series. Air-cooled, shaft-driven. Can't break'em. I love mine.

1982 Suzuki GS650G.

Cornbread Red · 11-07-2007, 08:40 AM

Yamaha XS 650, Kawasaki 400/440's of the 70's-80's, Airheads, Yamaha XT 225. TT500.

Chip

Kawidad · 11-07-2007, 03:49 PM

Given your perimeters, Suzuki DR650 or Yamahammer XS650.

Caddy82rats · 11-07-2007, 04:38 PM

yamaha XT500
BMW G/S

Why I don't ask Huskvarna 610cc ????

Mr. G · 11-09-2007, 07:10 AM

BIKE; I can break anything but probably Honda flat 6, 1500cc version. Airheads are a close second.

CAR: Mercedes 617.xxx series deisel. Supposedly some cab in Greece hit 2 million miles. My newer 603.xxx series diesel has 210k and I expect 200k more miles out of it (if the car doesn't fall apart around it).

11-06-2007, 01:33 PM	#18
chiefrider Chrome won't get you home Joined: Nov 2004 Location: The lovely Willamette Valley Oddometer: 1,916	Stock 74 and 80 cubic inch flathead Springfield Indians, just as long as you don't try prolonged speeds of over 65mph . __________________ I have found that all ugly things are made by those who strive to make something beautiful, and that all beautiful things are made by those who strive to make something useful. --Oscar Wilde

11-06-2007, 04:33 PM	#20
Global Rider Alps Adventurer Joined: Nov 2001 Location: Canada & the Alps - N 46° 31.714' E 010° 27.212' Oddometer: 3,612	Any last generation airhead. __________________ All the best, Alex Euro & North American Travel & Technical Stuff for the R1150 GS & Adventure Euro & Alps Motorcycle Tours - Priced Right, How to go about Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.....A. Einstein

11-07-2007, 05:56 AM	#23
Putts Gettin' there. Joined: Aug 2007 Location: Bozoman, Montana Oddometer: 10,955	I have to keep fidgeting everything else on my '72 Toyota Land Cruiser but the engine keeps running ... well, a valve adjustment every 20K, but other than that ... __________________ . "Origin is right here, right now," said Klay. GTomic replied, "Many myth the point."

11-07-2007, 08:27 AM	#26
Chisenhallw Kilted Terror Joined: Feb 2007 Location: I've narrowed it down to 'earth'. Or 'Baltimore'. Oddometer: 1,735	Mid-80's suzuki GS series. Air-cooled, shaft-driven. Can't break'em. I love mine. 1982 Suzuki GS650G. __________________ ESCAAAAPE..FROMMMM...BALTIMOOOOORE Dynamick & I are raising money for the Children's Foundation. Please give if you feel so inclined! 2001 Kawasaki Concours

11-07-2007, 08:40 AM	#27
Cornbread Red Fart's dust Joined: Mar 2006 Location: Asscratch Ranch, Roosevelt AZ. Oddometer: 1,529	Yamaha XS 650, Kawasaki 400/440's of the 70's-80's, Airheads, Yamaha XT 225. TT500. Chip __________________ ...Nowhere to go, and all day to get there...

11-06-2007, 01:05 PM	#17
farmer fred Banned Joined: Aug 2006 Oddometer: 1,493	Round-fin Guzzis.

11-06-2007, 04:27 PM	#19
sonic reducer Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Aug 2007 Location: Seattle WA Oddometer: 196	volvo B20 as found in a P1800S with over 2 million miles on it.

11-06-2007, 07:27 PM	#21
bpw r65 PD Joined: Aug 2007 Location: SF bay Oddometer: 195	Suzuki Gs850g, its an underbored 1000 and pretty close to industructable. I got a free one that had been sitting in a basement, was totally trashed, I set it on fire trying to start it and then it ran with only about 3 bolts holding the complety rusted through exhaust on. Even the bigger ones were way overbuilt. A friend of mine ran a gs1150 drag bike at close to 200hp with nitrous for years before it finally gave up. And the shaft drives are way better then BMW's, many go years without new driveshaft oil with no problems (yes I have an airhead now and love it, but it needs more care).

11-07-2007, 03:49 PM	#28
Kawidad Beastly Adventurer Joined: Jul 2005 Location: Central Coast, Cal Oddometer: 3,804	Given your perimeters, Suzuki DR650 or Yamahammer XS650. __________________ "Deeply flawed people make deeply flawed decisions."

11-07-2007, 04:38 PM	#29
Caddy82rats Beastly Adventurer Joined: Mar 2007 Location: South France Oddometer: 1,075	yamaha XT500 BMW G/S Why I don't ask Huskvarna 610cc ????

11-09-2007, 07:10 AM	#30
Mr. G Normal Dude Joined: Apr 2005 Location: Ventura Co, So Cal Oddometer: 1,470	BIKE; I can break anything but probably Honda flat 6, 1500cc version. Airheads are a close second. CAR: Mercedes 617.xxx series deisel. Supposedly some cab in Greece hit 2 million miles. My newer 603.xxx series diesel has 210k and I expect 200k more miles out of it (if the car doesn't fall apart around it). __________________ LATER...........Gregg Salesmen welcome ............ Dog food is expensive !!! Ural Patrol - R1200RT - Looking for a Harley - Cars - 4 X 4's - ATV's - RV - Nikons -

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