Most Reliable Engines

[Reryder]

Originally Posted by bill pierce

I had a BMW R65 that would be at the top of my bike list followed closely by the 78 xs650 yamaha I had.

+1.
both the R65 and the xs650 are two of the most under-rated bikes of all time. The R65 I had whizzzed along very smartly and smoothly and they seem to be much gentler on the gearbox and rear bevels than the 1000cc BMs. Much cheaper to pick up secondhand too. And I think the BMs are easier to get parts for than the Yamaha. They are still making and selling the BM parts worldwide.

I had an XS650 Yam when I was about 18 and it was unburstable. Way over-engineered roller crank and top-end just could not be broken. - More than I could say for that awful handling frame.

[kta]

The only thing I've taken from this thread is that - Almost every motorcycle engine ever made is reliable. Obviously this is an overstatement, but clearly the list isn't being narrowed down at all. For total longevity (aka distance traveled) I think the BMW K motors are it. I love Jap engines, and there are lots of great daily steeds. But NOTHING Japanese will do the mileage a K bike will without a topend rebuild.

[Wylie]

The 69 750-4 the original sand casted k1s or was that the KOs and K1s

How about those old honda 90s I still see people hauling those things around on the backs of RVs, the nicest people ride Honda's.
Yeah the K series and fast too!

[THE PIG]

Dodge slant six. Honda 50 cc.

[Lornce]

I hate 650 Yamaha twins. They're ugly, they shake and they will explode if you ride them hard. Mine did in 1980 when I could least afford it. Blech! My '70 TR6R 650 Triumph was a far better bike.

I'm thinking any late '70's Honda CB400 Hawk would be a reliable mount, but not as comfortable as an early '70's BMW airhead. Later R80G/S or R80ST or R65 would be an excellent rtw bike, too. Much plush comfort and reliable motor.

K75 is reliable, no doubt, but a little too much bike for interesting RTW type routes. Think loose surface for days and days on end.

I liked the '71 R50/5 during my recent 11k mile trip across Canada. Excellent all surface mount. If I had/made the time and money I wouldn't hesitate to ride it RTW.

fwiw,
Lornce

[tbirdsp]

Can't believe no one has mentioned the Honda ST1100 V4.

Toyota 22R/22RE
Slant 6
I always liked the 318 V8 too.

[squish]

Originally Posted by THE PIG

Dodge slant six. Honda 50 cc.

ya took the words right out of my mouth.

Really it all comes down to how the engine was treated.

But something like 5 million people can't be wrong
(the number of Honda cubs that have been made)

[Scrubs]

Originally Posted by kta

The only thing I've taken from this thread is that - Almost every motorcycle engine ever made is reliable. Obviously this is an overstatement, but clearly the list isn't being narrowed down at all. For total longevity (aka distance traveled) I think the BMW K motors are it. I love Jap engines, and there are lots of great daily steeds. But NOTHING Japanese will do the mileage a K bike will without a topend rebuild.

I think the list is still quite small considering what we have or to be more precice - what we havent covered and while most engines can be reliable to some degree. The intention of the thread were to mention those bullet proof, 'can't kill' engines that we know and love that are reknowned for there longevity and simplicity. So far I think it's been captured quite well. Although I must say, I never thought I'd see a Harley in there

[Jonniedee]

Originally Posted by jellycow

Car: Jaguar's XK six in line

This gets my award for most sarcastic reply in this thread

[Grider Pirate]

Originally Posted by tbirdsp

Can't believe no one has mentioned the Honda ST1100 V4.

Toyota 22R/22RE
Slant 6
I always liked the 318 V8 too.

+1 on the 22R
+1 on the Dodge Slant 6 and 318
The problem with the ST1*** is that they're not widely known. Hell, I think I saw one for the first time in 2004.

BMW built a lot of airhead bikes, and a significant percentage of them are still in use. It'd be interesting if stats ( number produced / number on the road x miles or years later) were available, but I somehow doubt anyone's keeping track.

[TRKTEK]

GM 283ci V8

[squish]

Originally Posted by Grider Pirate

BMW built a lot of airhead bikes, and a significant percentage of them are still in use. It'd be interesting if stats ( number produced / number on the road x miles or years later) were available, but I somehow doubt anyone's keeping track.

in the late 90's BMW used to say something like 50% of ever BMW registered is still in use

But remember that BMW guys think nothing of spending 1000 bucks
to replace drive shafts at 60,000 miles
Where A HKYS guy would send a bike like that to the scrapheap.

[Grider Pirate]

Originally Posted by squish

in the late 90's BMW used to say something like 50% of ever BMW registered is still in use

But remember that BMW guys think nothing of spending 1000 bucks
to replace drive shafts at 60,000 miles
Where A HKYS guy would send a bike like that to the scrapheap.

That's why I favor the old twin shocks. Dumping all my BMWs except the /5's. I'm going to see if I can get a million miles on the 750 before I die. I'm a shade under 1/4 of that now. Better get off my ass and ride some, huh?

[Mattbastard]

Originally Posted by Blue Ridge Wheeltor

Jeep I-6 4.0

FINALLY somebody said something...

I got an 05 Wrangler X with 30K on it right now. I hope to add a 2 in front of that easily. She'll be my shitty Wisconsin vehicle.

[Steve G.]

I just sold my F150 with the 300ci in inline 6, 579,000 kms [362,000miles] . I bought it new in 1985, untouched engine. I sold it because the steering box, in fact the whole truck was kind of getting uncomfortable, loose, rattly, not fun. The engine ran fine, in fact still runs fine. A farmer bought it and I see it every week hauling wood. These engines are not used in production street vehicles any more, but are still used new in industrial applications, like the truck things that haul jet airliners around the tarmac. Yup, every one of those is a Ford 300-6 on propane!
Motorcycle wise, you can't argue with a Honda 50. 1/2 the world is running on one literally as we speak!
Steve