On The Fence - Eldo 950 versus 850 - Opinions Please

[Heppkat]

After reading forum opinions regarding 950 versus 850, I am now firmly on the fence! My Eldo is fully disassembled and I am at a crossroads here.

Staying 850 and going with a lighter flywheel makes sense that there would be increased responsiveness. I could live with that, but there are tradeoffs there too with rougher idle etc.

Guzziology refers to increased vibration through the drive train and increased wear in the final drive spline with big bore, so unless I can find an 850 T rear wheel with cush drive to install on the loop, I'm wondering whether 950 is really worthwhile considering.

One thing is for sure; I intend on purchasing nikasil plated bores, so if I stay 850, I can order a full kit for stock bores from Harpers at $425 per side with nil crankcase mods (Gilardoni Cylinder Kit 850, PART NUMBER: 1044400), which is also slightly cheaper than going 950.

Would appreciate opinions regarding pros & cons on 950 versus 850. Thanks

Peter

[Series4]

Simple is good so for me the 850 kit with matched pistons, rings and pins is the way to go. And if you go with 36mm carbs you'll have enough performance. The 850 is a sweet engine. I've had 1000cc and thought it was a bit coarse.

Peter

[Chris R]

It really is swings and roundabouts. The 950 by itself adds little horsepower -like maybe 3-5hp- but also little extra vibration provided everything is re-balanced accordingly.

The reason is that the head doesn't breathe very well. If you improve the breathing by going to 36's and some head work then they will help - the main thing IMO is that the 950's give you increased quench which really helps with detonation.

To me it really boils down to what is available and whether you intend to modify the bike in the future. Unmodified, as you are pretty much making the same power, I see little downsides in terms of reliability.

I prefer a lightened flywheel - indeed I think you cannot remove enough material. This boils down to what kind of riding you do.

[Tonerjockey]

I did that "upgrade" on my 74 Eldo. I went with 950 because I had to swap out a cylinder anyhow and at that time the whole 950 kit was not much more.

The next time I do the engine I will go back to 850.

Some areas of irritation:

Head gaskets... which ones? Sp1000 are close. 850 stock would be simpler. I would not hafta re-invent the wheel each time I go in there.

Replacing rings?... which ones to use? Again stock would be MUCH simpler.

All in all the 850 is easier to remember (and locate) parts and it's not that much less powerfull.

Did not help gas mileage either.

IMHO:
Do a good job with the 850... long as it's appart balance everything... check the mains and the crank ...

The Eldo in stock dress will get you up almost any paved mountain road... Remeber this thing is a parade bike. If you wanna go fast get a Blown Hyabusa
YMMV

[Chris R]

If you wanna go fast get a Blown Hyabusa

I couldn't agree with you more.

The guzzi is meant to be the best compromise for everyday use - reliable, long lived, easy to fix, a pleasure to ride at law abiding speeds. It will never match, no matter how much sweat and money you put into it, the performance of a modern purpose designed sport bike.

Of course a modern sport bike will never be a Guzzi.

As Pete Roper says, love it for what it is not what it ain't.

Happy New Year and all the best to the recovering Todd!

[Heppkat]

Keeping it 850. Thanks all.