Posted by David K on December 14, 2002 at 07:05:49:
In Reply to: David K LS engine posted by George M on December 13, 2002 at 20:42:10:
Well, I did not mean to infer that the LS engine was built poorly or weakly; certainly it could stand the strain of some more horsepower. The compression is only 8.5:1 and the camshaft has a mild profile. Those two areas could be improved upon.
On the other hand the Suzuki DR 650 engine that is used in the off road model, is the one that is already pointed towards performance design (light weight/strong with high compression and hotter cam an ignition curve). One thing that I like about the DR engine is that the head has oil passages to oil cool the valve area. Then the hot oil is sent to an oil cooler!
Also the European model DRs can be had in 750cc and 800cc (WOW)!
There are no aftermarket engine parts for the LS and the DR parts are not interchangeable with the LS. The LS is a "putter" suited for a retired gent such as I. It is sometimes, also referred to as a woman's cycle?!
I used to have a BSA Goldstar in my younger days and this cycle was meant to be either transportation or had the option of becoming a full out racer! Cams, pistons, gearing, porting and carburation setups were all there to be had.
George, you mentioned turbo charging. This would definitely be a benefit for me living and driving at high altitude (7,000 to 10,000ft above sea level). Usually a turbo works best on a 4cyls or more and is not as effective on a single. I would think that a chain driven supercharger would be best for the LS 650. The mechanics of a chain driven one is not so simple though. I heard of a fellow using an air pump (emission "smog pump") off of a seventy's Ford and belt driven to ram air into the intake of a small Honda cycle, with some success!