Are twisted crankshafts a common issue?

[quexpress]

Hi!
I have read different threads about welded camshafts on 16-valve 1100's.
Since I have a 1980 GS1100ET, I am wondering is this is only a "nice" upgrade to do, or a "good preventive" upgrade that eventually should be done.
BTW this bike will not be drag raced, etc.... simply a ride to enjoy on the street ... "reasonably".

[Dave8338]

Hi!
I have read different threads about welded camshafts on 16-valve 1100's.
Since I have a 1980 GS1100ET, I am wondering is this is only a "nice" upgrade to do, or a "good preventive" upgrade that eventually should be done.
BTW this bike will not be drag raced, etc.... simply a ride to enjoy on the street ... "reasonably".

If you're going to use the bike in "normal" conditions and not drag it, it is unlikely you'll ever twist a crank. About the only time it happens is severe duty or possibly an extremely high RPM missed gear (speed shift).

[rphillips]

Wouldn't worry about it at all, odds are greatly in your favor. One of my "80" 1100 E's had over 50,000 mi of very hard abuse & never twisted.

[renobruce]

Mine in one of my 1000s was twisted:



I put in another one and had it welded:







It must have been enough of a problem for Suzuki to start welding them.

[Billy Ricks]

That is quite a twist there Bruce. Had to be a sick feeling when it let go.

[jwhelan65]

Having a twisted crank in no way to go through life..

[renobruce]

Having a twisted crank in no way to go through life..

Some girl riders don't mind.

[renobruce]

That is quite a twist there Bruce. Had to be a sick feeling when it let go.

I didn't do it. It was in the motor of my current project. I had just spit the cases with the intention of welding the crank anyway.

[blowerbike]

the press fit got better on the 16v. models.
a twisted 16v. crank is very uncommon.
but.......
breaking the crank snout off at the main bearing behind the starter clutch gear does happen from time to time on the 80-82 1100 16v. engines.
i have went to do starter clutch repairs on bikes for 2 different customers and when i pulled the stator cover the rotor and all of the S/C assy. came off with it.
to repair these bikes would not have been a cheap thing so i ended up buying these for very little money.
circa early 90's.

[chef1366]

I used an 80 GS1100 16 valve crank and beat the snot out of it. Put around 15K miles on it. It was true when removed.
If it was going to twist it should've with me on it. Three-hundred pounds, a big block and a heavy throttle hand. Even blew the top end twice.

[gearhead13]

Mine in one of my 1000s was twisted:



I put in another one and had it welded:







It must have been enough of a problem for Suzuki to start welding them.

Your crank seal is in backwards.

[blowerbike]

Your crank seal is in backwards.

good catch gearhead!!!
to install the seal properly it will look backwards...the little pads go against the main bearing.

[chef1366]

He found that out after mating the cases and since has changed it.

[blowerbike]

He found that out after mating the cases and since has changed it.

uhuh surrreeeeee he has

[chef1366]

uhuh surrreeeeee he has

Si said blind man