Crank welding needed with big bore kit?

[robertob]

I have a set of Wiseco 73mm pistons, but I'm worried that I'll have to pull the crank & have it welded to use them. Any suggestions?

[Don Williams]

My partner runs a 1166 kit with the head shaved all way down on a non- welded crank, cylinder pressure was in the high 190's

[robertob]

Thanks - I was reading an old article about these bikes and it said that welding was needed with any bore or head modifications.

[rapidray]

My partner runs a 1166 kit with the head shaved all way down on a non- welded crank, cylinder pressure was in the high 190's

Either your friend never rides that motor hard or he has been LUCKY! I build & race these motors & even on STOCK rebuilds we have the cranks welded. If the crank twists it WILL hurt stuff! Take it for what it is worth to you but I speak from EXPERIENCE, not hearsay! Ray.

[Don Williams]

I agree with you Ray, I would'nt have done it to my bike because I heard the same thing also.

[Don Williams]

I have a 83 motor in a 82 1100 and he has 81 motor in a 83 1100.

[lecroy]

I ran a a stock 83 (when they were new) with a turbo and a small slick and bars. I rode this same bike on the street for a few years without problems. Maybe 7PSI tops, or 150ish HP. I never had any problems with the crank twisting. Going to that small of a piston I doubt is going to net you much and your riding on the street with street tires. Doubt you would have too much of a problem. Look at how much Jake beat that stock crank and helical gears. What finally gave out, the clutch gear. LOL. Of course, this is a very small sample and things can go wrong. You know how you ride and what you plan to do with the bike.

Then there is that whole, is the 83 tac welded in key spots... Looking forward to rebuilding my old street bike to have a peek. I just don't remember ever seeing any welding but there was not a lot done to them looking at pictures people have posted.

That said, these are very old now, VERY VERY VERY OLD! If you wanted to do one up right, have it torn down. Again, I would NEVER EVER have a stock crank just welded without being tore down and inspected. The thing I have seen is that the rods will have step damage to them. They may feel alright, but until they come apart, you won't know. And again, the press fit is the key to a good crank. Use a crank builder that knows! Last, consider all new bearings while its apart. If there is any sign of rod damage, replace them with the 493s.

[isleoman]

I only owned my 82 1100ez for a summer when it twisted its crank at 10,000 miles with no mods. Has a stock welded 83 crank now.

[bonanzadave]

I only owned my 82 1100ez for a summer when it twisted its crank at 10,000 miles with no mods. Has a stock welded 83 crank now.

Me 2. 6K miles. It let go in 3rd at about 6K RPM. Fully warmed up. Bummer!

[renobruce]

Since you are talking a GS1000, I'd say get it welded. They do twist:

[Kris V]

Gardner cranks are the BEST! Price is around $1500-$2000 it is an insurance policy against to much power! I have been running one for many years and never had an issue. My project GS street bike will have one in it.

[gshub]

Crankshafts

How about Gs1085 with stock cams heavy duty valve spring im not after more power
just better oil consumption never normally go over 90mph get caught round here a yer in big trouble.

[rapidray]

I, too, use Stan Gardner for all my crank work & if it needs NO parts he does mine for a LOT less than &1500.00. Ray.

[robertob]

$1500! Holy crap that's a lot of dough. Seriously I don't think I have that into the whole bike.

[lecroy]

If you buy rods, bearings, big end and gear, things add up quick. Just depends what you plan to do with it.