[UNCWVintage]

I just picked up a 1975 XS 650, and alot of people keep complimenting the engine saying it's one of the most dependable engines out there. What would you guys say would be the most dependable motorcycle, as in a gas and go motorcycle. I always here about BMW's with countless miles on them. Whats your opinion?

[ace.cafe]

Not sure, but it's normally not the engine that causes breakdowns.
It's little piddly stuff like a loose wire or a dirty carb or bad battery, or something else.

It's not that common for an engine to just "break".
It happens, but the little stuff is what gets ya more commonly.

[UNCWVintage]

I guess i should have worded it saying the engine with the greatest longevity. With the right rider, the right oil etc. Which engine last the longest before rebuilds are needed.

[Vince]

     The longest lasting engines are those that are properly maintained. I have seen even BMWs and Hondas trashed in short order by riders whose idea of maintenance is to trade it in when it breaks.

[The Garbone]

I had a 94'  300cc Honda 4trax.. Got it used in 2002 and road the crap out of it for about 6 years with only  annual maintenance.  Before I sold it the thing sat for over a year under the shed with the petcock on.   Hit the priming thing on the carb a few times and it started 2nd kick with no battery.       Never burnt any oil. 

[cyrusb]

What makes the xs650 motor great is both cylinders are on the same crank phase, like most brit twins were. Hence the rumpity rump cadence. AND, they stayed together!!

[r80rt]

50cc Honda has to be the toughest motorcycle engine ever built.

[1Blackwolf1]

  Had a Goldwing (Road Couch) that was well past 75,000 miles with only one rebuilds on the carbs and three changes of spark plugs.  Seen Wings go 150k plus without major problems.  Just depends on how you treat them.

[Ducati Scotty]

Honda Cub.  Amazing longevity though it's very small.

[bigweasel]

hey, i'll buy that off ya, if you feel like turning it over quick...
my '75 r60/6 has 96k on it, and the only things i've done to it are one set of head gaskets and rebuilt the bings. 2 good friends with 70's era bmw bikes as well, both with over 120k on the odometer. i have ridden mine like a testosterone laden adolescent since i have been one,but religiously changed the oil every 2000 miles. Bought a Guzzi Ambassador with 60k, and put another 20k on myself... it still flogs itself along with no problems for me ever.

[UncleErnie]

Another vote for the Honda Cub

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLjnqkXNWJs

[cyrusb]

Put me down for the Honda 50 too....

[UNCWVintage]

I am very happy to choose my XS as my first vintage for that reason, especially being in college. I have always had a soft spot for bmws too. But when I have the time and money I want to get a bike that I have to tweak ever so often. But dependibilty will always prevail in my book. Especially on some of these long trips I have planned. 

[Rick O'Shea]

For a two stroke I vote the Suzuki T500 Titan

[scoTTy]

the one u don't ride,,, except everY once and  wHiLe... but it does start and yoU twist the throttle and slowly it backs itself out if the garage   while on the centerstand


  sounds like a movie to me

[oldsalt]

An early 50s 45 HD Flathead.  Almost the exact same thing was built for several decades and all the grimlins were eliminated.  O.K.....I know what is going to be said.  Longevity was not there, in comparison to say a 70s or 80 BMW,  due to huge advancements in metalurgy.  I'm talking about reliability which is not the same thing.