Hot Cam in a GS850?

[RustyTank]

A rough recap of "all those reasons":
- Yes, it's possible to install a hotter cam.
- Because the 850 has one of the lowest power-to-weight ratios of all the GSes, it might be enough to notice.
- The 850 has a wonderfully-wide power band which suits its intended purpose.
- Installing hotter cams will change that power curve.
- The shaft drive will likely handle the additional power, as long as you don't just dump the clutch.
- The same basic driveshaft is used in the 1000 and 1100.
- To really take advantage of the hotter cams, you might want to also change the carbs and exhaust, but that will further change the power curve.
- If you just want more power, swapping in a 1000 or 1100 engine might cost less, but you would probably want to 'freshen it up' with new gaskets, etc.
- Dropping new cams in your 850 will only require a valve cover gasket and some valve shims.

Yeah, it's possible. Whether it's practical is something you will have to decide.

.

Thanks for the list Steve.

 

[RustyTank]

Sometimes the benefit being just having done it and learned something by doing. It's hard to put a price tag on experience.

This is partly where I was coming from Brendan. After looking at it from several angles I've decided that, as much as I'd like to give it a shot, right now may not be the best time for me to take something like that on. Best for me to keep it simple for now

 

[slayer61]

Quoted for truth and a laugh!

........ But there will always be guys who drag race their lawn mowers and Harley Davidsons.