Best monster engine for elefant?

[Speeddog]

I thought the elefant cases were different at the swingarm pivot?  width?

That wouldn't surprise me. 

[DustBuster]

My comment on FI yielding better fuel mileage is based on my experience in Baja with a group of 20 riders and a mix of carb. And FI 450 to 500 singles, the FI bikes always used about 20% less gas. I have noticed on rides over the sierras that FI bikes run the same at sea level as they do over high mountian passes where the carb. Bikes get rich and loose power. Since my plan with this bike will be dirt back roads and mountian passes those both seemed like good traits to look for.

I have read the Ducati cases need to be narrowed at the swing arm mount but it didn't seem like a concern.

I am watching a couple auction sites for crashed 695, 696 and 800s, seems like finding a whole donor bike would be smart...

[ducatiz]

Paso 750 is drop in but you have to use the original carb setup.

The e650 engine is an oddball, retaining the kickstart and introducing the reversed head.

You can use a later 695 or 800 but you'll have to make a custom exhaust.  With the Paso 750 engine you can bolt pretty much everything on.

[ducatiz]

I thought the elefant cases were different at the swingarm pivot?  width?

They are small pin.  Like a paso.  The width can be shimmed.

The pin mounts are actually plugs.   Drill them out and use them on a large pin panta with shims and bushes

[Langanobob]

Some unsolicited comments from the peanut gallery.  I have a 650 Elefant also.  It's a nice and unique bike, but...you mentioned that the focus of your bike will be off road use.  Light weight is always better for offroad, a lot better.  The Ducati twin motors are by definition heavy or at least heavier than an equivalent displacement single.   The 650 Elefant frame is also pretty heavy and has a long wheelbase for a dirt bike.  The stock exhaust is suitable for a stationary generator or a military vehicle and it's also heavy, although I assume you're going to replace it along with the engine swap.  The front forks are less than the best.

If I were going to build a dedicated dual sport with an emphasis on dirt, I'd look at Husqvarna or KTM as a starting point.  Just had to get that off my chest, and good luck with your Elefant project.

[koko64]

Elefants are great all rounders though and I would rather the smoothness of a 750ish twin for the highway/backroad sections between dirt roads. For "real" dirt riding you are absolutely correct, but I find track days exhausting enough nowdays! I plan to do two up camping type touring on rough canyon/forest roads and good dirt roads with the wife. Would have snared a 750 Bifaro if my wife didn't lose her job.

[DustBuster]

By off road I mean dirt fire roads and limited two track. I own a gasgas300 for serious off road and a Husqvarna TE510 for real dual sport action. Thinking more along the lines of riding with my friends who take their bmw gs and triumph tigers off road.

[koko64]

 
Looking forward to seeing what you do.

I'm a big fan of these bikes and will eventually have one.
My plan, early 750, TM flatslides, pipe and modified intake.
I toyed with the idea of hi comp pistons, etc, but my plans for using the bike changed..

Good luck with the project.

[Speeddog]

Not sure if this will help, but it's a pic of '86 Cagiva 650 crankcases.

Appears to be 15mm through.

[ducatiz]

Not sure if this will help, but it's a pic of '86 Cagiva 650 crankcases.

Appears to be 15mm through.

It doesn't help... no pic. ...

[Speeddog]

Just checking to see who's paying attention.

[koko64]

Those cases won't fit 750 barrels without machining will they?

[Speeddog]

Those cases won't fit 750 barrels without machining will they?

Just tried it, won't go.

[koko64]

That's a shame.

However, the 650 models look more dirt focussed and less all rounder for that purpose. According to a guy who has both 650 and 750's, the 650 with smaller valves, higher comp and slide carbs is better for dirt riding even if the valve sizes and capacity restrict peak hp. He's a serious dirt rider.
Ducatiz just loves his 650 to bits.

Are the 650 and 750 cams different?

[Speeddog]

Dunno about the cams, all I've got are the cases. 

My Gran Canyon on a good dirt road can spin a TKC-80 (even with all of it's bulk pressing it down) at will until 60 mph, even with a wheezy W-head 900.
Less bulk is definitely better for serious off-road.