Subject: RE: power difference between Ambos and Eldos (long)
Author: Gary Cheek
Date: Aug 16, 2001, 1:45 PM
Post ID: 1707894517
I presently own 2 Eldos (1972 police,1974 civilian) and have previously
owned Eldos and Ambassadors. The Eldo has a more tractable wide power
band from the git-go The top ends are similar but getting to top is a
lot stronger with the Eldo. The 5 speed is also a smoother operating
gearbox and adds a lot to the overall flexibility of the Eldo. Even
though the Ambassador sports a 4.375:1 rear drive gear ratio to the
Eldo's 4.625:1 ratio the primary gearing in the 5 speed allows for the
Eldo to turn lower RPM at a given road speed.
To the 4 speed Ambassador's plus side ,the 4 speed trans has a better
reliability record than the 5 speeder,but that is not to say the 5 is a
bad trans. They had some problems early on that were resolved and most
of the other problems were owner neglect and or abuse in nature.
Yes ,some like the looks of the Ambassador rear drive housing
better,even though it holds a lot less oil( The increased quanity
contributes to cooler running in the Eldo drive) If you are hung up on
looks you can put an Ambo housing on the rear.Some of the Ambos have
less ribbing on the crankcase,others have the same ribs as the
Eldo.Ribbing was also added to the 5 speed case while the Ambo 4 speed
was a smooth sand casting. The Ambo tends to be a fair amount lighter as
well.
All in all I wouldn't hesitate to run a good example of either bike to
Alaska and back even at my "svelte" 200lb weight and packing whatever
gear and any hefty cutie that goes along for the ride. They are both
capable long legged tourers that have a great reputation for getting you
there and getting you back
Gary Cheek
1974 Eldo
1971 Ambassador
1972 Eldorado