Is there such thing as small block enthusiasts? Or are the small block bikes seen as just an entry point to the world of the sideways V twin? So far, I’ve not experienced a big block so not sure what the difference is.
I really enjoy my V50 and V85 but just curious.
What a curious question. There are definitely people who like the Guzzi models known as 'small blocks" (capacity 350cc upwards), and who are enthused by them, just as there are people who like the “big blocks” (bigger block unit engine, capacity 750cc and up). Some like the “small blocks” because they are smaller and lighter, some like them because.. well, just because.
Others like the “big blocks” because they are the Guzzi icons: Le Mans, California, etc.
Some like the “small blocks” because they are the Guzzi icons: V50, Monza, Imola, etc.
Shocker.Different people like different things. What was the question?
I had the luck to do a nut n bolt rebuild on a V50 some years ago, lovely bike with definite grunt due in part to the Heron heads. Handled lovely too.
Same with a Monza, very nice.
Latterly a ride or two on a 750 Breva, also a cracking bike.
So, yeah, I do like the small blocks. 
I really like my little V50, its got so much character and much more fun than my similar age Jap bike. I quite often read things on various forums and online groups suggesting that they’re not the real thing and just an entry level Guzzi. It didn’t seem right to me but I was starting to wonder whether others enjoy them for their own character, like I do.
Its probably comments from Americans Im reading. They don’t like anything small!
100% the real thing. love what you love. big block just Guzzi’s a bit different is all
I’ve got both, small blocks are more revvy, better gearbox. big block is nice for the torque, but feels less sporty. (however, there certainly are sporty big blocks, I’m only describing my own bikes)
both are good in different ways, i think small block are better for the bad roads we have here and for everyday riding, for a long tour/europe I might prefer big block.
I wouldn’t say small block isn’t a real guzzi, they absolutely have a character of their own, but since modern small blocks are 850cc and older big blocks were 850cc it’s a difference how it feels to ride more than anything.
Of course the big blocks started life as 700cc and then 750cc, so some small blocks are bigger than big blocks! In fact the original development engine used to power a Fiat 500 was 500cc then upped to 650cc.
Enjoy, regards Chris
I met a retired fireman with a V35 at Bafflehaus this morning. Very keen on his small block indeed.
As well as the big blocks, I’m a huge fan of the short blocks (V100) which to me does everything brilliantly with no drawbacks - except the poor quality assembly that seems to be a blight on many modern Guzzis.
I’ve had my V50 for thirteen years now . Does everything l need with no fuss. Just turned 73, know about entry level bikes for young’ns, my V50 is my exit level bike . Cheers.
Started my Guzzi chapter in '90s and never ever had anything else than small block, which is just genius - simple and powerful enough to transfer you wherever you wish. Had Imola, V35III, NTX650, Breva 750, V65Polizia, now just V50II, V50 with diesel engine in, and well slaughtered Nevada. No need to climb to anything bigger than those. And oh I love to play and make “one offs” with pieces taken from several different models, to make one as I wish. As they are all made with a bit of Lego philosophy, it’s perfectly doable.
what kind of diesel engine ?
must also have been a small block to fit a bike 
I rode a diesel Royal Enfield 325cc once. It was without doubt the worst bike I’ve ever ridden. It was significantly slower than the Honda CB125T I had at the time. I think it topped out at around 40mph!
Apart from gallons
Worst or not, it took me 15 years to “replay” Mandello trip on a petrol Guzzi , back then originally done with 500cc Japanese diesel:)
“exit level bike.” 
Excellent. I know what you mean.