Used Motorcycle Engines Differences
Kenneth Elliott
November 05, 2008
Used motorcycle engines are manufactured for different types of motorcycles according to brands, but basically all engines are either single cylinder, twin cylinder, or triple cylinder. So, what are the major differences between each of these engines? In this article I will explore this exact question. Let start out with the single cylinder engine and work our way down.
Single Cylinder Engines
Just what the name says, this type of engine has a single chamber with one piston. Used almost exclusively in off-road bikes, they produce loads of torque at lower rpm (revolutions per minute). This torque is especially useful for racing up and down dirt hills. Unfortunately, since there's nothing to counter-balance the movement of the single piston, they also produce a lot of vibration. The sound produced is something only a motocross fan could love????
Twin Cylinder Engines
The dual cylinder type comes in a variety of configurations, but most today are V-shaped. V shaped engines refer to the pistons and how they are angled. Most V shaped engines have pistons that are angled at 90 degrees (there are several exceptions). They produce more power than single cylinder engines, owing to the greater displacement and amount of fuel combusted. Displacement is, roughly, the volume of the cylinder above the piston.
They also tend to vibrate much less because, as the number of cylinders increases, the more forces in a particular direction are offset.
Some variations involve putting the cylinders side-by-side or opposed. The latter is called a 'Boxed' or 'Boxer' design and they produce good power with low vibration. Unfortunately, the cylinders protrude out the sides, making cornering difficult and generating the need to protect the riders legs against heat. Triumph has used the design off and on over the years since WWII.
The Triple
Though much less common, this three-cylindered design has excellent power and vibration characteristics. But the number of moving parts is much greater and it increases the number of carburetors or fuel injectors required.
Again showing their interest in less-common engine designs, Triumph has produced 'triples' and they go like the wind. One of the advantages of more cylinders is the ability to produce higher rpm. That produces more power, while weighing less than four cylinder designs.
When selecting a bike styling, comfort, stability and speed are all going to be important. But central to any choice is the engine onboard. Which you choose will be determined, in part, by the kind of riding you intend to do.
Off-road you'll want lots of torque at low rpm to climb hills and accelerate quickly through sharp turns. Single or twin is going to be your preferred type. Standard bikes used for commuting around town will eliminate the single, and may even nudge you toward a four cylinder.
Get more information about other Used Motorcycle Engines.
Single Cylinder Engines
Just what the name says, this type of engine has a single chamber with one piston. Used almost exclusively in off-road bikes, they produce loads of torque at lower rpm (revolutions per minute). This torque is especially useful for racing up and down dirt hills. Unfortunately, since there's nothing to counter-balance the movement of the single piston, they also produce a lot of vibration. The sound produced is something only a motocross fan could love????
Twin Cylinder Engines
The dual cylinder type comes in a variety of configurations, but most today are V-shaped. V shaped engines refer to the pistons and how they are angled. Most V shaped engines have pistons that are angled at 90 degrees (there are several exceptions). They produce more power than single cylinder engines, owing to the greater displacement and amount of fuel combusted. Displacement is, roughly, the volume of the cylinder above the piston.
They also tend to vibrate much less because, as the number of cylinders increases, the more forces in a particular direction are offset.
Some variations involve putting the cylinders side-by-side or opposed. The latter is called a 'Boxed' or 'Boxer' design and they produce good power with low vibration. Unfortunately, the cylinders protrude out the sides, making cornering difficult and generating the need to protect the riders legs against heat. Triumph has used the design off and on over the years since WWII.
The Triple
Though much less common, this three-cylindered design has excellent power and vibration characteristics. But the number of moving parts is much greater and it increases the number of carburetors or fuel injectors required.
Again showing their interest in less-common engine designs, Triumph has produced 'triples' and they go like the wind. One of the advantages of more cylinders is the ability to produce higher rpm. That produces more power, while weighing less than four cylinder designs.
When selecting a bike styling, comfort, stability and speed are all going to be important. But central to any choice is the engine onboard. Which you choose will be determined, in part, by the kind of riding you intend to do.
Off-road you'll want lots of torque at low rpm to climb hills and accelerate quickly through sharp turns. Single or twin is going to be your preferred type. Standard bikes used for commuting around town will eliminate the single, and may even nudge you toward a four cylinder.
Get more information about other Used Motorcycle Engines.
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