Engineering
TheEngines.
Layout shapes character.
Layout descriptions are general engineering notes. Machine-specific figures appear, with sources, on each machine page.
01 · 1 CYL
Single
One cylinder: light, simple and characterful. Found everywhere from commuters to off-road machines and classics.
9 MACHINES →
02 · 2 CYL
Parallel Twin
Two cylinders side by side — compact, tractable and versatile.
7 MACHINES →
03 · 2 CYL
V-Twin
Two cylinders in a V — slim, with a distinctive pulse; used in cruisers and sports machines alike.
3 MACHINES →
04 · 3 CYL
Inline Three
Three cylinders in a row, with a character between twin and four.
1 MACHINES →
05 · 4 CYL
Inline Four
Four cylinders across the frame. Smooth and free-revving, it became emblematic of Japanese large-capacity motorcycles.
7 MACHINES →
06 · 4 CYL
V4
Four cylinders in a V — multi-cylinder performance in a narrower package.
2 MACHINES →
07 · 4 CYL
Flat Four
Horizontally opposed cylinders for a low centre of gravity and inherent smoothness.
0 MACHINES →
08 · 6 CYL
Flat Six
Six horizontally opposed cylinders — a quiet, smooth layout for large touring machines.
0 MACHINES →
09 · 6 CYL
Inline Six
Six cylinders in a row — a rare layout on two wheels.
0 MACHINES →
10
Two-Stroke
A power stroke every revolution: light, simple and explosive — and, as emissions rules tightened, gradually retired from road machines.
12 MACHINES →
11
Four-Stroke
Intake, compression, power, exhaust — the cycle behind today's combustion motorcycles.
19 MACHINES →
12
Electric
Battery and motor — no tailpipe emissions, and a new chapter for two wheels.
0 MACHINES →
Technology
- DOHC
- Double overhead camshafts — separate cams for intake and exhaust valves.
- Liquid Cooling
- Coolant-managed engine temperature, widespread as outputs rose.
- Fuel Injection
- Electronically metered fuel delivery that replaced the carburettor.
- Aluminium Frame
- Chassis structures in lightweight aluminium alloy.
- Single Rear Shock
- A single rear shock absorber in place of twin shocks.
- Exhaust Power Valve
- Variable exhaust timing on two-strokes to broaden the power band.