V-twin

A V-twin is a two cylinder internal combustion engine where the cylinders are arranged in a V configuration.

Related Topics:
Internal combustion engine - V

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This arrangement is common on motorcycles, the engine can be mounted in transversal position like on Harley-Davidsons, Ducatis and many recent Japanese motorcycles. The transversal position give the motorcycle a reduced front surface.

Related Topics:
Motorcycle - Harley-Davidson - Ducati

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The longitudinal V-twin as seen on Moto-Guzzis and some Hondas is less common. This position is well adapted to transmission shafting, but has the disadvantage of causing a torque reaction that tends to lean the motorcycle on the side. The main disadvantage of this configuration is that the rear cylinder and the front cylinder will receive different air-flow making air cooling somewhat problematic especially for the rear cylinder.

Related Topics:
Moto-Guzzi - Honda

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The longitudinal V-twin should be viewed as an alternative to the flat-twin configuration. The flat-twin is perfectly balanced but larger than the V-twin. This requires the flat-twin to be mounted high on the motorcycle to avoid cylinder heads touching the ground in curve. On the other hand a V-twin could be mounted lower and could result in a lower center of gravity for the whole motorcycle.

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The most obvious configuration for a V-twin is a 90° angle, but other angles can be seen like the 45° of the classic Harley-Davidson engine, the 75° Suzuki and the 60° Aprilia.

Related Topics:
Suzuki - Aprilia

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A 90° V-twin can achieve perfect primary balance but has some secondary imbalance.

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