If a motorcycle’s frame is the body, then the engine is the beating heart. It’s a critical component that provides power to everything else and determines the overall riding experience. Just like there are makes and models, there is a wide range of different motorcycle engines.
The different motorcycle engine types have distinct characteristics and applications. If you’re looking to learn more about your motorcycle for maintenance or put together your own custom build, you’ll need to understand all the motorcycle engine types.
If you can understand the different motorcycle engine types, you’ll be able to apply the knowledge to finding the perfect engine to match your riding style. Understanding your motorcycle’s engine is also essential if you want to fine-tune your engine or make modifications to your bike.
Types Of Motorcycle Engines
There is a range of different motorcycle engine types. Whether you just want to expand your bike knowledge, perform an engine swap, or put together a custom bike—it’s crucial to understand all the engine options available.
Single Cylinder
As the name suggests, a single-cylinder engine is a motorcycle engine that is powered by a single cylinder. This means it only has one combustion chamber, which limits the engine’s overall power output and performance. While single-cylinder engines aren’t as powerful as multi-cylinder engines, they are usually less complex in design, making them easier and cheaper to maintain. They are also often more fuel-efficient than multi-cylinder engines due to their compact, simple design.
Single-cylinder engines are also sometimes known as ‘thumper’ engines due to the distinct sound they make. Along with motorcycles, you can find single-cylinder engines in use for other vehicles, like motorcycle scooters and go-karts. Single-cylinder engines are extremely common in low-powered, entry-level motorcycles like the Honda SuperCub.
Parallel Twin
A parallel twin refers to a two-cylinder engine that is arranged in parallel lines, which is where it gets its name. Parallel-twin engines are also sometimes referred to as ‘straight-twin’ engines and ‘inline-twin’ engines.
Parallel twin engines are cheaper to maintain than other multi-cylinder engines, like four and six-cylinder engines. They’re also more fuel-efficient. Compared to single-cylinder engines, they also have a stronger performance output, though they aren’t as compact in size.
Parallel twin engines are still common, with the main manufacturers being Honda and BMW for their middleweight models. It’s also common for motor scooters, like the Honda Silver Wing, to utilise parallel twin engines.
Inline Triple
An inline triple engine, also known as a straight-three engine, is a three-cylinder piston engine. The cylinders are arranged in a line along the common crankshaft. While the straight-three engine isn’t as common as the inline-four or parallel twin engine, it has been used in various motorcycles.
Inline-triple engines can come in two configurations: four-stroke and two-stroke designs. The strokes refer to how many times the piston completes a stroke while turning the engine’s crankshaft. Four-stroke inline triple engines are typically better than two-stroke ones. The four-stroke design is more fuel-efficient and common. A popular example of a four-stroke inline-triple engine is the Triumph Rocket III engine.
V Twin
A V-twin engine, also referred to as the ‘V2 engine’, is a two-cylinder engine where they are arranged in a ‘V’ shape instead of parallel lines. The V-twin is extremely popular for motorcycles and is used by a range of manufacturers, including Honda, Ducati, Suzuki, Yamaha and Harley-Davidson.
V-twin engines are a popular choice by manufacturers and riders alike due to their compact design, smooth riding experience, and distinctive sound. V-twin engines are also known for providing a significant amount of torque at low RPMs, which is great for cruising.
Inline Four
An inline-four engine, also known as a straight-four engine, features a four-cylinder design. The majority of four-cylinder engines use an inline/straight-four design, which is why the terms are usually synonymous with each other.
Four-cylinder engines are extremely popular, not just in the motorcycle industry but also in the overall automotive industry. Statistics show that between 2005 and 2008, more than 40% of the new vehicles sold in the United States featured a four-cylinder design.
Four-cylinder engines are known for smooth power delivery, high horsepower potential, and good fuel efficiency. While it isn’t as efficient as the parallel twin or V-twin, it usually offers better performance and is a popular choice for sports bikes.
Inline Six
Instead of featuring four cylinders, an inline-six engine features six cylinders. If you want pure power, an inline-six is ideal; however, it is more expensive than other types to manufacture and maintain.
An inline-six engine features six cylinders in a line along the crankshaft. Inline-six engines are also known as ‘straight-six’ engines. A few well-known bikes featuring an inline-six engine include the Honda CBX and BMW K 1600 GT.
Flat Twin
The flat-twin engine is another two-cylinder engine, but it features a different design for the configuration of the cylinders. In a flat-twin engine, the cylinders are on opposite sides of the crankshaft.
Flat-twin engines are also known as ‘boxer’ engines because their pistons move inwards and outwards at the same time. They are known for being a great choice if you want a smooth ride and improved handling, especially at lower speeds.
Flat-twin engines offer smoother riding experiences because they don’t vibrate as much as other engine configurations. Because of its design, with the cylinders at opposite ends, it also has a lower centre of gravity, improving stability and handling.
What Engine Suits Your Motorcycle?
Generally, the best engine that suits your motorcycle is the one that comes with it. This is because motorcycles, their frame, and other components are designed with the stock engine and its performance in mind.
For example, if the stock engine is replaced with a different one, it can cause an imbalance in the frame and/or cause unnecessary stress on other components because it’s too powerful. Unless you’re an experienced mechanic and/or seek the help of a professional mechanic, it isn’t recommended to modify your engine or swap engines.
If you are planning to swap the engine in your motorcycle or go for a complete custom build, it is possible to change the engine. If you do, make sure to speak to a professional to ensure it is road-legal.
You will also need to consider the size of the new engine and whether it’ll fit in your motorcycle’s frame. You’ll also potentially need to upgrade and/or swap out other parts of the motorcycle to accommodate the new engine. For instance, you might need to upgrade your motorcycle’s fuel delivery system.
Get A Quote At Taverner Motorsports Now
Taverner Motorsports is a long-standing family business that has been in the motorcycle industry since 1975. For decades, we have been working on bikes of all makes and models, perfecting our trade and expanding our knowledge.
If you’re looking for a passionate team to work on your motorcycle with 50 years under their belt working on all types of engines, you can trust us. We’re also experienced in custom motorcycle builds, where we can fabricate anything and everything to build the bike of your dreams.
All the custom motorcycle builds and modification services we offer are also undertaken in accordance with Australian standards. We also have an engineer who specifically ensures all modifications and custom parts are 100% legal and comply with ADR regulations. So you can ride on the road with full peace of mind.
If you have any questions or want to get in touch for a quote, you can request one today by contacting us. The Taverner Motorsports team would love to hear from you and help you bring your motorcycle project to life.