Characteristics Of Internal Combustion Motorcycle Engines

Motorcycles are two wheeled motor vehicles. Like all other motor vehicles, motorcycles are powered by an engine so they can run.

Most motorcycle engines are the internal combustion types. This means that the engine burns a mixture of fuel and air. This reaction produces high temperature and high pressure gases. The gas expands but is confined in a small space inside an engine called a combustion chamber. The resulting force causes movement inside a cylinder which drives the pistons and rotors of the engine.

A motorcycle engine is rated by its displacement. Displacement is the total volume or air and fuel mixture an engine can draw in one complete engine cycle. In other words, this is somewhat the "size" of the engine, measured in cubic centimeters. Motorcycle engines can range from less than 50 cubic centimeters, which is used in small scooters, to more than 5000 cubic centimeters, which is used by the powerful Boss Hoss cruiser motorcycle.

Motorcycle engines have cylinders where hot gasses are pushed by pistons. Motorcycle engines are also classified by its cylinders. Most motorcycles have one to four cylinders and designers have manufactured these engines in every possible layout. Most common motorcycle engine layouts include the vertical single and twin, the V-twin, the in-line triple and in-line four configurations. Less common designs include the V-4, flat 6-cylinder, flat 4-cylinder, in-line 6 cylinder and the Wankel engine. There are even exotic motorcycle engine layouts such as the radial piston engine.

Motorcycle engines that have more cylinders for the same displacement offer a much smoother ride than those which have fewer cylinders. However, those with fewer cylinders are lighter and easier on the budget when it comes to purchasing and maintaining the machine.

Motorcycle engines run hot. Therefore, they need some sort of a cooling mechanism. For motorcycles, there are two types of cooling systems. Liquid-cooled engines use coolant or oil that circulates between the radiator and the cylinder when the engine is in operation. Liquid cooled engines provide great power, a long operating life and high heat tolerance.

Air cooled engines, on the other hand, cools the engine by forcing the air through the engine with the use of fins. Although air cooled engines do not last as long as liquid cooled ones, they are cheaper, less complex and lighter than their counterparts.

When buying a standard motorcycle, it is always a good idea to know what kind of engine it has.