25-05-2021 às 12:16
The motorcycle world is brimming with a diverse array of machines, and it can be tricky learning how to identify which is which. Complicating the matter even further is the confusing “sub-language” of terminology that describes these bikes. Below we’ve compiled a cheat-sheet of sorts to help you more readily identify motorcycle types and features such as general engine configuration, number of cylinders, cooling system type, final drive system, and more. Let’s get into it…
![[Imagem: production-1024-1ijJvKWyaQhi-Howtoidenti...etypes.jpg]](https://dn3bmh8yk8vvw.cloudfront.net/-4yViVkZ4CwX18pG2atwmxcS8Yw=/production-1024-1ijJvKWyaQhi-Howtoidentifymotorcycletypes.jpg)
Singles
The most simple of engine configurations, single-cylinder motors are most often found in dirtbikes and dual-sports, as well as scooters and other small-displacement budget models, plus some entry-level sportbikes like Honda’s CBR300R. With fewer parts than other engine layouts, singles are inexpensive to manufacturer and easy to maintain, though they do produce a lot of vibration and for this reason are typically offered in sizes that seldom exceed 650cc’s. These lightweight engines produce ample low-end power, making them the go-to choice for many off-roaders.
![[Imagem: production-1024-LBoBaiVWtG3r-Asinglecylinderengine.jpg]](https://dn3bmh8yk8vvw.cloudfront.net/KYD3KP2u-qFzzYDfYB0_hRd3lsI=/production-1024-LBoBaiVWtG3r-Asinglecylinderengine.jpg)
Parallel-Twins
Most commonly associated with classic Brit bikes from marques like Triumph and BSA, parallel twins are a popular engine type for both modern and vintage motorcycles. With the pair of cylinders positioned side-by-side above the crankshaft, parallel twins (also known as inline-twins or inline-twos) offer a responsive riding experience with ample character. Like singles, inline-twins do suffer from vibration, but their efficient nature and relative simplicity have made them extremely common in standard and commuter models. In addition to the classic British-style parallel twin, there are also more modern versions found in twin sportbikes like Kawasaki’s Ninja 650 or Yamaha’s FZ-07. Parallel twins are also frequently used in larger dual-sport and ADV models like Yamaha’s Super Tenere and BMW’s F800GS. There are also some entry-level sportbikes like the Kawasaki Ninja 400 and Yamaha R3 that use inline-twins.
![[Imagem: production-1024-6bFqitQyPryO-Aparalleltwinengine.jpg]](https://dn3bmh8yk8vvw.cloudfront.net/-2WL7pf76OnlqbOiLVbzn79YfJQ=/production-1024-6bFqitQyPryO-Aparalleltwinengine.jpg)
V-Twins
By far the most popular motorcycle engine configuration in North America, the V-Twin is most commonly found in cruiser models. As the name suggests, the two-cylinders sit side-by-side in a V-shape or formation. Well-balanced and sporting an uneven firing order, V-Twins are praised for their ample low-end power and their iconic “Potato-Potato-Potato” exhaust note. In addition to their V-shape, V-Twins also usually have their intake positioned in between the cylinders as where most inline-engines have the intakes positioned behind the cylinders.
![[Imagem: production-1024-u4l5b6oOp9jS-AVTwinengine.jpg]](https://dn3bmh8yk8vvw.cloudfront.net/8dH18j6w8buT7h1Dx3zJoi8M7s0=/production-1024-u4l5b6oOp9jS-AVTwinengine.jpg)
L-Twins & Transverse V-Twins (A.K.A. Italian V-Twins)
While they’re often referred to as “L-Twins”, Ducati’s engines (with the exception of its new V4) are all of this engine type, with the name denoting the cylinder’s L-like shape (opposed to the V-shape). Moto Guzzi also uses V-Twins, however unlike most cruisers where the engine is mounted longitudinally with the cylnders front to back, Guzzi mounts its engines transversally (from side to side).
![[Imagem: production-1024-tsHfvsZ7yzRE-DucatisLTwinengine.jpg]](https://dn3bmh8yk8vvw.cloudfront.net/N_ZhnUqMRPUDUHKcEkQNfN8Crn4=/production-1024-tsHfvsZ7yzRE-DucatisLTwinengine.jpg)
Flat-Twins
Also known as a “Boxer Twin”, flat-twins are what they sound like; twin-cylinder engines with the cylinders positioned horizontally (or flat) and the pistons located on opposite sides of the crank. These engines produce a lot of power throughout their entire rev-range and are incredibly well balanced. They also offer a very low center-of-gravity, however their immense width, they greatly limit lean-angle. On the street this isn’t typically a problem, and there’s a reason BMW has been using this engine configuration practically since its inception. Those who ride them swear by them.
![[Imagem: production-1024-86BfnBzUTVYY-Acutawayloo...engine.jpg]](https://dn3bmh8yk8vvw.cloudfront.net/ozFwX6-cp-Vg2YLQzLAOojPLV20=/production-1024-86BfnBzUTVYY-AcutawaylookatBMWsflattwinengine.jpg)
Inline-Threes
Like a parallel-twin, with an extra cylinder, inline-three engines lack high-end power and crazy fast top-speeds, however they are ridiculously torquey at low and medium RPM, making for truly fantastic road-goers. These wheelie machines are found in a number of hooligan machines such as Triumph’s Street Triple and Yamaha’s FZ-09.
![[Imagem: production-1024-0JEskufJE0Yj-Aninlinethreeengine.jpg]](https://dn3bmh8yk8vvw.cloudfront.net/wUAgWcDuUM3u4ccfI3sQaZXSQbU=/production-1024-0JEskufJE0Yj-Aninlinethreeengine.jpg)
Inline-Fours
Identified by their four side-by-side-by-side-by-side cylinders, inline-four-cylinder engines are extremely powerful. The smoothest, fastest-revving engines currently on the market, inline-fours are used to propel the vast majority of supersport and superbikes. Starting with Honda’s legendary CB750, the inline-four has become synonymous with sportbikes, and for good reason. These four-cylinder rockets generate an absurd amount of power, especially at high RPM. These are the fastest bikes available, however they’re incredibly impractical on the street, though manufacturers do make detuned naked versions which are still boatloads of fun (and pretty powerful).
![[Imagem: production-1024-FiX65VsPhvct-AnInlineFourEngine.jpg]](https://dn3bmh8yk8vvw.cloudfront.net/Idc56ss8GMmcL32cWx-_UOWANCM=/production-1024-FiX65VsPhvct-AnInlineFourEngine.jpg)
V4's
V4’s can be described as two V-Twins that have been put together. Instead of having one-cylinder at each end of the V, there’re two. Like inline-fours, V4’s produce gobs of power and are used on a number of MotoGP bikes by factory race teams like Honda and Ducati. Because they’re expensive to produce, these engines are typically found on high-dollar models like the new Panigale V4, or Aprilia’s RSV4. On top of being more expensive, V4’s are also usually heavier than inline-fours, though there’s no denying the exhaust note they produce is nothing short of sublime.
![[Imagem: production-1024-UitCaPWfg1mL-AV4engine.jpg]](https://dn3bmh8yk8vvw.cloudfront.net/YQz2kouY_whP1Zh9awukRI58jqU=/production-1024-UitCaPWfg1mL-AV4engine.jpg)
Singles
The most simple of engine configurations, single-cylinder motors are most often found in dirtbikes and dual-sports, as well as scooters and other small-displacement budget models, plus some entry-level sportbikes like Honda’s CBR300R. With fewer parts than other engine layouts, singles are inexpensive to manufacturer and easy to maintain, though they do produce a lot of vibration and for this reason are typically offered in sizes that seldom exceed 650cc’s. These lightweight engines produce ample low-end power, making them the go-to choice for many off-roaders.
Parallel-Twins
Most commonly associated with classic Brit bikes from marques like Triumph and BSA, parallel twins are a popular engine type for both modern and vintage motorcycles. With the pair of cylinders positioned side-by-side above the crankshaft, parallel twins (also known as inline-twins or inline-twos) offer a responsive riding experience with ample character. Like singles, inline-twins do suffer from vibration, but their efficient nature and relative simplicity have made them extremely common in standard and commuter models. In addition to the classic British-style parallel twin, there are also more modern versions found in twin sportbikes like Kawasaki’s Ninja 650 or Yamaha’s FZ-07. Parallel twins are also frequently used in larger dual-sport and ADV models like Yamaha’s Super Tenere and BMW’s F800GS. There are also some entry-level sportbikes like the Kawasaki Ninja 400 and Yamaha R3 that use inline-twins.
V-Twins
By far the most popular motorcycle engine configuration in North America, the V-Twin is most commonly found in cruiser models. As the name suggests, the two-cylinders sit side-by-side in a V-shape or formation. Well-balanced and sporting an uneven firing order, V-Twins are praised for their ample low-end power and their iconic “Potato-Potato-Potato” exhaust note. In addition to their V-shape, V-Twins also usually have their intake positioned in between the cylinders as where most inline-engines have the intakes positioned behind the cylinders.
L-Twins & Transverse V-Twins (A.K.A. Italian V-Twins)
While they’re often referred to as “L-Twins”, Ducati’s engines (with the exception of its new V4) are all of this engine type, with the name denoting the cylinder’s L-like shape (opposed to the V-shape). Moto Guzzi also uses V-Twins, however unlike most cruisers where the engine is mounted longitudinally with the cylnders front to back, Guzzi mounts its engines transversally (from side to side).
Flat-Twins
Also known as a “Boxer Twin”, flat-twins are what they sound like; twin-cylinder engines with the cylinders positioned horizontally (or flat) and the pistons located on opposite sides of the crank. These engines produce a lot of power throughout their entire rev-range and are incredibly well balanced. They also offer a very low center-of-gravity, however their immense width, they greatly limit lean-angle. On the street this isn’t typically a problem, and there’s a reason BMW has been using this engine configuration practically since its inception. Those who ride them swear by them.
Inline-Threes
Like a parallel-twin, with an extra cylinder, inline-three engines lack high-end power and crazy fast top-speeds, however they are ridiculously torquey at low and medium RPM, making for truly fantastic road-goers. These wheelie machines are found in a number of hooligan machines such as Triumph’s Street Triple and Yamaha’s FZ-09.
Inline-Fours
Identified by their four side-by-side-by-side-by-side cylinders, inline-four-cylinder engines are extremely powerful. The smoothest, fastest-revving engines currently on the market, inline-fours are used to propel the vast majority of supersport and superbikes. Starting with Honda’s legendary CB750, the inline-four has become synonymous with sportbikes, and for good reason. These four-cylinder rockets generate an absurd amount of power, especially at high RPM. These are the fastest bikes available, however they’re incredibly impractical on the street, though manufacturers do make detuned naked versions which are still boatloads of fun (and pretty powerful).
V4's
V4’s can be described as two V-Twins that have been put together. Instead of having one-cylinder at each end of the V, there’re two. Like inline-fours, V4’s produce gobs of power and are used on a number of MotoGP bikes by factory race teams like Honda and Ducati. Because they’re expensive to produce, these engines are typically found on high-dollar models like the new Panigale V4, or Aprilia’s RSV4. On top of being more expensive, V4’s are also usually heavier than inline-fours, though there’s no denying the exhaust note they produce is nothing short of sublime.
Para ser perfeito só faltava referires a fonte. 
