Motorcycle engines

The machine that allows us to move around without hindrance, the one that can serve us during all our movements in all types of terrain is none other than the motorcycle. engine. To this end, this element is one of the centerpieces of your two-wheeled vehicle. It comes in two operating modes, 2-stroke and 4-stroke. For an average person, it can seem difficult to know all the information and retain all of it. However, it deserves to detail a few in this article. This will help you to better deal with a case of malfunction, internal failure or just to better maintain your motorcycle.

The choice of engine should be based on a few configurations, the motorcycle model and the number of cylinder which can range from a single cylinder to 6 cylinders. In connection with this, it is also necessary to take into consideration the type of architecture that is to say, the positioning of an engine varies from one motorcycle to another. Before buying, you should know that each type of engine has its own configuration and performance.

It is logical that we are looking for a powerful or less powerful engine, the first thing that interests us is the good quality / price ratio. This does not only concern motorcycles but can affect different product categories. In order to better you help in choosing the type of engine to install on your motorcycle, we will give you the different characteristics of it and the different types.

The different types of motorcycle engine

The single cylinder engine

This type of engine is a fairly old design, it is mounted in a vertical position turning slightly towards the road. The crankshaft thereof is generally transverse. For the cooling system, you have two possible options either it is done by air or with a liquid. It is ideal for off-road, sporty type motorcycles or for novice motorcycles. Technology has evolved and now we can see them in displacement from 125 to 690 cm3. We can sometimes even find it in the form of a 4 stroke.

The advantages with this type of engine are that it is easy to maintain, quite light thanks to its components and the type of material with which it was made. Add to all this the cost which is really cheaper compared to other type of engine. However, this one exhibits vibrations, has less mileage and is less powerful. Which means it's not made for competition.

Our recommended products:

Here is a selection of single cylinder engines that might interest you.

2-stroke single-cylinder engine for the 30 cc. Air cooling system.

Air-cooled metal 49 cc single cylinder gasoline engine. Total weight of 1,6 Kg.

2-stroke single-cylinder gasoline engine with air cooling system.

View all single cylinder engine models on amazon

The 2-cylinder engine in transverse position

This type of motor is V-shaped. It is also a fairly old design. We easily recognize this type of engine by its operating system, two connecting rods will turn on a single crank. On the other hand, on a false V-shaped engine, the cranks are distinctly separated. The 2-cylinder V-engine is one of the most versatile. It is made for almost all roadster type motorcycles, cruisers, sportsmen or super sportsmen etc. Apart from that, the technical installation is also versatile, the cooling can be air or liquid. The camshaft can be positioned up or down, the number of valves can vary from 2 to 4.

The main advantages of the latter are found in the torque mode which is high even in the case of a slight displacement. The overall width is quite low, as for the overall length, it is short. Notwithstanding, you should know that this engine is subject to strong vibrations, it requires much more part than a single cylinder model and it emits a fairly large thermal load.

Our recommended products:

Here is a selection of transverse 2 cylinder motorcycle engine components that might interest you.

Cylinder kit for motorcycle engine type derbi 50 for year 2005 and lower.

Double cylinder gasoline engine for 49 cc. Air cooled. Total weight 1,4 kilograms.

2-stroke engine for 49 cc. For dirt bike type motorcycles. Designed primarily in metal.

See all twin cylinder engine models on amazon

4 cylinder engine in transverse position

Once again this type of engine installation is rare these days. However, that does not mean that it is non-existent. The cylinder is also positioned on it at an angle of 90 ° or 65 ° depending on the motorcycle model. The cooling system is essentially liquid. We can see two camshafts which is in each row of cylinder. It should be noted that there can be up to 4 valves per cylinder.

One can cite as an advantage the small overall width, the presence of bearings which optimizes the ease of driving in when turning. However, the parts of it are quite expensive and the guidance system is relatively complex at the level of the manifold.

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Here is a selection of transverse 4 cylinder engines that might interest you.

2-stroke 4-cylinder gasoline engine. Designed with high quality materials.

2-stroke cylinder engine designed for 47 or 49 cc, for mini motorcycles, quad bikes or dirt bikes.

2-stroke air-cooled engine for dirt, quad or ATV type motorcycles.

See all 4 cylinder engine models on amazon

The 2 or 4 cylinder engine in longitudinal position

We can say that this kind of engine model is rare nowadays. For those which are 2 cylinders having an air or oil cooling system for certain models of motorcycles. On the other hand for the models with 4 cylinders, the cooling system is done only by liquid. The arrangement of the connecting rods are roughly the same as that of a single cylinder. When the cylinders are positioned at an angle of 90 °. This means that they will be directly fixed in a crank.

The advantage with this type of engine is that its center of gravity is low, it ensures good overall balance and does not require deflection. However, the construction of this kind of model is a bit too high. The overall length is also too great, especially for 4-stroke models.

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Here is a selection of longitudinal 2-cylinder motorcycle engines that might interest you.

2 cc 49-stroke petrol engine for mini pocket, dirt bike or quad.

2-stroke gasoline engine for motorcycle 47 to 49 cc for dirt bike, quad or scooter.

2-stroke petrol engine for 49 cc motorcycle for dirt bikes, quad bikes, ATVs or scooters.

See all 2-cylinder longitudinal engine models on amazon

The 2- to 6-cylinder engine in parallel position

This type of engine is a more common version. The positioning of the cylinders is done linearly. That is, they are arranged in parallel ways. The cooling is done by liquid and it has two overhead camshafts. This kind of engine is made for all types of motorcycles that exist, whether sports, roadsters, all-terrain or even motorcycles for novices. The advantage with the latter is that its mass is very stable which reduces vibrations. Other than that, almost all of its parts are stationary. However, there is too much overall width for models with more than 4 cylinders.

Our recommended products:

Here is a selection of motorcycle parallel engine components that might interest you.

Motorcycle engine cylinder kit for yamaha virago XV250.

Cylinder kit with gaskets for 6 cc to 150 cc cylinder GY200 motorcycle engines.

cylinder kit with cylinder head, two-segment piston for motorcycle engine type derbi 3 and 4 or equivalent.

View all 2- to 6-cylinder parallel engine models on amazon

The characteristics of a good motorcycle engine

The power

The choice of a motorcycle must first relate to the power of its engine. For this purpose, the power which is measured in KW translates into the minimum number of times by which it reaches will reach its peak. generally we compare the power with the speed at which a motorcycle rolls or in hp. This is not wrong, however, other configurations must be taken into account. The power of your engine can be increased by trying some modifications to the displacement level or by improving the injection system. Another option is to solidify the engine so that it can gain tone.

Le couple

Before starting it is useful to specify that the torque is measured either in m.kg or in Nm. In terms of two-wheeled vehicle this term means the capacity of your engine to climb slopes and accelerate. All this with a load above. Loads can be human or any type of cargo possible. Technically, this is how it works, the piston will exert a force on the crankshaft which will then actuate the rear wheels of your motorcycle. For motorcycle fanatics, they are looking for the maximum power for the torque. As a result, they want to go up to high revs as quickly as possible and they do not take into account the correct configurations of a linear torque. You have to choose an engine that provides maximum comfort and maximum fluidity.

Cubic capacity

The displacement is none other than the size of the engine of your motorcycle. You have probably already noticed that people speak in cm3 or in cc. This allows you to reference the volume of your engine. The size can range from 50 to over 1000 cc. We will not go into details because you could risk losing the thread quickly. What should be noted before out is the type of displacement you have. Is it a single cylinder or a twin.

Motorcycle engine maintenance

To maintain your motorcycle and to ensure a good longevity, it is necessary to replace the coolant on a regular basis. Apart from that, do not hesitate to change the various filters which are worn or defective, to carry out a regular drain. To finish, it is necessary to check in a punctual manner the presence of any clearances at the level of the valves.

Our recommended products:

Here is a selection of some motorcycle products that might interest you.

Air filter with a dimension of 55 mm for Japanese motocross Yamaha, Kawasaki or Suzuki etc.

Chain grease and motorcycle components for aerosol type maintenance, capacity 250ml.

Engine oil for 2-stroke motorcycles to maintain good performance.

See all models of engine maintenance products for motorbikes on amazon

Our selection of the 5 best motorcycle engines

Sange 49cc 2 Stroke Engine with Air Filter

This single-cylinder 2-stroke engine is built by the Samger brand and is ideal for a 49cc motorcycle. Motor dimensions 250 × 220 mm. Ideal for dirt bike or scooter type motorcycles. It should be noted that the component is provided with an air filter. the weight of the latter is quite light with these 3,2 kilograms.

Motorcycle 47CC 49CC 2 Stroke Car Engine 

This 2-stroke engine manufactured by the hlyjoon brand is ideal for 47 or 49 cc machines. For mini cross or quad. Designed with high quality materials and high resistance to possible shocks. Regarding the weight it is 3,53 Kilograms. Easy to install, no need for a professional.

EVGATSAUTO Replacement 2-Stroke Engine Motor

2-stroke engine type designed for 47 to 49 cc motorcycles. For scooter or quad bike or ATV type motorcycles. Made with stainless aluminum alloy, resistant to any test. New equipment from the EVGATSAUTO brand. The weight of this motor is quite light, it is only 3,28 kg.

Complete engine POLINI 125 Dirt Bike Pit Lifan YX XP4

This single cylinder engine is designed for 125cc 4-stroke motorcycles, for dirt bikes and equivalent models. Made with aluminum alloy, with 900ml oil tank. The cooling system is by air. Composed of high quality materials providing optimum performance.

Samger The 6cc GY150 engine 

This single cylinder 4-stroke engine from the Samger brand is designed for 150cc motorcycles, for all terrain or for off-road. With a diameter and piston line of 57,4 mm. The cooling system on this model is always done by air. As for the transmission it is CVT type, the ignition system is CDI.