Why only 1 cylinder?

[primal]

I don't think there's anything "normal" about a two cylinder engine design. Sure, it might be the most visible thanks to Harley, but there really are no norms when it comes to number of cylinders.

As far as my comment, all it takes is a good look at the way sport bike engines are designed. A 600cc inline-4 engine such as the one in the Suzuki GSXR600 will totally blow a 1200cc cruiser out of the water; there's simply no contest between the two where speed an acceleration is concerned. The engine design of the sport bike allows the engine to produce twice as much HP as a 1200cc cruiser. This effectively means that, on a per cc basis, the 600cc inline-4 will produce 4 times as much HP.

[Moedad]

Originally Posted by Scooter

I guess I won't ask why it only comes in black.

Black is faster? :whistle:

They change the paint year by year. Black seems to be the most popular however. I really like my blue one.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by primal

A 600cc inline-4 engine such as the one in the Suzuki GSXR600 will totally blow a 1200cc cruiser out of the water; there's simply no contest between the two where speed an acceleration is concerned.

Sorry, just can't let this pass. While your example might be generally true, it is NOT inherently true. That is, there is nothing that makes more cylinders absolutely better. It depends on what you are trying to accomplish and the total design. Weight has a lot to do with it.

The I4 motorcycle engine was first developed for high speed RACING. Since there isn't, or shouldn't be, a lot of high speed racing taking place on public roadways, the I4 in a street bike is overkill......regardless of the size......except for an inherent lack of vibration.

So, given that, a twin cylinder design is probably the best compromise for a street bike. You use the additional torque at low rpm's by providing different gearing. You COULD make it a lot smoother too (less vibration) and if the riding public weren't so stupid there would be more smooth twins on the market.

Just like a 12 cyl. Cogsworth engine wouldn't do very well in a semi truck, a diesel wouldn't do much in a race car either. There is no real NEED for a lot of cylinders in a street bike.......and the advantages are largely un-tapped in "normal" daily riding.

For puttering around town at speeds below 60 mph, JUST ONE cylinder does quite nicely.
It even works pretty good for an occasional road trip.
Waste not, want not !!!

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Scooter

I was just curious why the design team settled on one cylinder instead of the normal 2.

What makes you think that 2 is "normal"?

In the beginning there was a bicycle with NO cylinders.
Then there was ONE added.
It stayed that way for a LONG time.
Even after twins started to appear, most still had only one.
The tide started to turn sometime around 1970.

Historically, ONE has been the norm.
Only quite recently has more than one become dominant.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Moedad

Black is faster? :whistle:

You know, I used to think that too......but lately I'm becoming somewhat partial to RED. :roll:

[primal]

Easy Rider, I can't help but think you intentionally ignored what I said so you could rant. I said where speed and acceleration is concerned, there's no contest. I made no mention of real world practicality, which is what you're talking about (and I completely agree with you).

And if you want to prove me wrong, show me a 1200cc+ cruiser that could even come close to keeping up with a 600cc sport bike. The only one I can think of is MAYBE a Vrod, but that's still a 1200cc motor struggling to keep up with a 600cc inline-4. Start comparing the Vrod to a comparable inline-4 bike like the Hayabusa and again, no competition. The simple fact is that inline-4 engines are more efficient in generating power (HP to displacement ratio) than most twin engine designs. I guess, though, that I'm partially wrong, since Ducati wins races using v-twins.

There's also the fact that there are PLENTY of twin cylinder bikes (i.e. 99% of Harleys) that are also overkill for what is really needed on the road.

I have to disagree with your opinion on all inline-4 bikes being overkill, though. My KZ550 has the perfect balance of power and economy, and is even suitable for beginner riders. I think any vintage bike up to 1000ccs shouldn't be considered overkill (unless its a KZ1000 that'll outrun a Hayabusa!).

[Water Warrior 2]

The GZ is as mentioned, very economical and easy to maintain. Think of third world countries where bikes are very common and 250 CCs are all you really need. Whole families travel on bikes like a GZ and they do the job reliably with little or no upkeep and no motorcycle shop nearby. Secondly, multi cylinder bikes all have a purpose whether it is 2, 3, 4 or 6 cylinders. A V-twin can be made to be very smooth and vibration free. My Vstrom with a 90 degree V is exceptionally smooth and has more than enough power to break any speed limit. At one time I had a 3 cylinder 2 stroke Suzuki that was very smooth and powerful. Would love to have one again as it was a really neat sounding bike.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by primal

Easy Rider, I can't help but think you intentionally ignored what I said so you could rant.

It wasn't a "rant" and I don't need to prove anything.

Good night, Irene!

[primal]

Originally Posted by Easy Rider

It wasn't a "rant" and I don't need to prove anything.

Good night, Irene!

Perhaps, but I still don't think you actually read what I typed.

[patrick_777]

Just to be contrary here, the 2007 SV1000 (a V-Twin Literbike) generates more HP and runs a faster ET than the 07 GXR600 or CBR600RR. Only the ZX6R pulls past it in the quarter by less than a few tenths.

Not all V-twins are Cruisers, and not all Cruisers are V-Twins.