What are the different engine configurations?
Single: Called a thumper. Most dirt bikes, many small motorcycles, and the BMW F650. Inline Twin: two pistons side by side. V-twin: Harley Davidsons, Ducatis, Honda Hawk and Superhawk, Moto Guzzi, and a couple of Suzukis including the wonderful SV650. The 90-degree twin is very well balanced; other angles may or may not be, depending on whether the crankshaft has one pin or two. Flat-twin: classic BMW design offers good balance and cooling. Inline-three: Three pistons in a line. Triumph and BMW K75. Inline-four: Staple of the UJM or Universal Japanese Motorcycle, found in everything from the 400cc Honda CB-1 to the 1200CC BMW K1200. In the UJM its mounted with the crankshaft sideways; in the BMW K its mounted with the crankshaft aimed north-south and the pistons off to the left. V-four: Honda VFR 800 (sideways) and ST1100 (longitudinal): smooth like a four and balanced like a twin. Flat-six: Honda Gold Wing and Valkyrie: smooth torque monster with low center of gravity.
