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Difference between revisions of "Motorcycle"
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Almost all commercially available motorcycles are driven by conventional gasoline [[internal combustion engine]]s, but some small scooter-type models use an [[electric motor]], and a very small number of diesel models exist (e.g., the USMC M1030 M1). | Almost all commercially available motorcycles are driven by conventional gasoline [[internal combustion engine]]s, but some small scooter-type models use an [[electric motor]], and a very small number of diesel models exist (e.g., the USMC M1030 M1). | ||
The [[Engine displacement|Displacement]] is defined as the total volume of air/fuel mixture an engine can draw in during one complete engine cycle. In a piston engine, this is the volume that is swept as the pistons are moved from top dead center to bottom dead center. To the layperson this is the "size" of the engine. Motorcycle engines range from 50 cc ([[cubic centimetre]]s), commonly found in many small scooters, to 2294 cc, the largest production engine currently made by Triumph for its '''[[Triumph Rocket III|Rocket III]]''' cruiser-style motorcycle. | The [[Engine displacement|Displacement]] is defined as the total volume of air/fuel mixture an engine can draw in during one complete engine cycle. In a piston engine, this is the [[swept volume|volume that is swept]] as the pistons are moved from top dead center to bottom dead center. To the layperson this is the "size" of the engine. Motorcycle engines range from 50 cc ([[cubic centimetre]]s), commonly found in many small scooters, to 2294 cc, the largest production engine currently made by Triumph for its '''[[Triumph Rocket III|Rocket III]]''' cruiser-style motorcycle. | ||
Motorcycles have mostly, but not exclusively, been produced with one to four cylinders, and designers have tried every imaginable layout. Engines with more cylinders provide more power for the same displacement, and feel smoother to ride. Engines with fewer cylinders are cheaper, lighter and easier to maintain. | Motorcycles have mostly, but not exclusively, been produced with one to four cylinders, and designers have tried every imaginable layout. Engines with more cylinders provide more power for the same displacement, and feel smoother to ride. Engines with fewer cylinders are cheaper, lighter and easier to maintain. | ||