I'm no expert on engines or anything, but I gather that one thing that sets the CTX1300 apart from other motorcycles is its V-Four engine. Most motorcycles run on a V-Twin. I wanted to do some research to figure out what the benefits of a V-Four engine are when compared to the more common V-Twin. Here's what I found, and please let me know if this is correct, or if you think I missed something.
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The main draw of a V-engine of any kind is its balance. Pistons trade energy with each other, instead of with the crankshaft. This results in the crank rotation more smoothly, and the rear tire being undisturbed by piston stop-and-start. A 90 degree V-engine requires the crankshaft to be far back in the chassis though, making it hard to get adequate weight on the front wheel. There are 60 degree V-engines that require more balance shafts but that doesn't really have to do with this comparison.
So what is different between a V-4 and a V-Twin engine? On another forum I'm told that V-4 engines offer a smoother ride than V-Twins and can make more power and torque with less displacement. The power delivery makes for more aggressive throttle input out of corners, in a package much smaller than an inline 4. Is this true?
It seems that Honda in the 80s thought that V4's would be the way of the future. These engines were to produce awesome top end power in a narrow platform, and it lent itself well to handling too. It seems the issue was simply the buying public's preference for V-Twins and I4 configurations. This could possibly be due to the fact that V-Four are generally put in bigger and heavier bikes.
So from what I have read it seems that the more pistons you get involved the smoother the ride will be. V-Fours are obviously bigger and more awkward to fit into bikes, but they do generate a lot of power.
What would you say to someone who is trying to figure out what type of engine would be best for them? Do the things I've written about above apply to the CTX1300's V-Four engine?
The main draw of a V-engine of any kind is its balance. Pistons trade energy with each other, instead of with the crankshaft. This results in the crank rotation more smoothly, and the rear tire being undisturbed by piston stop-and-start. A 90 degree V-engine requires the crankshaft to be far back in the chassis though, making it hard to get adequate weight on the front wheel. There are 60 degree V-engines that require more balance shafts but that doesn't really have to do with this comparison.
So what is different between a V-4 and a V-Twin engine? On another forum I'm told that V-4 engines offer a smoother ride than V-Twins and can make more power and torque with less displacement. The power delivery makes for more aggressive throttle input out of corners, in a package much smaller than an inline 4. Is this true?
It seems that Honda in the 80s thought that V4's would be the way of the future. These engines were to produce awesome top end power in a narrow platform, and it lent itself well to handling too. It seems the issue was simply the buying public's preference for V-Twins and I4 configurations. This could possibly be due to the fact that V-Four are generally put in bigger and heavier bikes.
So from what I have read it seems that the more pistons you get involved the smoother the ride will be. V-Fours are obviously bigger and more awkward to fit into bikes, but they do generate a lot of power.
What would you say to someone who is trying to figure out what type of engine would be best for them? Do the things I've written about above apply to the CTX1300's V-Four engine?
Engine configurations will greatly depend on the intent of the bike and the attitude of the rider. I am on my 3rd V4 engined bike and love the flat torque curve characteristics. For the most part it is the best of all worlds regarding torque, roll on power, forgiving when you've chosen the wrong gear, smoothness... you name it.
