The Pros and Cons of Every Motorcycle Engine Type 

The only guy who can explain mechanical engineering like a social relationship.

15 mins of FortNine is all a motorcyclist needs… ❤

Your production values are incredible. Matches with your vibe too. Love it. I’ve always ridden singles or twins. Riding a single right now around Pakistan and it’s doing the job well.

I’ve watched this video a dozen times and I believe he nails it at the end. The inline 6 is the point of diminishing return, thus leaving the inline 4 as the best configuration when all pros and cons are considered. This is probably why I like them so much. “However”… the type of motorcycle you choose is a personal preference. If I see you on the road, you’ll get a wave from me, no matter how many cylinders you’ve got.

Man, it’s unbelievable how entertaining and easy to understand you can explain complex and difficult themes! Unbeatable quality of your videos 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

I have been fortunate enough to ride an online 6 once in my life. This was almost 20 years ago. I have never forgotten the experience. No other bike engine has ever come close. The way it delivers power is not like any other engine. Also the sound, straight pipe v twins are nothing more than a novelty when what your riding sounds like a literal formula 1 car from the 80s.

I cant believe the BMW K1600 wasn't mentioned under the inline 6 section, one of my favorite engines of all time. 165 horse and its so smooth you could forget it was running if you had earplugs in, it looks like an old man bike but it will do wheelies at 75 MPH.

There's another big advantage to a boxer engine, a 50% reduction in lower leg injuries in crashes. Those cylinders sticking out inadvertently provide some nice legs shielding

Ryan, your ability to take complex engineering and put it in layman's terms is unparalleled. Thanks for another fantastic videeo.

GOAT CONTENT

As someone that’s owned Thumpers. Parallel twins, Vtwins , in-line 4’s and a V4. I think you nailed it! The VFR is the only bike I haven’t been able to get rid of. There’s just something I love about that motor…. The V4 is a great feeling motor and ride.

Might be the best video i've ever seen on RU-vid... Entertaining, educational, and I feel like my knowledge of Physics, Maths, Engineering, and Economics have all been elevated immensely in 15 minutes. Bravo sir.

Aside from an extremely comprehensive and understandable explanation of complex matters, I must point out one thing that makes your videos perfect - your speech. Highly intelligent, accurate, and funny. Music to my ears. Thank you, sir, for such amazing content!

As a V4 rider, i approve this message. In seriousness though, this is the rare channel that makes consistently great content. Thanks

So Moto Guzzi came up with the 45 degree HORIZONTAL V twin and for the first time in the entire history of the internal combustion engine, the world experienced perfect mechanical harmony. I am so glad to finally discover why I feel so happy every time I ride mine. Mystery of a lifetime solved.

I know everything he talked about BUT I enjoyed every minute of it. Complex & difficult stuff (for a novice) well explained and beautifully packaged. I must watch more of his stuff . . .

The sheer presence Ryan has is probably why no one notices misspelled horsepower in the formula.

Few channels on RU-vid can produce enough high quality content to enjoy the badge of "Never Disappoints" this is one of them, very very high at the top. Keep'em coming please.

I really like all of your videos so far and as much as you prefer the v4, i'm happy that motorcycles aren't just about numbers and efficiency. I somehow appreciate all the variation that exists.

Best channel for people who love intricate details....really appreciate your content...so satisfying and leaves with a feeling of increased insight about the bike

My old university lecturer could tune a CBX so well, the test was to stand a 50 pence piece (UK) on it's side on top of the rocker cover, and the coin wouldn't move with the bike being revved to the red line, then he knew his job was done. It's a stunning engine, and he was an incredible man.

You should do a video about tire pressure... why the manual recommendation is what it is, why people that race like to use a lower psi, why some people say that you should use a lower psi on the front than on the rear and vice versa... It's one of the motorcycle related topic that generates a lot of divergent opinions.

Thanks for explanation, just bought VFR 800 2011, and already in love with V4 engine. What a feeling, the sound, the power and feel. Just perfect.

Had the pleasure of fixing up 1994 Honda Magna 750 with the v4 for a buddy and it's definitely my all time favorite cruiser bike, it has the sound and feel of a sport bike when giving it the beans but it's also super comfortable for long rides, low on inherit vibrations, and has a fairly nimble feel to it for being a bigger bike. Will definitely be buying one soon since marketplace prices are dipping because of the winter season coming around!

I dont even have a motorcycle but i can appreciate how much effort Fortnine puts in each video. Very high quality stuff and entertaining.

I have a boxer. I'll see myself out. That inline six sound is amazing. Reminds me of 90's Formula 1 motors. Thank you for the great video.

Production value and the simple yet clear explanation here is top notch. Very impressive video

Fine work, Fortnine! Thank you very much.

I can barely imagine what a huge amount of time and work has been dedicated behind the scenes for every chapter. You've got a talent to explain hard to learn and harder to explain concepts in a truly simple way, and every presentation has been refined to perfection in order not to exceed the minimum extension required. SIMPLY AWESOME Ryan&Co. Greetings from Spain.

Guzzi turned the v-Twin sideways, solving both the length issue and the cooling problem (sticking the cylinders out into the airstream). Can't believe this wasn't mentioned, at least in passing, since those are the two "weaknesses" mentioned of that particular layout.

I can’t tell you how amazing I find this. I’ve watched it twice and it is so much good information in such a small package. Good job

Just have watched now and this vid is fabulous. Really appreciate all this time and effort as well really pure language. Entertaining to watch and illuminating for a newbie rider like myself. Thank you!

I love all engines and I have owned nearly every type of engine. But I believe, at least once, every rider should experience an inline 4. It is pure magic to both the ears and soul. Downshifting twice, hamfisting the throttle, hearing the rpms sing to 9k+ as the front end lightens and you pass 3 cars on a back twisty road....is something every single rider should experience, even if only once. It is pure magic.

This 10 years ago would be a mainstream weekly show on every main TV channel, Off the Charts. ❤

Absolutely impressive conveyance of knowledge! Great production. Clear passion! Love all your videos man!

Very interesting episode. Nice, unbiased presentation of the majority of engine designs with their pros & cons. 👍

I have ridden V-twins and for the last 30 years Boxer (BMW). I am an old fart, and not interested in dragging my knee around corners. I prefer the massive torque that pulls me out of a corner smartly and enough horsepower to blow any acura off the road on a straight line run (proven empirically). I understand the young preferring the screamers. I would too if I were 40 years younger. Each bike engine, as you said, has its appeal and its eveil "twin". Great video. Thank you.

So glad that you're releasing videos more frequently. Great work by the way! Favorite channel on RU-vid by far.

Unbelievable content and delivery. Perfection. Well done.

I've always been a single cylinder rider as I tend to do some off road with a little bit on tarmac. Also as a beginner mechanic, a single is very easy to manage and as you say, can't hide too many issues under the skin. Did have a quick ride of a relative's Ducati Multistrada V4 and that was a scary and special experience. The power and the cost had me on edge but it was so smooth and civilised.

As the owner of a '85 Magna VF500, I was selfishly waiting for the V4 praise. Never getting rid of that bike and can't wait to take her out this weekend for the first ride of the season ❤️

A whole day of engine design & mechanics class in 15 minutes. Superbly done indeed!! By far the best MC channel on RU-vid.

Thanks for mentioning the VFR. I had two, and now I know why I loved them so much!

Great channel brother! Entertaining and informative!

Ryan did say he left some out, but he could have easily added a two second blurb on BMW’s wonderful inline six, the K1600 (I have two). Maybe six cylinders are unicorns in Canada, but boxer 6’s are plentiful here in the states, a la GoldWing since 1988. I do agree on the V-4. I have a Motus MST-R and a V4S Ducati Multistrada. Very engaging powerplants.

This is a masterclass in presenting sufficient and juicy information with the right amount of entertainment to keep it from being boring. This is the first time I giggled watching a video on different engine configuration.

Brilliant, quality content man. Appreciate you.

Real nice explanations of the pros and cons of engine designs, including an easy to understand reason for the 2nd imbalance of 4 cyl engines🙂

This video has taught me more about motorcycle engines than my 20 years of experience in the motorcycle industry. Excellent video... 👌👌

Additional benefits of a single cylinder that I enjoy are the often significant weight savings and the ability to make narrow motorcycles so one can tuck their knees in closer to the bike.

A fantastic video. Top work Sir👍

What a great video. Great Lighting Great Sound Effecs Great Cinematic shots LOVED IT

Boxers are not DUMB, they are iconic! 🤣 Thanks for another superb video. The depth of knowledge that you provide is much appreciated.

Best motorcycle channel in RU-vid, mixing knowledge, entertainment and recording/editting skills. Awesome as always my Canadian fellows!!

To a perfect video an explanation of single cylinder maximum piston diameter. However probably the best video i've ever seen on engine basics specs. My genuine compliments to you FortNine team.

To this day. For me? The best video you guys ever did. Style and substance. Science and emotion. Explanation without tedium. Absolutely perfick.

0:00 - Intro 0:14 - Single Cylinder 2:28 - V-Twins 4:39 - Inline Twins 6:12 - Boxer Twins 7:37 - Inline Triple 9:15 - Inline Four (Screamers) 11:15 - Inline Six 12:20 - V4's 12:45 - Conclusion 14:40 - Outro

Clean, simplified unboring explanatory seminar. I loved it.

The early parallel twins ( mostly british ) were true parallel twins as the pistons rose and fell together. The 180 degree 'parallel twins' came later with the Japanese built motorcycles. A completely different sound and different vibration characteristics. Anyone who has ridden an old Triumph or BSA will know about the vibes and of course Norton rubber mounted their motors. The plus for a true parallel twin is more power but more vibration whereas the 180 degree ( so called ) parallel twin sounds ghastly and produces less power but is smoother. Nowadays the manufacturing process of so called parallel twins has evolved into a 270 degree crank- basically a V twin in parallel twin format which sounds cool, produces decent power and less vibe with balancer shafts fitted. The 270 crank was originally adopted by Australian racers who took a bolted up Triumph 6T crankshaft and basically undid the bolts on the flywheel to offset the crank 300 degree and then the modern Hinckley ( so called Triumph) factory adopted this idea which is now widely used. So there you have, many variations on the one true parallel twin.

I could watch this again and again for its educational and humour content. Absolutely fantastic.

I think vibration in most motorbike engines is overstated, I’ve owned singles, fours and triples that had little or no intrusive vibration.😊

Great video. I’ve always owned Honda. And it’s always been an in-line 4. Such a great engine imo.

That is some amazing insight into engines. Brilliant content!!!

The most logical explanation I’ve ever seen. But even after this explanation, I can’t shake my love for the triples, they sound like nothing else and have a great balance of power and torque. ST3 Here I come 😅

Your videos are a gift to the motorcycle community and beyond. Please never stop making content!!

Loved this so much!

Incredible content broo. learned so much today. thank you. much love.❤

I’ve had a couple of BMW RT’s which of course have the boxer twin. If you’re scraping those cylinders in a corner, you’re dragging your pannier and you should be on a track not the road. Boxers are odd looking, I’ll admit, but their low center of gravity and exposed heads for maintenance still make it one of my favorites.

This is by far one of your best. Brought back some memories too, majored in Automotive Engineering way back, but they never summarized it this well and in such a short period of time. Bravo! 👏👏👏

This is an awesome video. Great job!

I'm loving the increased frequency of posts. Intrigued on your thoughts about the Guzzi longitudinal V-Twin.- It solves the problem of the Boxer's width and the V-twin's space/heat issue.

This is great. Please do a part 2 with the ones you didn't cover.

Man I'm glad this channel is still makin' bangers.

Masterfully done. The point of te video was to educate and that it did with ease , while also being entrrtaining. Great job. Now I must start my search for a new bike with a V4. Good day.

“Boxers are stupid”. *Refuses to elaborate* -RF9 Brother 😂😂😂 thank you for the content as usual!

I asked for a DR650, I got a DR650. I asked for Ryan's Return, He returned. Best. Channel. Ever.

Excellent video, really well explained!!

Another informative and highly entertaining video 👍🏻 thanks!

After riding a new K1600 with it’s inline-6, I can totally see how it’s perfection if it wasn’t so wide. Top-tier content as usual!

Well, i have the exact 3 cylinder bike shown here. And i can say, the xsr900 and the cp3 deserved more love. This engines are really the sweet spot for street nowadays. It has torque down low like a v twin, and explodes high with horsepower over 9000rpm, like 4 banger. It's scary fast, but not enough to make you nervous and lose track of space. And shits aside, sound like a gt3rs at high rpm... I know it's unbalanced, but it puts a smile on my face. Every. Single. Ride. As far as i'm concerned, the CP3 is good, very good.

Had a Harley, loved that V twin. Got a GT750J Suzuki and love that engine. I think I just love piston engines of all types.

Extremely good video ! subscribed for sure ! Almost 100% agree with everything . the inline six is perfection . but a 3cyl crossplane engine is soo amazing .. Had a 2012 R1 and sold it for a mt09 SP , when R9 with 3cyl CP engine comes out im getting that in a heartbeat !

I think you forgot the most obvious benefit of singles. Their low weight, which is much more benefitial in dirtbikes than high weight high power engines. Also, i think your DR 650 sounded pretty sick. Great video anyway, excellent explanations as always. Thanks!

As an owner of an RE Bullet 500 (single), a Ural Gear-up (boxer) and a tiger 1200 (triple) -- I must say I love the unique character of these bikes. As an fellow engineer - I embrace their imperfections!

Great! Thanks for the intelligent commentary. Humorous and stimulating.

Always fantastic content.

I've ridden bikes with all the engine types you talked about. V-twins will always be my favorite due to their low end tourque and sound. Glad there's a motor for everyone to call their favorite.

Somehow F9's editing keeps getting better. You guys are a bottomless well of creativity. This subject would've made for an extremely stale video on any other channel.

Great content mate, keep it up :)

The tiny sounds and sound effects are always so funny and much appreciated. Thank you, Ryan + Co! :D

Boxer: fueled by the tears of engineers 😂 brilliant as always

Moto Guzzi's way of doing a vee engine is pretty elegant. A very simple air cooled engine without cooling issues, cornering clearance issues like a boxer, or packaging problems.

Funny and educational as always. Thanks F9 team.

Great production, funny and educational. Well done, sir.

An old BMW R bike was what I learned to ride on, and work on engines with. Boxers will always have a place in my garage.

Very good video! Can we have a part 2 where you go into Yamaha's crossplane inline 4, Honda's boxer 6 in the Goldwing and why Triumph changed the firing order and crankshaft with their latest triples? What are the pros and cons od the 270 degree cranks compared to the 180 degree ones?

As an absolute mechanical amateur (read = total ignoramus), but motorcycle enthusiast, I find your videos to be intoxicatingly simple, straight-forward, and endlessly fascinating. Please keep uploading these for the great unwashed. I need to go figure out which end of the screwdriver to use now...

I won't argue with your well informed analysis; but, i just love the sound and feel of my parallel twin.

FortNine's content has never failed to be interesting, arguably the best motorcycle content creator in my opinion just for the sheer unadulterated amount of knowledge he drops in such short amounts of time. And the fact that he can make what some would argue to be dry information so palatable is incredible.

Always enjoy Ryan and the F9 videos. “Boxers are dumb”, I enjoy my BMW R18, limited cornering clearance, 800+ lbs and all!