Re: Do we HAVE to have two cylinders sticking out the sides? (was RE: old design was oilheads-digest V1 #47)

[BAnder6125@xxxxxxx]

In a message dated 1/5/04 7:45:01 PM, ABSDoug2@xxxxxxxxxxx writes:


>  I like learning new stuff. I don't understand how those
> Jap. sport bike go to 15K-RPM and don't instantly explode!
> 

I read a Honda engineering report from the '60s and it discussed their gp 
motorcycle engine work. They were running 250cc sixes at 22 to 24K rpm way back 
then! The limiting factor to rpm then was valve spring metallurgy - the springs 
would sack out very quickly. Multiple valves, small cylinders, dohc's and 
oversquare design kept reciprocating mass to manageable levels. As I remember, 
these jewel like engines were producing up to 60 hp and finished and won 
virtually every race for a few years 'till Yamaha got its 2 strokes going.
Bruce   '94 R1100RS 

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