View source for V-twin engine

{{Short description|Piston engine with two cylinders in "V" configuration}}
{{About|the two-cylinder [[V engine]]|other uses|V2 (disambiguation)}}
[[File:Honda Shadow VT 125 C1 V-Twin Engine.jpg|right|thumb|[[Honda Shadow#125 cc Class|Honda Shadow VT 125]] motorcycle engine]]

A '''V-twin engine''', also called a '''V2 engine''', is a two-cylinder [[piston engine]] where the cylinders are arranged in a [[V engine|V configuration]] and share a common crankshaft.

The V-twin is widely associated with [[motorcycle]]s, primarily installed transversely, though also longitudinally. They are also used in a variety of other land, air, and marine vehicles, as well as industrial applications. The V-twin design dates back to the late 1880s.

==Origins==
[[File:VTwin patented by Gottlieb Daimler in 1889.PNG|thumb|1889 Daimler V-twin engine]]

One of the first V-twin engines was built by [[Gottlieb Daimler]] in 1889. It was used as a stationary engine, for boats and in the [[Daimler Stahlradwagen]] ("steel-wheeled car"), Daimler's second car.<ref name="VVC13">{{cite book| last = Posthumus| first = Cyril| author-link = Cyril Posthumus| others = John Wood, illustrator| title = The story of Veteran & Vintage Cars| url = https://archive.org/details/storyofveteranvi0000unse| url-access = registration| edition = Phoebus 1977| orig-year = 1977| year = 1977| publisher = Hamlyn / Phoebus| location = London| isbn = 0-600-39155-8|pages=[https://archive.org/details/storyofveteranvi0000unse/page/12 12]&ndash;13 |chapter=Fathers of Invention|quote=But the engine, now fitted lower, in front of the rear axle, had progressed to become a narrow vee-twin with cylinders at 20°, and giving an estimated 1.6hp at 700 rpm.}}</ref> The engine was also manufactured under licence in France by [[Panhard|Panhard et Levassor]].<ref name="Ling97">{{cite book |last=Ling |first=Peter J. |title=America and the Automobile: Technology, Reform and Social Change, 1893–1923 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LQDoAAAAIAAJ |access-date=2013-01-18 |year=1990 |publisher=Manchester University Press |location=Manchester, UK |isbn=0-7190-3808-1 |page=97 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231000246/http://books.google.com.jm/books?id=LQDoAAAAIAAJ&source=gbs_navlinks_s |archive-date=2013-12-31 }}</ref>

An early V-twin engined motorcycle was produced in November 1902 by the Princeps AutoCar Company in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oldbike.eu/museum/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/1902_Motorcycling_30-copy1.jpg|title=Motor Cycling, November 12th, 1902|website=oldbike.eu|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405193810/http://www.oldbike.eu/museum/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/1902_Motorcycling_30-copy1.jpg|archive-date=5 April 2016}}</ref> The following year, V-twin motorcycles were produced by Eclipse Motor & Cycle Co in the United Kingdom (the ''XL-ALL'' model),<ref>"The Evolution of the Motor Cycle", Motor Cycle magazine, June 1st, 1922, pp700-706</ref> [[Glenn Curtiss]] in the United States, and [[NSU Motorenwerke]] in Germany.<ref name="deCetCurtissNSU">{{cite book |editor1-first=Mirco |editor1-last=de Cet|title=The Illustrated Directory of Motorcycles|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wNzyIcw2vxoC |access-date=2013-01-18 |year=2002 |publisher=Salamander Books |location=St. Paul, MN US|isbn=0-7603-1417-9 |pages=117, 340|ref=deCet}}</ref>

[[Peugeot]], which had used Panhard-built Daimler V-twins in its first cars,<ref name="Ling97" /><ref name="WalkerEurope92" /> began producing its own V-twin engines in the early 20th century. This Peugeot engine powered a [[Norton Motorcycle Company|Norton]] motorcycle that won the first [[Isle of Man TT]] race in 1907.<ref name="WalkerEurope92">{{cite book |last=Walker |first=Mick |author-link=Mick Walker (motorcycling) |title=Mick Walker's European Racing Motorcycles |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7bGuud7_uy0C |access-date=2013-01-18 |year=2000 |publisher=Redline Books |location=Tyne & Wear, UK |isbn=0-9531311-3-0 |page=92 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230235845/http://books.google.com.jm/books?id=7bGuud7_uy0C&source=gbs_navlinks_s |archive-date=2013-12-30 }}</ref>{{clear right}}

==Typical design==
===Crankshaft configuration===
[[File:Forked connecting rods (Autocar Handbook, 13th ed, 1935).jpg|thumb|[[Connecting rod#Compound rods|"Fork & blade" connecting rods]] ]]
Most V-twin engines have a single [[crankpin]], which is shared by both [[connecting rod]]s.  The connecting rods may sit side-by-side with offset cylinders, or have [[Connecting rod#Fork-and-blade rods|fork and blade connecting rods]] which avoids the twisting forces caused by having offset cylinders.

Some notable exceptions include a 180° crank pin offset used by the 1935 [[Moto Guzzi]] 500cc,<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.motorcycle.com/events/i-coulda-had-a-v8-so-i-did-12730.html| title = I Coulda Had a V-8.... so I Did| first = Paul | last = Garson| author-link = Paul Garson|date = 2005-03-20| work = Motorcycle.com | publisher = Verticalscope| access-date = 2010-04-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080821151644/http://www.motorcycle.com/events/i-coulda-had-a-v8-so-i-did-12730.html |archive-date=2008-08-21|url-status=live| quote = By 1934 Guzzi offered a range of 175, 250 and 500cc models including full touring machines. The next year they raised the ante once again, challenging the all-vanquishing Norton at the legendary Isle of Man TT, basically a course the British racer owned lock, stock and single barrel thanks to a phenomenal rider, Scotsman Jim Guthrie. Moto Guzzi went to a Brit for riding skills, one Stanley Woods. They gave him a new racer featuring a 120-degree V-twin with offset cranks firing at 180 degrees with bevel gears and shafts driving the SOHC, good enough for 44&nbsp;hp at 7500&nbsp;rpm and 112 mph, on equal standing with the Norton. It had an ace up its sleeve so to speak in that it incorporated a type of pivoted-fork rear suspension while the frontend was a springer, a design that had never won a Senior TT due to its handling deficiencies, or so was thought. Guzzi had done some tweaking in that department as well. It also came equipped with a massive twin-leading shoe front brake, a 4-speed gearbox, and alloy wheels, another innovation to cut down unsprung weight. When the dust had settled and the calculations determined, the wreath of victory went to Woods and Moto Guzzi, leaving Norton as they say, gobsmacked. Not only that, the Guzzi had smashed the track lap record. The next day Moto Guzzi was world famous.}}</ref> a dual-crankpin configuration used by the 1983 [[Honda Shadow]] 750,<ref>{{cite web| url = http://powersports.honda.com/the_story/heritage/heritage_milestone.asp?Decade=1980&TargetUrl=Milestone/Milestone_Model_0102.asp&PrevPageTitle=TimeLine| title = Honda: 1983 Shadow 750| access-date = 2008-05-20| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080519233200/http://powersports.honda.com/the_story/heritage/heritage_milestone.asp?Decade=1980&TargetUrl=Milestone%2FMilestone_Model_0102.asp&PrevPageTitle=TimeLine| archive-date = May 19, 2008| url-status = dead}}</ref> and the 75° crank pin offset (45° offset in the United States) used by the 1987 [[Suzuki VX 800]].<ref>{{Cite journal|title = Suzuki VX800|journal = Cycle World|date=July 1990|pages = 36–37|quote = At some point in the motorcycle's development, the company changed the crankpin offset from 45 to 75 degrees in hope of creating a smoother-running motor. But just as production began, American Suzuki engineers decided that the new offset resulted is less mid-range power as well as a too-sanitized exhaust note, one that didn't sound very V-Twin-like. Presto, now the US models come with the 45-degree offset, while the rest of the world gets the 75-degree staggered crankpins.}}</ref>

===V angle===
Although any 'V angle' (the angle between the two banks of cylinders) between zero and 180 degrees is theoretically possible for a V-twin engine, in practice angles smaller than 40 degrees are rarely used. The most common V angle for a V-twin engine is 90 degrees, which can achieve a perfect [[Engine balance#Primary balance|primary balance]] (if the correct [[counterweight]] is used) like most [[Ducati]]s, most [[Moto Guzzi]]s, the [[Honda RC51]], [[Suzuki TL1000S]] and [[Suzuki TL1000R|TL1000R]].<ref name="Shaking">{{cite web|url=http://www.sense.net/~blaine/twin/twin.html|title=Shaking forces of twin engines|author=Vittore Cossalter|access-date=2010-07-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724060837/http://www.sense.net/~blaine/twin/twin.html |archive-date=2011-07-24|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Physics of: Engine Cylinder-Bank Angles |url=https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a15126436/the-physics-of-engine-cylinder-bank-angles-feature/ |website=www.caranddriver.com |access-date=18 August 2019 |date=14 January 2011}}</ref> However, this arrangement results in an [[Firing order#Even and uneven firing order|uneven firing order]], with the second cylinder firing 270 degrees after the first cylinder, then a 450 degrees interval until the first cylinder fires again. While the uneven firing order results in greater vibration, it also produces a distinctive sound that many riders appreciate. 90 degree engines are sometimes called L-twin (like the "L" in [[Suzuki TL1000R|TL1000R]] or [[Suzuki TL1000S|TL1000S]]) rather than V-twin.

The alternating longer and shorter gaps between firings produce a characteristic V-twin alternating engine noise "phutphut phutphut phutphut phutphut".

When a V angle of less than 90 degrees is used, perfect primary balance can only be achieved if offset [[crankpin]]s are used. If not, [[balance shaft]]s are usually required to reduce the vibration.<ref name="Shaking"/> Vehicles which use engines with V angles of less than 90 degrees include:
* 20 degrees: 1889 [[Daimler Steel-wheel car]]<ref name="VVC13" />
* 42 degrees: 1916–1923 [[Indian Powerplus]], 1920–1949 [[Indian Scout (motorcycle)|Indian Scout]], 1922–1953 [[Indian Chief (motorcycle)|Indian Chief]]
* 45 degrees: 1909–present [[Harley-Davidson]] V-twin {{Verify source|date=November 2022}}, 1990–1997 [[Suzuki VX 800]], 1985-2005 [[Suzuki VS series]], 2001–present [[Suzuki Boulevard C50]], 1985–2007 [[Honda VT1100]]
* 48 degrees: 2005–2012 [[Yamaha MT-01]], 1999–present [[Yamaha XV1600A]]
* 50 degrees: 1919–1924 [[BSA Model E]], 1924–1936 [[Brough Superior SS100]], 1929–1940 [[Matchless Model X]], 1936–1955 [[Vincent Rapide]], all Victory Freedom engines
* 52 degrees: 1997–present [[Honda Shadow]], 1987–2012 [[Honda Transalp]], 1998–2013 [[Honda Deauville]], 2002–2008 [[Honda VTX Series|Honda VTX]], 2004–2010 [[Kawasaki Vulcan#2004–2010: Vulcan 2000 series|Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 series]]
* 54 degrees: 2008–present [[Suzuki Boulevard C109R]], 2006–present [[Suzuki Boulevard M109R]]
* 55 degrees: 1985–2006 [[Kawasaki Vulcan 750]], 2006–present [[Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic]]
* 60 degrees: 2001–2017 [[Harley-Davidson VRSC]], 2014–2021 [[Harley-Davidson Street]], 1998–2003 [[Aprilia RSV Mille]], 1988–present [[Yamaha XV250]], 2001–present [[Yamaha DragStar 250]], 2015–present [[Indian Scout (motorcycle)#2015 Scout|Indian Scout]]
* 70 degrees: 1982–1983 [[Yamaha XZ 550]], 1988–1998 [[Suzuki RGV250]], 1987–2004 [[Yamaha Virago 535]], 1997–present [[Yamaha DragStar 650]]
* 72 degrees: 1974–1989 [[Moto Morini#Moto Morini 350 & 500 V-twins|Moto Morini 350 & 500 V-twins]] Voxan 1997–2010
* 75 degrees: 2005–present [[Hyosung GT250]], 2008–2015 [[KTM 1190 RC8]], 1981–2007 [[Yamaha Virago]], 1998–2008 [[Yamaha DragStar 1100]]
* 80 degrees: 1978–1983 [[Honda CX series]], [[Rotax|Rotax 810/660/490]] engines

Vehicles which use engines with V angles of greater than 90 degrees include the 1934 [[Moto Guzzi]] 500cc (120 degrees)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Motorcycle Classics {{!}} Exciting and evocative articles and photographs of the most brilliant, unusual and popular motorcycles ever made!|url=https://www.motorcycleclassics.com/classic-italian-motorcycles/moto-guzzi-bicilindrica-history-zmcz13sozbea/|access-date=2021-06-07|website=motorcycleclassics.com|date=5 August 2013 |language=en-US}}</ref> and the 1940–1948 [[Zündapp KS 750]] (170 degrees).<ref>{{cite book |title=The Art of BMW: 85 Years of Motorcycling Excellence|first1= Peter |last1=Gantriis |first2=Henry |last2=Von Wartenberg |publisher=MotorBooks International |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-76033-315-0 |page=80|quote= The Zundapp (sic) was powered by an air-cooled 170-degree V-twin that was very similar in design that was very similar in design to the BMW boxer twins}}</ref>

==Motorcycles==
{{See also|List of motorcycles by type of engine#V-twin}}

As per other motor vehicles, the terms [[longitudinal engine]] and [[transverse engine]] are most often used to refer to the crankshaft orientation relative to the frame.<ref name="Cossalter">{{cite book
| title = Motorcycle Dynamics
| edition = Second
| last = Cossalter
| first = Vittore
| year = 2006
| publisher = Lulu.com
| isbn = 978-1-4303-0861-4
| pages = 291–294}}{{self-published source|date=January 2021}}</ref>{{self-published inline|date=February 2020}}<ref name="Foale">{{cite book
| title = Motorcycle Handling and Chassis Design: the art and science 
| url = https://archive.org/details/motorcyclehandli00foal
| url-access = limited
| edition = Second
| last = Foale
| first = Vittore
| year =2006
| publisher = Tony Foale
| isbn = 978-84-933286-3-4 
| pages = [https://archive.org/details/motorcyclehandli00foal/page/n344 11]–6}}</ref> However, some companies use the opposite terminology, stating that a "transverse" V-twin engine has the cylinders mounted on each side of the motorcycle (therefore with the crankshaft running in line with the frame) and that a "longitudinal" V-twin engine has the cylinders at the front and rear.<ref name="Combined">* {{Cite book |last1=Coombs |first1=Matthew |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=D0DhHAAACAAJ |title=Motorcycle Basics |last2=Haynes |first2=John |last3=Shoemark |first3=Pete |publisher=Haynes |year=2002 |isbn=978-1-85960-515-8 |edition=2nd |page=1•31 |quote=The transversely mounted &#91;cylinder&#93; V-twin, as used to good effect for many years by Moto Guzzi, slots easily into the frame, and has excellent cooling as both heads are stuck out into the wind.  It also provides the perfect set-up for using shaft drive. }}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
* {{Cite book |last=Holmstrom |first=Darwin |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VGrp5Pjsf4UC&pg=PA82 |title=The Complete Idiot's Guide to Motorcycles |publisher=Alpha Books |year=2001 |isbn=978-0-02-864258-1 |quote=Ducati's engines, which are longitudinal (they are positioned lengthwise in the frame) most obviously display the "L" configuration, but Moto Guzzi's engines, which are transverse (arranged croswise in the frame), are also at 90 degrees. }}
* {{Citation |title=New 2009 Moto Guzzi V7 Classic Honors Historic Roots |url=http://www.motoguzzi-us.com/servonline/news/dettaglio.asp?indice=271 |access-date=2009-04-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090528073549/http://www.motoguzzi-us.com/servonline/news/dettaglio.asp?indice=271 |publisher=Moto Guzzi Spa |quote=Just as importantly, the V7 became an instant technology trendsetter thanks to its innovative transverse, air-cooled V-twin engine with shaft drive. |ref=none |archive-date=May 28, 2009 }}
* {{Citation |title=Out of history, on to the road. |url=http://www.motoguzzi-us.com/servonline/news/dettaglio.asp?indice=271 |access-date=2009-04-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326002937/http://www.motoguzzi-us.com/Nuovi_modelli/breva1100/specifiche4.asp?pagina=spec&modello=breva1100&pag=4 |publisher=Moto Guzzi Spa |quote=We could, of course write a book about Moto Guzzi’s transverse V-Twin. |ref=none |archive-date=March 26, 2009 }}
* {{Cite book |last=Grubb |first=Jake |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aeMDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA82 |title=Popular Mechanics |date=March 1975 |publisher=Hearst Magazines |volume=143 |page=82 |chapter=Easy Riders Grand Touring Motorcycles for '75 |issn=0032-4558 |quote=Ducati 750 Sport with its clip-on handlebars and racing setup, is for those who want to do their touring stretched out prone!  Engine is a longitudinal V-twin. ..The unique 90∘longitudinal engine produces enormous low and mid-range torque...Moto Guzzi 850T...An 850-cc 90° transverse V-twin engine... |access-date=2009-04-29 |issue=3 }}</ref> The latter terminology is used by the Italian manufacturer Moto Guzzi.<ref>{{Citation |author-link=Susan Carpenter |first=Susan |last=Carpenter |title=Chaps aren't de rigueur, but a helmet, yes |work=ASK THROTTLE JOCKEY |url=http://www.latimes.com/classified/automotive/highway1/la-hyw-qa25jul25,1,2706840.story |quote=According to my source at Moto Guzzi Technical Services, "The Guzzi engine is a 90-degree 'L' twin, actually, because the cylinders are oriented at 90 degrees, instead of a typical V twin that has a smaller angle ( 60-degree, 77-degree, etc.). It is called 'transverse' because the engine is mounted with the crankshaft oriented front to back instead of left to right. Because of this you cannot run a chain or belt drive directly to the rear wheel like in most motorcycles. This is why you have a separate gearbox that bolts to the engine and transfers the power to the rear wheel via the drive shaft. This is how it is done on the Moto Guzzi and a BMW. |date=2007-07-25 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221081941/http://www.latimes.com/classified/automotive/highway1/la-hyw-qa25jul25,1,2706840.story |archive-date=2013-12-21 }}</ref>

To avoid such ambiguity, some people use descriptions of "transverse crankshaft engine", "longitudinal crankshaft engine",<ref name="Cossalter"/><ref name=Cocco>{{Citation |title=Motorcycle design and technology |first=Gaetano |last=Cocco |publisher=MotorBooks/MBI Publishing Company |year=2004 |isbn= 978-0-7603-1990-1 |pages=117 ff}}</ref> or "transversely mounted cylinders".<ref name=BMW>{{Citation |url=http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/pdfs/history/design_tech.pdf |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070927231254/http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/pdfs/history/design_tech.pdf |archive-date= September 27, 2007 |publisher= [[BMW Motorrad]] | title=Heritage/History: Design/Technology |quote= ...the boxer had three unique innovations that would remain throughout its years in development:The engine design included transversely mounted cylinders, which were cooled by exposure to the passing air.}}</ref>

===Transverse engine===
The most common arrangement is to mount the engine with the crankshaft oriented transversely to the frame. The advantage of this mounting is that the width of the motorcycle can be smaller than a longitudinally-mounted V-twin.<ref name="MDTCocco117">{{cite book| last = Cocco| first = Gaetano| title = Motorcycle Design and Technology| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=Ydk0bgq2_3YC| access-date = 2013-05-28| year = 2004| publisher = MotorBooks International| location= St. Paul, MN US| isbn = 0-7603-1990-1| page = 117| chapter = Chapter 11 The Engine| chapter-url = https://books.google.com/books?id=Ydk0bgq2_3YC&pg=PA113| quote = In some construction layouts the transverse width is the same as a single-cylinder engine, which allows very narrow frames and bodywork with small frontal areas.| ref = MDTCocco| url-status = live| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150205231651/http://books.google.com.jm/books?id=Ydk0bgq2_3YC&source=gbs_navlinks_s| archive-date = 2015-02-05}}</ref> A disadvantage of this configuration for air-cooled engines is that the two cylinders receive different air-flows and cooling of the rear cylinder tends to be restricted<ref name="CWMay2005Service160">{{cite journal | last1 =Dean | first1 =Paul | editor-last =Edwards | editor-first =David | date =May 2005 | title =Service: Oil miser | journal =[[Cycle World]] | volume =44 | issue =5 | page =160 | location =[[Newport Beach, California|Newport Beach]], CA US | publisher =Hachette Filipacchi Media | issn =0011-4286 | access-date =2013-05-26 | url =https://books.google.com/books?id=E86bEyC7DzoC&q=V-twin+%22rear+cylinder%22+cooling&pg=RA5-PA60 | quote =An air-cooled big-bore V-twin in particular can get very hot, especially the rear cylinder, which is not exposed to as much cooling air as the front. | url-status =live | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20140415094643/http://books.google.com.jm/books?id=E86bEyC7DzoC&pg=RA5-PA60&dq=V-twin+%22rear+cylinder%22+cooling&hl=en&sa=X&ei=GlKiUY6UN43S9gSkoYCgBg&ved=0CCoQ6AEwADgo#v=onepage&q=V-twin%20%22rear%20cylinder%22%20cooling&f=false | archive-date =2014-04-15 }}</ref> (although the uneven cooling isn't as pronounced as a parallel-twin engine, where the inner faces of the cylinders are not exposed to any airflow). Some transverse V-twins use a single carburettor in the middle of the V-angle to feed both cylinders. While this avoids the need for two carburettors, it creates further cooling problems for the rear cylinder by placing its hot exhaust port and pipe at the back of the cylinder, where it may be exposed to less cooling airflow.

Transverse V-twin engines have been used by [[Harley-Davidson]], [[Ducati]] and many recent Japanese motorcycles, such as the [[Suzuki SV650]]. Some Ducati V-twin engines have been marketed as "L-twin" engines, due to the front cylinder being horizontal and the rear cylinder being vertical, thus forming an "L" shape.

<gallery mode="packed" ;="" heights="150px">
File:Princeps V-Twin Motorcycle 1902.jpg |1902 Princeps V-Twin {{nobr|(air-cooled)}}
File:Sokol 995 cc zijklep v-twin.jpg |1933–1939 [[Sokół 1000]] {{nobr|(air-cooled)}}
File:Ducati Monster 620 Dark.jpg|2002 [[Ducati Monster|Ducati Monster 620]] {{nobr|(air-cooled)}}
File:Honda VTR250 2009 Engine Radiator.JPG|2009 [[Honda VTR250]] {{nobr|(water-cooled)}}
</gallery>
{{clear right}}

===Longitudinal engine===
A less common arrangement is to mount the engine longitudinally. An advantage of this arrangement is that both cylinder heads can protrude into the air stream, so they can each receive the same amount of cooling (for air-cooled engines).<ref name=Coombs>{{Citation |last1=Coombs |first1=Matthew |last2=Haynes |first2=John |last3=Shoemark |first3=Pete |title=Motorcycle Basics |edition=2nd |publisher=Haynes |year=2002 |page=1•31 |isbn=978-1-85960-515-8 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=D0DhHAAACAAJ }}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Also, the transmission being located behind the engine is easier to fit within a typical motorcycle frame and, for shaft-drive motorcycles, a 90° [[bevel gear]] is not needed at the start of the driveshaft.

As per all longitudinal engines, a disadvantage is that the torque reaction will twist the motorcycle to one side (such as on sharp acceleration/deceleration or when opening the throttle in neutral) instead of shifting the weight balance between the front and rear wheels. However, many modern motorcycles reduce this effect by rotating flywheels or [[alternator (automotive)|alternator]]s in the opposite direction to that of the crankshaft.<ref name="MotoCruiserApr2000">{{cite web| url = http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadtests/sport_cruisers_comparison/index.html| title= Sport Cruisers Comparison - Seven Sport-Cruiser Motorcycles| first1= Art| last1= Friedman| first2= Andrew| last2= Trevitt| first3= Andrew| last3= Cherney| first4= Jamie| last4= Elvidge| first5= Evans| last5= Brasfield|date=April 2000| work= Motorcycle Cruiser| publisher= Source Interlink Media| at= "Take a Spin" section, paragraph 4| access-date= 2010-09-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100502180324/http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadtests/sport_cruisers_comparison/index.html |archive-date=2010-05-02|url-status=live| quote= Though the Valkyrie also has a longitudinal crankshaft, this torque reaction has been eliminated by making some of the components, such as the alternator, spin the opposite direction of the engine.}}</ref><ref name="TamingTheBeast">{{cite web| url = http://www.breganzane.com/vm/history/v6/page3.html| title= Developing the V6 - Taming The Beast| first= Stephen | last= Battisson | year= 1997| work= The Laverda V6| publisher= Stephen Battisson| page= 3| access-date= 2010-09-10| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20110708092245/http://www.breganzane.com/vm/history/v6/page3.html | archive-date =2011-07-08 | url-status = dead| quote= By arranging the rest of the engine internals to rotate in the opposite direction to the crankshaft their forces are cancelled out without having to resort to the weight, complexity and friction associated with two crankshafts.}}</ref>

Longitudinal V-twin engines have been used by the [[Honda CX series]] and several [[Moto Guzzi]] motorcycles.

<gallery mode="packed" heights="200px">
File:Honda Longitudinal V-twin.JPG |1978–1983 [[Honda CX series|Honda GL500 Silver wing]] {{nobr|80° V-twin}}
File:Moto Guzzi V-twin.JPG |2000 [[Moto Guzzi#2000–2004 – Aprilia years|Moto Guzzi Jackal]] {{nobr|90° V-twin}}
</gallery>
{{Clear}}

==Automobiles==
Most cars are powered by engines with three or more cylinders, however several small cars have been produced with V-twin engines particularly during the period from 1912 to 1920 when [[cyclecar]]s were made by many companies (due to a favourable tax position). Almost all of these used proprietary engines, either adapting the larger motorcycle engines used for sidecar work (large singles or V-twins), or using engines specifically made for cyclecars such as those made by [[J. A. Prestwich Industries]] ('J.A.P.' engines) or [[F. E. Baker Ltd]] ('Precision' engines).

In 1912, Humber produced a light car called the Humberette with a Humber-made V-twin side-valve engine of 998cc. The engine had a directly attached clutch, 3-speed gearbox and prop shaft output to a rear differential. A water cooled version of this engine was made available in 1914, but WW1 ended Humberette production in 1915.<ref>{{cite magazine |last= |first= |date=26 October 1912 |title=The Humberette |url= |magazine=The Auto Motor Journal |publisher= |page=1244}}</ref>

From 1911 to 1939, various [[Morgan Motor Company#V-Twin three-wheelers (1911–1939)|Morgan 3-wheelers]] three-wheeled [[cyclecar]] models were powered by V-twin engines. Production of three-wheeler models then resumed with the 2012–present [[Morgan 3-Wheeler]]. Also in the United Kingdom, [[Birmingham Small Arms Company]] (BSA) produced several cars powered by their V-twin motorcycle engines. These were produced from 1921 to 1926 (four-wheel models) and 1929–1936 (three-wheel and four-wheel models).<ref>{{cite book | title= Three Wheelers - Those were the days | first= Malcolm | last= Bobbitt | publisher= Veloce Publishing Ltd | year= 2004 | page= 16 | isbn= 978-1-903706-81-7}}</ref>

Several manufacturers have produced models inspired by the original Morgan three-wheeled car, such as the 1978–present [[Triking|Triking Cyclecar]] (using a Moto Guzzi engine),<ref>{{cite web| title = Triking| url = http://www.3wheelers.com/triking.html| work = 3wheelers.com| access-date = 2010-08-21| url-status = live| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101005102736/http://3wheelers.com/triking.html| archive-date = 2010-10-05}}</ref> the 2006–present Ace Cycle Car (using a Harley-Davidson engine)<ref>{{cite web| title = Ace Cycle Car| url = http://www.cycle-car.com| access-date = 2008-11-27| url-status = live| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081210235648/http://cycle-car.com/| archive-date = 2008-12-10}}</ref> and the 1990–present [[JZR Trikes]] kit car (using engines from several manufacturers).<ref>{{cite web| title = JZR Vehicles| url = http://www.3wheelers.com/jzr.html| work = 3wheelers.com| access-date = 2010-09-10| url-status = live| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101005101746/http://3wheelers.com/jzr.html| archive-date = 2010-10-05}}</ref>

Mazda's first car, the 1960–1966 [[Mazda R360]] rear-engined [[kei car]], was powered by the {{convert|356|cc|cuin|1|abbr=on}} [[Mazda V-twin engine]].<ref>{{cite web| last = Adolphus | first = David Traver | title = Hemmings Motor News: 1964 Mazda R360| url = http://www.hemmings.com/hsx/stories/2007/07/01/hmn_feature20.html| work = Hemmings Motor News| access-date = 2010-08-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120711063354/http://www.hemmings.com/hsx/stories/2007/07/01/hmn_feature20.html|archive-date=2012-07-11|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title = 1962 Mazda R-360 Coupe "De Luxe"| url = http://microcarmuseum.com/tour/mazda-r360.html| work = The Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum| access-date = 2010-08-21| url-status = live| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100924173219/http://microcarmuseum.com/tour/mazda-r360.html| archive-date = 2010-09-24}}</ref> The 1961–1962 [[Mazda Porter#B360/B600|Mazda B360]] front-engined light commercial vehicle used a {{convert|577|cc|cuin|1|abbr=on}} version of this engine.

<gallery mode="packed" ;="" heights="180px">
File:HumberetteVtwin1912.jpg|V-Twin Humber engine used in the 1912 Humberette
File:1934 Morgan Super Sports.jpg |1934 [[Morgan Motor Company|Morgan]] Super Sports (using a [[J. A. Prestwich Industries|JAP]] engine)
File:Mazda R360 Coupe V-twin engine 003.JPG |1960–1966 [[Mazda R360]] engine
</gallery>

==Industrial engines==
[[File:Briggs & Stratton Industrial V-Twin Accessory End View.jpg|thumb|A [[Briggs & Stratton]] 90° industrial engine (seen from the accessory end)]]

Various V-twin engines have been produced for industrial uses such as pressure washers, lawn and garden tractors, tillers, generators and water pumps. The engines are usually air-cooled with a 90° V angle. Depending on the application, the engine's orientation can have either a horizontal or vertical crankshaft.

Manufacturers of commercial V-twin engines include [[Briggs & Stratton]] with its Vanguard, Professional and Intek V-twin series,<ref>{{cite web| title = Briggs & Stratton Riding Mower Engines| url = http://www.briggsandstratton.com/engines/riding-mower/| access-date = 2011-04-21| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110426130422/http://www.briggsandstratton.com/engines/riding-mower/| archive-date = 2011-04-26}}</ref> [[Honda]] with its V-twin series engines,<ref>{{cite web | title = Honda V-TWIN SERIES ENGINES | url = http://engines.honda.com/models/series/v-twin | access-date = 2011-04-21 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110722090313/http://engines.honda.com/models/series/v-twin | archive-date = 2011-07-22 }}</ref> [[Kawasaki Heavy Industries|Kawasaki]] with its FD, FH, FR, FS, and FX series,<ref>{{cite web | title = Kawasaki ENGINE SERIES | url = http://www.kawpowr.com/engines/type.aspx?shaft=0 | access-date = 2011-04-21 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110423090518/http://www.kawpowr.com/engines/type.aspx?shaft=0 | archive-date = 2011-04-23 }}</ref> [[Subaru]] with its EH series,<ref>{{cite web|title = Subaru Robin | url = http://robinamerica.com/engines.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129050447/http://robinamerica.com/engines.aspx |archive-date=2010-11-29|url-status=live| access-date = 2011-04-21}}</ref> [[Tecumseh Products|Tecumseh]] with its OV691EA and TVT691 engines,<ref>{{cite web| title = Tecumseh Power| url = http://www.tecumsehpower.com/CustomerService/ServiceEnginesandAccessories.pdf| access-date = 2011-04-21| url-status = live| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110716202231/http://www.tecumsehpower.com/CustomerService/ServiceEnginesandAccessories.pdf| archive-date = 2011-07-16}}</ref> and [[Kohler Company|Kohler]].<ref>{{cite web| title = Kohler Engines| url = http://www.kohlerengines.com/onlinecatalog/productMatrix.htm| access-date = 2011-04-21| url-status = live| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110424113014/http://www.kohlerengines.com/onlinecatalog/productMatrix.htm| archive-date = 2011-04-24}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Flat-twin engine]]
* [[List of motorcycles by type of engine]]
* [[Motorcycle engine]]
* [[Straight-twin engine]]
{{clear right}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Piston engine configurations}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:V-Twin Engine}}
[[Category:V-twin engines| ]]
[[Category:V engines|2]]

[[de:V-Motor]]