
Question: Do two-strokes engines work better when they run leaded gas? And if so, why? TYLER CAREY CYCLEWORLD.COM Answer: All spark-ignition gasoline engines are limited in the compression ratio they can use by the onset of engine knock, or detonation. In racing, it has for 80 years been normal...
Question: Why do we use a given valve in a four-stroke engine as either an intake or exhaust valve? Why not use a valve for both intake and exhaust, then add some sort of switch to channel the gasses in the direction of either the intake or exhaust tract? Jeffrey Haasch Kirkland, Washington...
QUESTION: Why do air-cooled motors generate more emissions than water-cooled ones? Why can't they just engineer cooler and cleaner air-cooled engines to meet the new emissions regulations? Silas B. Laubmann Atlanta, GA ANSWER: Differences between air- and water-cooled engines have been with us a...
QUESTION: Ride by wire is a de facto part of modern motorcycling. Bravissimo. With multi-mode fueling maps, traction control, six-axis stability control, we now have safer, more reliable motorcycles. I'm all for that. My question is about sensor durability. I presume much of what we enjoy...
Delphi's ionized current-sensing ignition subsystem uses conventional spark plugs as "in- cylinder" sensors for combustion quality. A few weeks ago, a reader wrote in to ask about the use of detonation detectors on motorcycle engines. I wrote then about the microphone and accelerometer types of...
2016 heralds a new era for MotoGP. Two major changes take place to the technical regulations: Michelin replaces Bridgestone as the official tire supplier (for more background on that, see the interview we did at Brno with Michelin boss Piero Taramasso), and everyone will be forced to switch to...
When unveiled the Scout at Sturgis last month, it sent ripples through the motorcycle world. How would it compare with other cruisers in its class? What exactly were the other cruisers in its class? Obviously, Indian is hoping to improve its bona fides by taking on that other American brand's...