After saving up for your dream motorcycle and you are ready to purchase it, the first thing that you should probably ask yourself is, how does a motorcycle engine work? A motorcycle has two types of engines that work differently.
How a Motorcycle Two-Stroke Engine Functions
A two-stroke engine of a motorcycle operates using piston movements. During the upward movent of a piston, the inlet valve opens while the exhaust valve closes. The air is let in and mixes with fuel and oil mixture in the combustion chamber (cylinder).
Oil mixes with the fuel to help lubricate the crankcase. As the piston reaches the top, the spark plug fires, and combustion occurs. The downward movement of the piston opens the exhaust valve and closes the inlet valve.
Afterward, the burnt gas is flushed out through the exhaust valve, and a new compression stroke follows. Essentially, one complete cycle in a two-stroke engine requires two piston strokes and one complete crankshaft revolution.
How a Motorcycle Four Stroke Engine Functions
A piston must complete four different strokes and two crankshaft revolutions for a complete cycle in a four-stroke motorcycle engine. When the piston moves downward, it reduces pressure in the cylinder and generates the power to move the crankcase. The intake valve then draws air and fuel into the cylinder.
The intake valve then closes as the piston moves upwards, compressing the mixture, and the spark ignites the fuel and air. After the combustion occurs, the piston is forced down. Finally, the piston goes up again, opening the exhaust valve and pushing out the combustion gases.
Understand how your motorcycle engine works
It is essential to understand how your motorcycle engine works to understand how you can maximize fuel efficiency while also minimizing wear and tear. It will also help you handle the basic maintenance and pinpoint the problems that might occur.
