@@xnihilo1044 if your present wife was your previous GF, then the only downside is the added cost of maintenance. Can teoritically be replaced but could be more expensive to do so and goes very rough as you kept your balace check for the added bonus you wish to set aside. (Please read this with ryan voice in your head)
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
Yes, your legs will be nicely intact. And easy to shovel into the black bag. Because the rest of you was pulverized. You really thought you could outrun the last and Ultimate of the V8 Interceptors, did ya Toe Cutter?
Best scene in a movie ever. And that's whether you're a car nut, a motorcycle nut, or just an adrenaline fueled gearhead who likes it all. "She sucks nitro!" "600 horsepower through the wheels!" "The Blower man, the Blower!" Yes, you can hear the engine in your head. You're welcomed!
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 was just about to say that* 🙄 Looks like quite a lot of us agree with you too Hey! If FortNine does request wonder if there's any chance of the new superclean 2Strokes getting covered?
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!
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 . . .
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.
Few channels on UA-cam 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've got the Boxer 6 in my 2014 Goldwing Valkyrie and the V 4 in my 2010 ST 1300. I feel like I've got near the best of it With silky smoothness with the Valkyrie and power and handling with the ST 1300. my Valk is used on weekends and the ST is my everyday commuter here in Santa Cruz , the Central coast of California . I do mean EVERYDAY ! If it rains, I use a rain suit and put down 300 a week Monday through Friday. I don't have a car to commute with. Both get around 44 - 46 MPG. Riding since 1978 and I'll be 70 at the end of this month !
100 % with you , from RSA JHB I rode my Bonnie to work loads , our summer's where WET . Morning's Wet ! Ride home Wet but Loved every min. of it . 69 yrs at the moe miss that bike😢❤
In college in the 70s I didn’t have a car, just my Kawasaki Z1. Rode year around through South Dakota winters. Have probably ridden 10k miles on snow and ice.
I used to ride my CB750K every day, rain or shine, in the Fairfield area. Well, unless I was in the hospital getting my teeth pulled! When you have nothing else to drive, it makes it a lot easier to get on 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.
Six cylinders are ticket machines! I had a straight six beemer for a while and there was zero haptic feedback that I was breaking the speed limit. Side note: this excuse doesn't hold up with police officers. ~RF9
I have owned two BMW K1600 GT’s (currently on my second one) and they are unbelievable engines with turbine like smoothness and phenomenal torque bands packaged in an incredible chassis. Feel like Ryan could have noted this… That there is a modern straight six that is an incredible experience to ride. Expensive though!!
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.
Except he never men😢tioned the motor used by the most winning racer in history, the cross plane crank inline 4 of Valentino Rossi's Yamaha. That's unexceptable to not even mention it. The most unique motor there is.
Might be the best video i've ever seen on UA-cam... Entertaining, educational, and I feel like my knowledge of Physics, Maths, Engineering, and Economics have all been elevated immensely in 15 minutes. Bravo sir.
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 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.
True. My first new bike was a Honda 350four. Ran harder than any 350 at the time (72ish), light and nimble, very smooth. I have a 270 twin now, the one he didn't explain. It's seems very smooth but not like an inline 4 cyl.
The torque of a powerful V-twin is personally my favorite, but riding my friends S1000RR was just so obscenely smooth while overtaking at 250kmh+. No effort at all to get to that speed, and feels like your gliding through the air. I think the perfect pairing would be a V-twin for street and city riding, and an I4 for the country roads and race tracks.
The only 1 cylinder I personally owned and liked was a 2 stroke, 4stroke singles sound like a single cyl lawn mower. I've had 2,3,and 4 cyl.also. I like the power pulses of a twin best. My 4's were likable with load exhausts. My 3 cylinder was a rocket 3 2300cc it with a more open exhaust sounds a bit like a diesel. I have a youtube on that .
I have both 4 line 600cc yamaha fz6 and KTM 350cc 4 strone 1 cylinder. I love how different they are and how 4 line is the beast on street and KTM off road. Each type has its own destiny.
If anyone has never ridden a 4-cylinder in-line motorcycle, I advise it, it was one of the most memorable experiences I've had in my life, a childhood dream when I heard people passing by me and was already fascinated by the sound. The first time I accelerated my first 4-cylinder motorcycle, a 2012 Kawasaki Zx6R, I literally cried with emotion, when I reached 200km/h on a highway for the first time, I laughed and cried at the same time. What a wonderful feeling!
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.
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.
You know when you stumble upon a channell and you get that feeling in your bones that you will never not have this channel In your life . His voice His editing His delivery His knowledge All amazing
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.
I've watched this several times, but I've never noticed the shockwave in the grass behind the bike at 11:30 until now. I think I was awed by the sound.
many thanks but you forget to add the Whorespower reference at 8:37 Have I been mispronouncing it wrong my whole life🤔😓 Love FortNine's humor along with real knowledge
Yes, but who was the Ryan Impersonator in the last video? I was afraid that Ryan had sold the channel and that the April 1 Cheese and Wine video was not just an April Fool's joke, but was actaully a warning. Glad to see Ryan back in front of the camera.
@@bobirwin1028 The channel is doing really well. Eventually all businesses need to expand. New talent lets Ryan focus on other stuff and results in more videos for us all. I think that guy did a fine job. I'm sure the signature humor of Ryan will eventually rub off on the new guy or reflect on the script. No one is perfect right off the bat though. Looking forward to a bright Fortnine future ✊️
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.
I completely agree. My second motorcycle is a VFR800F. It feels like a mistake striking gold so soon. Last year I did 13 testrides on all kinds of engines shown here. None came close to the V4 feeling, perhaps maybe the CP4. But that feels so wide.
Yeah it’s width really didn’t bother me, but I could see how it would for some people. I personally like their boxer engines the most because of the lower center of gravity and those things are ridiculously wide haha.
I found this very informative. Thank you for putting this information in a very well presented, funny, easy to understand, free, video format way. Really appreciate the subtle examples. Must say I cannot find anyone who does what you do. You are adored and precious.
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 😅
Ryan saying triples are full of vibration is funny to me given how many owners of Triumph Tigers (myself included) say it's the smoothest engine and motorcycle they've ever ridden....
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 ❤️
@@FortNine Can't offer to go to Canada, but if you ever find yourself on the east side of the States wanting to make the Magna half of that video, let me know...
I don't comment on a lot of videos. I'm into bikes and I watch a lot of videos. This is some content I'd want my children to watch growing up, when I have children. This is amazing.
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 don’t LIKE the sound of a Formula 1 engine and I never have. Idling is bad enough, but at max revs, I’d rather have a beehive in my helmet! The idea that 7,000rpm is SLOW is the most ludicrous nonsense I’ve ever heard! The Vincent V-twins managed to achieve 120-150mph (depending on which one you’re on) at 6,000rpm in top gear. I don’t care whether it’s a car or a motorcycle, screaming engines are just bloody annoying. Like a mosquito in your ear at night.
@@BigAl53750 7000 rpm is kinda slow though these days. Nothing is making serious power with a redline like that unless its got a lot of displacement but then you end up with a bulky 200 pound engine which also sucks. Even the yamaha vmax where they didnt give a shit and gave it a 240 pound 1.7 liter revs to like 10.
"boxers are dumb." 😂 As a lover of my R75/6, i thought, "AW! Come on!!" Still, I always look forward to the next FortNine video. Thanks for the well-distilled info and the laughs!
In so many ways motorcycles are the poor man's aeroplane. Cheaper to acquire, own and maintain but still fulfills that open-air wind in your face head in the clouds experience. So it's quite fitting that BMW uses this type IMHO.
He misses the point of why you want a boxer in your motorcycle: Heat management. You put those two pistons out into the wind and the engine can cool itself much better unlike most the other designs.
Boxers are dumb. Sport is more than hitting the other guy in the head. Sweet science? Bah, it's not sweet and it's not science. It's punching till one guy passes out. Also boxers end up dumb from the constant head beating, causing brain damage. Oh wait... did you mean the engines?
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.
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! 👏👏👏
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.
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!
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.
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.
Another voice in support of the K16 inline six, I also have two of those bikes. And also have an MST-R, which is probably the most engaging bike I've ever owned.
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.
The CP3 is a masterpiece. Hooligans who want spontaneous speed think they want in-line 4’s because they’re race track fast, but on the street they require a couple downshifts which create a delay that sucks away satisfaction. They’re a thrilling engine architecture but not a playful one. The CP3 by contrast acts like an already spooled up in-line 4 at every rpm. It just wants to go and lets you be an impulsive idiot and romp around having the absolute most fun possible at any given moment. If instant gratification is a drug then the CP3 is dealing the good stuff. It might not be perfect or the most impressive on a spec sheet but it’s the most fun engine I’ve come across on two wheels.
Had a K75RT BMW and it was smooth as hell and lasted forever with only routine maint. Sold it to a buddy and he also rode the hell out of it and it is still going, with over 200k on the clock. Found that it was not that uncommon to see one of these make 500k before needing any major repairs. Yes I screwed up by letting it go.
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.
Carlo Guzzi built the "ducati" L-shaped 90 deg V engine in the 50s, far before Ducati. Also he built a 8cylinders engine for racing, the fastest for that era (1955), on a bike named, iconicaly, V8 .
The one on the mondello? I almost bought that bike but there was something really off about the engine that I just really hated. I've ridden bikes for 2 decades, and have always driven manual cars.. I havent stalled any vehicle for years, but I stalled that thing 4 times on the (admitedly long) test ride I took it for. The gear box was really clunky too, so I ended up not going for it even though I went into it with my heart really set on it. Absolutely gorgeous machine, but.. well like I said, something about it was just off
@@Airtroops83 are you talking about the V100 Mandello (2022)? I don't know, never tried it. To be honest I do love old bikes, the new ones are just a little bit to BMW designed properly. My little custom is 41 years old and never gave me a problem. Don't have much experience with recent models, but as said, I like old bikes.
Ultra-impressive video production, fantastic speech cadence keeping people engaged, threw some jokes in there, and, my personal favorite, "Whorespower" LMFAO. You're the man and you make it so easy to keep up with the new tech brother, thank you. Hope you're well!
I ride a shadow 600 which is a notoriously rumbly V-Twin bike. Its small HP and 4 gear setup makes it shake like a paint shaker between 120-140 km/h and then it smoothes out once it tops off at 150. Absolutely bizarre ride but it has a really ramshackle vintage feel that you dont get much on Hondas because they tend to be so smoothly built. Makes long distance riding feel like a workout which you will either like or hate depending on how modern and smooth you like your bike to feel.
I used to own yamaha mt03 660 single cylinder, that thing sounded like a jackhammer and sure felt like one too, I was getting numb butt on any ride longer than 1 hour
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!
Also like the single behave and sound. Love mine bmw 650 bang bang bang on a secondary type of road on the mountain scenery. But pain in the left hand because of cluch is also what need to be liked ;D
Having owned singles and small twins, I have to say that’s also a benefit to the parallel twin in small engine applications, and it’s easier to get a small twin to rev higher allowing it to make good power for its size…but only high up in the rev range. So singles are great for torque in a small application and twins are good for HP.
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.
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.
I currently have two boxers (R1200GSA and Valkyrie) and a ‘99 VFR, but have owned many others. Even aside from the delicious gear driven cam noise, the VFR has the smoothest, best engine on any bike I’ve ever had. Great video!
@@knotsable I haven't owned that many motorcycles but my 2000 VFR became jealous when I did so it ended in a bitter divorce... which I regret to this day. One day, I'll get another VFR.
@@greatestytcommentator VFRs have been criminally underpriced and under-appreciated so there is room to grow. Bought mine in 2017 for $3000 and sold it 5 years later with en extra 30K on the odometer for $3500.
Ryan never fails to impress. It's one thing to have a superb and intimate knowledge of engineering, but it's a gift to be able to put it across so simply and engrossingly to the layman. A paragon of peripatetic pedagogy.
A paragon of peripatetic pedagogy? Whoa there big fella. Here I thought that I was bad for overindulging in a stew of words that the vast majority people far too often are going to need a dictionary, a thesaurus, and someone with a masters degree in the English language on standby so that they have a clue as to what I'm talking about. I have apparently been outdone and not just by the slimmest of margins either. Congratulations might be in order if I cared about such things but I'm one layman that is just going to go back to browsing UA-cam entries about motorcycles instead. Now I'm practically guilty of verbal diarrhoea myself so I had best resist any further commentary myself.
I'm so happy with my vfr750 rc36 II In my opinion the best oldschool v4 money can buy, no extra electronics, a gear driven cam and just a indestructible. Half way the video I thought you wouldn't address the v4 but you nailed it watching the end. Keep up the great content, I like watching Fortnine the same as when I was younger and raced home on my bicycle to watch top gear or dragonball z. Thanks!
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.
It introduces a nasty thing called angular momentum to the equation without really solving anything but the space issue. Transverse Vs like to turn one way more than the other and want to lean left or right under power and braking.
As do Beemers. I had one of the little 650s and it was a pig to ride in heavy traffic. Blipping the throttle whilst lane splitting was an unmitigated disaster.
I had to stop at 12:20 to write this. Your expressions are priceless 😂 - "...that turns into a ROAD CRAYON at 30 degrees of lean." That is hilarious. "Road crayon." I keep thinking of my R1150RS. I was always afraid I might scuff up a cylinder head while knee dragging. Your writing is fantasic. It always impresses - from smiles to raised eyebrows.
I have a 1250 GSA and I've never come close to scraping. If I'm leaning that far, I'm probably falling over. Not everyone is trying to get into a yoga pose and drag knee around the track. For me, it's the right combination of power and torque. Love my GSA
As always a great video ! Moto Guzzi - putting the v twin sideways solves the length problem and the cornering problem - still not a V4 but lots of practical benefits . BMW's twin cylinder with essentially another conrod and a weighted arm solves some of the vibration problems ( sort of ) . Another great video would be how manufacturers specifically solve some of those problems or arrange them in such a way that they make a good motortcycle
@@varmastiko2908plus they look gorgeous and you can access the valves super easily. Honda’s CX and silverwings were really neat too for the same reason. I’m thinking about getting a breva 750 or a cheap CX if I can find one, very cool bikes.
Quite possibly the best vid you guys ever produced! But, there are 50 more that take a close 2nd place! Clever, intelligent, and always entertaining! Nice work, Ryan...and cheers to the talent behind the scenes humans.
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.
I don't ride one, but do ride with guys that own them. They bang corners pretty good all day. Plenty enough clearance for robust riding, no doubt. - Cheers
I have owned my '01 VFR for a year now. They are not unobtanium (I bought mine for $2700 in late 2023), but I will never sell it. I have tried all sorts of bikes, and this is the one that literally "does it all" and never disappoints me when riding. Great to go for a quick blast on some back roads, then cruise a few hundred miles, do a track day, and go home. Doesn't fall on its face in any of those tasks... Once the pesky old R/R is updated (and stator re-wired if needed), they are very solid bikes that are properly engineered to last for a very long time. You should review a 5th gen VFR if you get the chance, you'll be shocked how good they are for the money.
Nobody I know on the web can explain such a complicated subject making it actually enjoyable listening and uses humour to help understanding and even memory of such facts which would otherwise be boring to the average person. Awesome work Ryan! If people were engines, Ryan would be a V4 with inline 6 perfection! Lol
I agree. I much prefer the 98-01 for the riding experience. Smother power delivery, gear driven cams, and no electronics to get in the way. I thought the fuel economy was pretty good. I got 40mpg while cruising 90mph with saddle bags, top case, and large duffel bag.
@@TimberTrainer I've heard from a lot of people they were getting in the 40s but I was always getting low 30s. I'm pretty damn big though. I was 250lbs back then.
@@hondaguy9153 That makes sense. I was also laying on the tank most of the time, and that was all on the highway. Unfortunately, I'm selling that bike.
@@TimberTrainer I laid mine down twice. Didn't want to risk a 3rd. Got rid of it 13 years ago. 😔 First time was my fault, second time someone cut me off. I *almost* kept it up but no luck.
Owned VFR800 (V4), Goldwing and Valkyrie (boxer 6) and leaned all to edge of tire without scrape. Leaning further than that reduces traction/contact patch and indicates lack of riding skill/knowledge. Thank you for the excellent vid!
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.
No, thank you for once again making us feel better with a very interesting video and a brilliant pov of a good subject, and for making me to be even prouder of my VFR!❤😅
I actually kinda love the low thump thump of a single, it's the sound of an engine distilled to it's purest and most essential form, of something that will keep on running forever
This video is extremely well put together Easy to understand Entertaining Well paced Great visuals For someone who doesn't know all that much about motorcycles it helped bridge that gap to deliver the concise information
How to make science and engineering fun! As always Ryan hits every nail on the head!! If I wanted to be picky with the details (AND YES I KNOW Ryan said he couldn't cover all bikes!) I was surprised there was no mention of 2 stroke engines! Perhaps that will be in "The Pros and Cons of EVERY Motorcycle Engine Type (Part 2). PS. Great to have you back Ryan! All the Best From Down Under in Australia!
The V four in my 1998 VFR was magical. Good power from 4-12 K. Best sounding bike ever and I did plenty of very comfortable sport touring in western Canada/US. My overall favourite sport touring bike was my 2010 BMW 1200 RT. Everything you need and nothing you don't need.
@@Brgnalf81 on the old Airheads you scraped the pegs first at a pretty solid 45 degree angle (unless you modified the suspension) but you look at monstrosities like the R18 and wonder what the hell BMW were thinking... I love my big boxer though, the old racers I've met on my journey would showcase their scraped valve covers as a badge of pride and always had some wild stories.
@@thomasxl200 Yeah, the R18 has basically no lean angle. But even my R1200C will lean SOME ... not like a sports bike assuredly, but enough to outcorner any other typical cruiser or standard around.
I have had a lot of bikes over the years. My 1998 Honda Magna has been my favourite bike. Smooth torque, power to pass a semi in seconds with a downshift. Perfection.
I bought a 96 magna for a song because the dude had done some nasty things to the wiring while bobbing it. Barely got it home, but after two weeks of chasing an absurd amount of gremlins out of the harness and fitting it with a nice shiny gremlin bell, I took it out for a test run to find that id stumbled upon a fucking unicorn. I'd never even heard of a V45 engine, and I had no clue what the guy had when I bought it. I absolutely robbed him :)
Inline triples with balancers with 120 degree crank are effectively the same as inline 6, there is just a little extra weight, so you lose 2-3% power. Triples are by and far excellent engines because the cylinders are smaller than twins ,on average- and it revs quicker and more readily. It has far less vibration than any twin out there (even boxers), when mounted transverse- they almost never have heating issues. Essentially- the Pros of triples are: 1: Great power to weight, and have a great balance of power across the entire rev range, making them excellent daily riders and multi-platform engines 2: Reliable power while being relatively compact 3: Not super buzzy high in the range, way smother than any 2 banger 4: Can actually get higher compression ratios more easily than v4 or twins, making them a bit cheaper to achieve similar power output Cons: 1: Tend to be a bit on the tall side- so for sportier bikes the only mounting option is transverse and tilted forward- which makes the bikes just slightly more front heavy 2: Not QUITE as smooth on power delivery as a v4 3: With more money and enough research- v4s can reliably put out more power with less displacement
Highly desiring a follow-up to this one. Rotary, opposed 6, V8, centrifugal jet, axial flow jet, V5, V6, and pros and cons of transverse mounting. Great video.
@@volkardlokisson6292 I've had a V65 Magna and a CTX1300 Deluxe and, honestly, I agree with FortNine on this one. However, I have ridden the latest iteration of the Valkyrie and the previous gen of Goldwing. I think the flat 6 is, without a doubt, the best touring motor on the planet. Everything else should have a V4.
@@tkhawkeye that's a fair assessment. Given that I'm a veteran with more injuries than I care to think about (but am constantly reminded of, especially when it gets cold out) the flat 6 was made for me. Lol
The only guy who can explain mechanical engineering like a social relationship.
Agreed.
Just wish I could tell The Wife what I'm thinking compared to previous GFs.
No way in hell I'm going down that road.
@@xnihilo1044 if your present wife was your previous GF, then the only downside is the added cost of maintenance. Can teoritically be replaced but could be more expensive to do so and goes very rough as you kept your balace check for the added bonus you wish to set aside.
(Please read this with ryan voice in your head)
Is there anyone explaining social relations like mechanical engineering? Might be useful for ... A friend
I think we're still very far away from mechanical engineering here.
For real. I wish this kid was in my engineering study group 20 years ago.,
15 mins of FortNine is all a motorcyclist needs… ❤
And a motorbike …
I enjoy this channel being mostly a public transport, bicyclist pedestrian.
This motorcyclist needs more. He needs a motorcycle.
Well, maybe a bike.
@@sterlingroberts6240 multiple bikes.
8:26 --> You can hear the engine saying "I love you" so clearly that even the captions are saying it.
Now it just says [Music] 😂
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
Yes, your legs will be nicely intact. And easy to shovel into the black bag. Because the rest of you was pulverized.
You really thought you could outrun the last and Ultimate of the V8 Interceptors, did ya Toe Cutter?
Best scene in a movie ever.
And that's whether you're a car nut, a motorcycle nut, or just an adrenaline fueled gearhead who likes it all.
"She sucks nitro!" "600 horsepower through the wheels!"
"The Blower man, the Blower!"
Yes, you can hear the engine in your head.
You're welcomed!
True, BMW boxers land on de cilinder protectors and the side panniers.
@mnurfirman9839 Just brilliant.
protected and tanned legs
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.
My Bhai Karl is a motorhead as well. Namaste homie!
Bro is prolly riding a CD100
CD 100 is the first bike that i rode
@@AK-in3qm Honda CB150. It’s more comfortable. But it barely handles mountain passes. It was great overall though.
@@KarlRock that's a great bike. I own a CB hornet 160
GOAT CONTENT
Wtf? This is a motorcycle content involved channel...no animals were involved including goats.
@@motoryzen GOAT is an abbreviation of: the Greatest of All Time
@@regisbagas784 ah..ok..makes sense.
@@motoryzen millennials right?
@@regisbagas784 GOAT means sheep
As a V4 rider, i approve this message. In seriousness though, this is the rare channel that makes consistently great content. Thanks
i ride a 18 RSV4, amazing sound and power what v4 do you ride mate?
@@JimmyTheBearThe RSV4 and Tuono have the best sounding motors of any bike. If only they weren’t so damn expensive!
@@yourwifesboyfriend6081 I got it's for £12k GBP and for the track tech you get it's a steal.
Have an ‘85 magna v65. Older?Yes. V4 perfection? Absolutely.
I came after riding a VFR.
I won't argue with your well informed analysis; but, i just love the sound and feel of my parallel twin.
Man, it’s unbelievable how entertaining and easy to understand you can explain complex and difficult themes! Unbeatable quality of your videos 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
*I was just about to say that* 🙄
Looks like quite a lot of us agree with you too
Hey! If FortNine does request wonder if there's any chance of the new superclean 2Strokes getting covered?
Ryan, your ability to take complex engineering and put it in layman's terms is unparalleled. Thanks for another fantastic videeo.
Ryan is an engineer himself!
Seriously. This is the level of communication I aspire to with my HVAC customers.
He is also good in making different kind of engine sounds.
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!
Hear hear
its like nails on a chalkboard to me.
@@DUBZslayZOMBIES you can always turn off the volume and read the subtitles?
And highly intelligible! As a non native speaker, I appreciate that a lot.
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 . . .
I dont even have a motorcycle but i can appreciate how much effort Fortnine puts in each video. Very high quality stuff and entertaining.
same for me I watch all of em. One of the best on youtube.
Which isn't much because most theoretical points he makes is not true in the real world.
@@schofferbrothers3559 provide some details pls. what's not true and why?
@@schofferbrothers3559 Isn't this all physics? What was theoretical?
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.
That would be good to know.
Probably one of those things that also has a lot of anecdotes and misinformation from over the years.
Dave moss tuning covered tire pressure
Up for this
Snore !
Lol. Doode, just make your own content 😅
Few channels on UA-cam 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've got the Boxer 6 in my 2014 Goldwing Valkyrie and the V 4 in my 2010 ST 1300. I feel like I've got near the best of it With silky smoothness with the Valkyrie and power and handling with the ST 1300. my Valk is used on weekends and the ST is my everyday commuter here in Santa Cruz , the Central coast of California . I do mean EVERYDAY ! If it rains, I use a rain suit and put down 300 a week Monday through Friday. I don't have a car to commute with. Both get around 44 - 46 MPG. Riding since 1978 and I'll be 70 at the end of this month !
100 % with you , from RSA JHB I rode my Bonnie to work loads , our summer's where WET . Morning's Wet ! Ride home Wet but Loved every min. of it . 69 yrs at the moe miss that bike😢❤
In college in the 70s I didn’t have a car, just my Kawasaki Z1. Rode year around through South Dakota winters. Have probably ridden 10k miles on snow and ice.
Agree. 97 Valk 1520 boxer six. The torque of a V-twin, the horsepower of a sport bike, and smooth as a pair of silk boxers.
I used to ride my CB750K every day, rain or shine, in the Fairfield area. Well, unless I was in the hospital getting my teeth pulled! When you have nothing else to drive, it makes it a lot easier to get on 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.
Six cylinders are ticket machines! I had a straight six beemer for a while and there was zero haptic feedback that I was breaking the speed limit. Side note: this excuse doesn't hold up with police officers. ~RF9
@@FortNine the k1600 is both too expensive and way-WAY too powerful for me 😅
I now just admire them a bit more ❤
The sound of the CBX is utterly Amazing as well.
@@FortNine Ticket machines? Yes. But gloriously fun if you can convince your right wrist to behave in moderation.
I have owned two BMW K1600 GT’s (currently on my second one) and they are unbelievable engines with turbine like smoothness and phenomenal torque bands packaged in an incredible chassis. Feel like Ryan could have noted this… That there is a modern straight six that is an incredible experience to ride. Expensive though!!
This 10 years ago would be a mainstream weekly show on every main TV channel, Off the Charts. ❤
Or a short film prior to the main feature at the Odeon
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.
Muy buena descripción, perfecta 👌
I've watched some Fortnine videos (and have enjoyed them very much) but on this one the production was simply another level!
Except he never men😢tioned the motor used by the most winning racer in history, the cross plane crank inline 4 of Valentino Rossi's Yamaha. That's unexceptable to not even mention it. The most unique motor there is.
Might be the best video i've ever seen on UA-cam... Entertaining, educational, and I feel like my knowledge of Physics, Maths, Engineering, and Economics have all been elevated immensely in 15 minutes. Bravo sir.
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.
Same thought
I was waiting for this too.
@@chickenleg675 Yep.
I thought that too.
Probably because of video length. 😮😅
Couldn't agree more! It's also a design that has been in mass production for longer than the 6 or v4 layout (and is still in production).
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.
I love my Goldwing.
I feel personally attacked
Did Melissa Aa steal your comment? Looks like a bot is hijacking peoples comments.
Also a boxer aficionado. There's a reason Jaguars and BMWs are popular cars. But for even torque cycling or an electric drive train beats all
Boxer boy here too.... They are just too cool for school...
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.
True. My first new bike was a Honda 350four. Ran harder than any 350 at the time (72ish), light and nimble, very smooth. I have a 270 twin now, the one he didn't explain. It's seems very smooth but not like an inline 4 cyl.
The torque of a powerful V-twin is personally my favorite, but riding my friends S1000RR was just so obscenely smooth while overtaking at 250kmh+. No effort at all to get to that speed, and feels like your gliding through the air.
I think the perfect pairing would be a V-twin for street and city riding, and an I4 for the country roads and race tracks.
The only 1 cylinder I personally owned and liked was a 2 stroke, 4stroke singles sound like a single cyl lawn mower.
I've had 2,3,and 4 cyl.also. I like the power pulses of a twin best.
My 4's were likable with load exhausts. My 3 cylinder was a rocket 3 2300cc it with a more open exhaust sounds a bit like a diesel.
I have a youtube on that .
I have both 4 line 600cc yamaha fz6 and KTM 350cc 4 strone 1 cylinder. I love how different they are and how 4 line is the beast on street and KTM off road. Each type has its own destiny.
@@SzybkiPolonezGSI Makes perfect sense to me.
If anyone has never ridden a 4-cylinder in-line motorcycle, I advise it, it was one of the most memorable experiences I've had in my life, a childhood dream when I heard people passing by me and was already fascinated by the sound. The first time I accelerated my first 4-cylinder motorcycle, a 2012 Kawasaki Zx6R, I literally cried with emotion, when I reached 200km/h on a highway for the first time, I laughed and cried at the same time. What a wonderful feeling!
That’s pretty full on are you ok?
I hope to feel this way soon, as I myself want a Ninja ZX6R badly 🥹
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.
Also sound! A lot of people don't like it, but for me the deep regoular rumbling of a big thumper is just the best
Sounds like a potato in my opinion 🤢
@@ronaldoleon48 which engine sounds do you like?
i ride a ktm 390 duke, and that low weight and not too thick profile feel lovely.
never heard of 2 strokes?@@ronaldoleon48
A whole day of engine design & mechanics class in 15 minutes. Superbly done indeed!! By far the best MC channel on UA-cam.
Check out Bennetts also, from Britain. They do amazing stuff. Top level like this..
@@Michael-Masi-911 just subscribed to Bennetts... thank you!
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.
I would sure hope a motorcycle could beat an SUV.
I would take any well designed engine, as long as it's in a cruiser. (Which is also the only reason I haven't bought a Zero)
Wanted a boxer ever since BMW brought out the R9T, I just liked the way it looked
If you really want to convince me I'm going to need to borrow your bike.
You know when you stumble upon a channell and you get that feeling in your bones that you will never not have this channel In your life .
His voice
His editing
His delivery
His knowledge
All amazing
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.
The Professor of Bike.
This video has taught me more about motorcycle engines than my 20 years of experience in the motorcycle industry. Excellent video... 👌👌
The sheer presence Ryan has is probably why no one notices misspelled horsepower in the formula.
I spelled it wright. ~RF9
U should always host in your channel,i hate the other guy
@@pradhyudh take it easy, boy.
@@FortNine Brothel humour 🤪
@@pradhyudh disagreed, I like both
I've watched this several times, but I've never noticed the shockwave in the grass behind the bike at 11:30 until now. I think I was awed by the sound.
I could watch this again and again for its educational and humour content. Absolutely fantastic.
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
Thanks. Commenting for reference to this
Thank as well.
Thanks king
many thanks but you forget to add the Whorespower reference at 8:37 Have I been mispronouncing it wrong my whole life🤔😓 Love FortNine's humor along with real knowledge
Thank you for this
So glad that you're releasing videos more frequently. Great work by the way! Favorite channel on UA-cam by far.
Yes, but who was the Ryan Impersonator in the last video? I was afraid that Ryan had sold the channel and that the April 1 Cheese and Wine video was not just an April Fool's joke, but was actaully a warning. Glad to see Ryan back in front of the camera.
@@bobirwin1028 The channel is doing really well. Eventually all businesses need to expand. New talent lets Ryan focus on other stuff and results in more videos for us all. I think that guy did a fine job. I'm sure the signature humor of Ryan will eventually rub off on the new guy or reflect on the script. No one is perfect right off the bat though. Looking forward to a bright Fortnine future ✊️
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.
I completely agree. My second motorcycle is a VFR800F. It feels like a mistake striking gold so soon. Last year I did 13 testrides on all kinds of engines shown here. None came close to the V4 feeling, perhaps maybe the CP4. But that feels so wide.
Also honda made production v-4's first.@@XcelentTom.
Your videos are a gift to the motorcycle community and beyond. Please never stop making content!!
Best motorcycle channel in UA-cam, mixing knowledge, entertainment and recording/editting skills.
Awesome as always my Canadian fellows!!
I'll up that and claim best motorcycle media ever
Have you seen his cooking video?
Best general channel on UA-cam. Period. 😂😂😂
@@youtubeaccount5153 yes I have! hahaha
Wouldn't miss it for anything!
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!
I got the K1600 over the goldwing precisely because of its width. It blocks the wind off my legs when I ride in Canadian winter.
The K-1600 is a tour de force. It is noteworthy that BMW seemingly went backwards with the development of the air-cooled boxer type R-18 series.
are there any motorcycles with a VR6?
According to BMW, the K1600 engine is only 2.6 inches wider than the 4 in the K1300. I did by one and they are awesome.
Yeah it’s width really didn’t bother me, but I could see how it would for some people. I personally like their boxer engines the most because of the lower center of gravity and those things are ridiculously wide haha.
I found this very informative. Thank you for putting this information in a very well presented, funny, easy to understand, free, video format way. Really appreciate the subtle examples. Must say I cannot find anyone who does what you do. You are adored and precious.
I asked for a DR650, I got a DR650.
I asked for Ryan's Return, He returned.
Best. Channel. Ever.
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 😅
You do know the Ducati ST3 isn’t a triple, right?
triumph street triple
Ducati ST3? A l-twin?
Ryan saying triples are full of vibration is funny to me given how many owners of Triumph Tigers (myself included) say it's the smoothest engine and motorcycle they've ever ridden....
My boat has a three cylinder inline diesel engine, only one liter, and at full revs it sounds like a happy god singing
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 ❤️
Just took out my ‘83 venture for her first ride of the year last night. 80s Japanese bikes sure are hard to beat. So many great bikes.
I've been trying to get a Magna v. Madura video together for a while now. Phenomenally interesting bikes, but kinda hard to find. ~RF9
@@FortNine easy to find in europe. Also its really easy to find a honda vfr1200x crosstourer 😀
@@FortNine Can't offer to go to Canada, but if you ever find yourself on the east side of the States wanting to make the Magna half of that video, let me know...
@@FortNine I've got a 1985 V45 Magna in Calgary I ride with only 6000kms on it, not sure if that would interest.
I don't comment on a lot of videos. I'm into bikes and I watch a lot of videos. This is some content I'd want my children to watch growing up, when I have children. This is amazing.
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.
Agree. Rode a CBX and that thing would really sing.
Plus the feel of a large crank and small pistons was smooth and solid. An engine that begged to to used!@@donaldclinton1975
I don’t LIKE the sound of a Formula 1 engine and I never have. Idling is bad enough, but at max revs, I’d rather have a beehive in my helmet!
The idea that 7,000rpm is SLOW is the most ludicrous nonsense I’ve ever heard!
The Vincent V-twins managed to achieve 120-150mph (depending on which one you’re on) at 6,000rpm in top gear.
I don’t care whether it’s a car or a motorcycle, screaming engines are just bloody annoying. Like a mosquito in your ear at night.
That first sentence 😂
@@BigAl53750 7000 rpm is kinda slow though these days. Nothing is making serious power with a redline like that unless its got a lot of displacement but then you end up with a bulky 200 pound engine which also sucks. Even the yamaha vmax where they didnt give a shit and gave it a 240 pound 1.7 liter revs to like 10.
"boxers are dumb." 😂 As a lover of my R75/6, i thought, "AW! Come on!!" Still, I always look forward to the next FortNine video. Thanks for the well-distilled info and the laughs!
Still gonna get an R18 whenever they make a 5 spoke wheel for it.
🥊constant head trauma is not ideal to the frontal lobe .
In so many ways motorcycles are the poor man's aeroplane. Cheaper to acquire, own and maintain but still fulfills that open-air wind in your face head in the clouds experience. So it's quite fitting that BMW uses this type IMHO.
He misses the point of why you want a boxer in your motorcycle: Heat management. You put those two pistons out into the wind and the engine can cool itself much better unlike most the other designs.
Boxers are dumb. Sport is more than hitting the other guy in the head. Sweet science? Bah, it's not sweet and it's not science. It's punching till one guy passes out. Also boxers end up dumb from the constant head beating, causing brain damage.
Oh wait... did you mean the engines?
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.
I totally agree.
No one matches the cinematography in fortnine videos(not this one specifically)
Peak information density
One of my favourite UA-cam channels. Love his humour and wit, and informative content with backed up reason in his arguments!
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! 👏👏👏
These sorts of comments (are one of many factors that) make me genuinely doubt the university system
I totally agree with Pierre. I learned so much from this video and I effing love Ryan F9 🤘🏼🔥
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.
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!
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.
Yup, kinda miss my A10 Golden Flash.
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.
Two K1600s, a Motus and a V4S? Please tell me you live somewhere near the border Bryan, that's an enviable collection! ~RF9
I was thinking the same about the bmw k1600 and goldwings. I live in EU and there are plenty of bmw k1600 over here...
Another voice in support of the K16 inline six, I also have two of those bikes. And also have an MST-R, which is probably the most engaging bike I've ever owned.
there was a good reason the K1600 was the international bike of the year when they were introduced...
@@warwickadams3946 : the only downside to the K1600 was heft. I liked everything about my GTL except the weight.
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.
The CP3 is a masterpiece. Hooligans who want spontaneous speed think they want in-line 4’s because they’re race track fast, but on the street they require a couple downshifts which create a delay that sucks away satisfaction. They’re a thrilling engine architecture but not a playful one. The CP3 by contrast acts like an already spooled up in-line 4 at every rpm. It just wants to go and lets you be an impulsive idiot and romp around having the absolute most fun possible at any given moment. If instant gratification is a drug then the CP3 is dealing the good stuff.
It might not be perfect or the most impressive on a spec sheet but it’s the most fun engine I’ve come across on two wheels.
I agree lol you can't beat having the sound of a 6 cylinder car on a bike...except it revs to 10k+
The XSR is gorgeous. I wish Yamaha sold more bikes with the heritage style blue they used on it. As opposed to the 'Icon Blue' my MT has.
Had a K75RT BMW and it was smooth as hell and lasted forever with only routine maint. Sold it to a buddy and he also rode the hell out of it and it is still going, with over 200k on the clock. Found that it was not that uncommon to see one of these make 500k before needing any major repairs. Yes I screwed up by letting it go.
3 cyls got ripped off in this video. My 675 street triple is glorious
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.
Carlo Guzzi built the "ducati" L-shaped 90 deg V engine in the 50s, far before Ducati. Also he built a 8cylinders engine for racing, the fastest for that era (1955), on a bike named, iconicaly, V8 .
The one on the mondello? I almost bought that bike but there was something really off about the engine that I just really hated. I've ridden bikes for 2 decades, and have always driven manual cars.. I havent stalled any vehicle for years, but I stalled that thing 4 times on the (admitedly long) test ride I took it for. The gear box was really clunky too, so I ended up not going for it even though I went into it with my heart really set on it. Absolutely gorgeous machine, but.. well like I said, something about it was just off
@@Airtroops83 are you talking about the V100 Mandello (2022)? I don't know, never tried it. To be honest I do love old bikes, the new ones are just a little bit to BMW designed properly. My little custom is 41 years old and never gave me a problem. Don't have much experience with recent models, but as said, I like old bikes.
I love my Guzzi as well and hate to be a nitpicker, but it's a 90 degree V, Harley is 45
@@alwatson187 Quite right, that is what I meant, I don't know why I said 45 degrees! I am a bit geometrically dyslectic!
Ultra-impressive video production, fantastic speech cadence keeping people engaged, threw some jokes in there, and, my personal favorite, "Whorespower" LMFAO. You're the man and you make it so easy to keep up with the new tech brother, thank you. Hope you're well!
I think vibration in most motorbike engines is overstated, I’ve owned singles, fours and triples that had little or no intrusive vibration.😊
You don't ride the engine you feel it .. what you don't know won't hurt !
This is what happens when UA-cam owns your life .
I ride a shadow 600 which is a notoriously rumbly V-Twin bike. Its small HP and 4 gear setup makes it shake like a paint shaker between 120-140 km/h and then it smoothes out once it tops off at 150. Absolutely bizarre ride but it has a really ramshackle vintage feel that you dont get much on Hondas because they tend to be so smoothly built. Makes long distance riding feel like a workout which you will either like or hate depending on how modern and smooth you like your bike to feel.
Lol well maybe your hand are numb usually lol nice comment im trying to to judge your lack of thinking
Hands*
I used to own yamaha mt03 660 single cylinder, that thing sounded like a jackhammer and sure felt like one too, I was getting numb butt on any ride longer than 1 hour
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!
Also like the single behave and sound. Love mine bmw 650 bang bang bang on a secondary type of road on the mountain scenery. But pain in the left hand because of cluch is also what need to be liked ;D
Having owned singles and small twins, I have to say that’s also a benefit to the parallel twin in small engine applications, and it’s easier to get a small twin to rev higher allowing it to make good power for its size…but only high up in the rev range. So singles are great for torque in a small application and twins are good for HP.
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.
I appreciate the f9 crew for putting out these videos. They make my whole day.
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.
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.
Yeah I was anticipating something about the CX500/CX650 family
I wonder how torque reaction affects things. Does the lean angle change much depending on whether you're accelerating or decelerating?
@@aussiebloke609 Are you referring to lean angle of the bike when accel/decel?
@@aussiebloke609 I rode a cx500 all through college. I can't say it had any real effect on lean angle.
@@rslover65 Thanks, mate. I've never ridden a CX, but one hears stories, especially about the CX500 turbo. 👍
Dude you make engineering so relatable, and simple! Please don't stop!!
This is great. Please do a part 2 with the ones you didn't cover.
This video was masterfully made, man! Love it.
I currently have two boxers (R1200GSA and Valkyrie) and a ‘99 VFR, but have owned many others. Even aside from the delicious gear driven cam noise, the VFR has the smoothest, best engine on any bike I’ve ever had. Great video!
Agreed. I have owned quite a few motorcycles with different engine types, but my ‘98 vfr holds a special place in my heart.
@@knotsable I haven't owned that many motorcycles but my 2000 VFR became jealous when I did so it ended in a bitter divorce... which I regret to this day. One day, I'll get another VFR.
These comments just raised the price of VFRs
@@greatestytcommentator VFRs have been criminally underpriced and under-appreciated so there is room to grow. Bought mine in 2017 for $3000 and sold it 5 years later with en extra 30K on the odometer for $3500.
You should try moto guzzi.
y'all always make this complicated stuff seem so understandable!
Ryan never fails to impress. It's one thing to have a superb and intimate knowledge of engineering, but it's a gift to be able to put it across so simply and engrossingly to the layman. A paragon of peripatetic pedagogy.
I dig the throwback use of chalk & blackboard.
FortNine basically won the lotto getting this guy. Also whoever works with him, they are all doing an insanely good job with their video's.
Oh we have chosen to use our $9.00 university vocabulary today have we? 😊
Word salad
A paragon of peripatetic pedagogy? Whoa there big fella. Here I thought that I was bad for overindulging in a stew of words that the vast majority people far too often are going to need a dictionary, a thesaurus, and someone with a masters degree in the English language on standby so that they have a clue as to what I'm talking about. I have apparently been outdone and not just by the slimmest of margins either. Congratulations might be in order if I cared about such things but I'm one layman that is just going to go back to browsing UA-cam entries about motorcycles instead. Now I'm practically guilty of verbal diarrhoea myself so I had best resist any further commentary myself.
Did anyone see "whorespower" on the chalk board? 😂
I'm so happy with my vfr750 rc36 II
In my opinion the best oldschool v4 money can buy, no extra electronics, a gear driven cam and just a indestructible.
Half way the video I thought you wouldn't address the v4 but you nailed it watching the end.
Keep up the great content, I like watching Fortnine the same as when I was younger and raced home on my bicycle to watch top gear or dragonball z.
Thanks!
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.
Indian never gets credit for inventing this design. The Indian 841 was developed for WWII desert warfare in 1941, but lost out to the Jeep.
I agree, the Guzzi design is an elegant solution for packaging, cooling, weight distribution and cornering clearance.
It introduces a nasty thing called angular momentum to the equation without really solving anything but the space issue. Transverse Vs like to turn one way more than the other and want to lean left or right under power and braking.
As do Beemers. I had one of the little 650s and it was a pig to ride in heavy traffic. Blipping the throttle whilst lane splitting was an unmitigated disaster.
@@michaelreid2329 Oh yeah. Anything where the crank is in line with frame will be like that.
Well said. I've owned singles,v twin, inline 4, flat 4 and a v4 I love the different personalities of them all
I had to stop at 12:20 to write this. Your expressions are priceless 😂 - "...that turns into a ROAD CRAYON at 30 degrees of lean." That is hilarious. "Road crayon." I keep thinking of my R1150RS. I was always afraid I might scuff up a cylinder head while knee dragging. Your writing is fantasic. It always impresses - from smiles to raised eyebrows.
Always enjoy Ryan and the F9 videos. “Boxers are dumb”, I enjoy my BMW R18, limited cornering clearance, 800+ lbs and all!
BMW R 18. Great bike.
I have a 1250 GSA and I've never come close to scraping. If I'm leaning that far, I'm probably falling over. Not everyone is trying to get into a yoga pose and drag knee around the track. For me, it's the right combination of power and torque. Love my GSA
But when you get off it you can admire how pretty it is. Never short of comments I bet!
As always a great video ! Moto Guzzi - putting the v twin sideways solves the length problem and the cornering problem - still not a V4 but lots of practical benefits . BMW's twin cylinder with essentially another conrod and a weighted arm solves some of the vibration problems ( sort of ) . Another great video would be how manufacturers specifically solve some of those problems or arrange them in such a way that they make a good motortcycle
I would say length is still an issue… it’s just the riders legs that can’t be long with the sideways v-twin.
Love the Guzzi. Thou I ride a Harley.
depends on to what extent you consider vibration a problem. I wouldnt want any on a sport bike but my Shadow 600 is rumbly af and its fun.
Guzzi's solution also solves the unequal cooling problem for the cylinders plus it allows the use of shaft drive which they of course do.
@@varmastiko2908plus they look gorgeous and you can access the valves super easily. Honda’s CX and silverwings were really neat too for the same reason. I’m thinking about getting a breva 750 or a cheap CX if I can find one, very cool bikes.
Being a seasoned motorcycle mechanic since 1986
I quite enjoyed your presentation, And no "but"
Well done BRAVO
Thanks for mentioning the VFR. I had two, and now I know why I loved them so much!
Quite possibly the best vid you guys ever produced!
But, there are 50 more that take a close 2nd place!
Clever, intelligent, and always entertaining!
Nice work, Ryan...and cheers to the talent behind the scenes humans.
Je n'ai pas vraiment les mots pour décrire la qualité du contenu de cette chaîne, merci Ryan
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.
Exposed heads for maintenance is a huge pro.
They're my favourite too. not for any reason in particular i just think it's neat
Love the boxer in my GS. Makes perfect sense on that bike.
I agree, I have thought about switching to the K1600 though.
I don't ride one, but do ride with guys that own them. They bang corners pretty good all day. Plenty enough clearance for robust riding, no doubt. - Cheers
I have owned my '01 VFR for a year now. They are not unobtanium (I bought mine for $2700 in late 2023), but I will never sell it. I have tried all sorts of bikes, and this is the one that literally "does it all" and never disappoints me when riding. Great to go for a quick blast on some back roads, then cruise a few hundred miles, do a track day, and go home. Doesn't fall on its face in any of those tasks... Once the pesky old R/R is updated (and stator re-wired if needed), they are very solid bikes that are properly engineered to last for a very long time. You should review a 5th gen VFR if you get the chance, you'll be shocked how good they are for the money.
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.
hell yeah I love the way they build power and revs... fun at any speed!
@@explorationsevo They may not be objectively the best, but how many people ride objectively?
Nobody I know on the web can explain such a complicated subject making it actually enjoyable listening and uses humour to help understanding and even memory of such facts which would otherwise be boring to the average person. Awesome work Ryan! If people were engines, Ryan would be a V4 with inline 6 perfection! Lol
I loved my VFR800. It didn't get great mileage and the VTEC switch over was scary if you were in a curve but it was fun to ride and sounded great!
I agree. I much prefer the 98-01 for the riding experience. Smother power delivery, gear driven cams, and no electronics to get in the way.
I thought the fuel economy was pretty good. I got 40mpg while cruising 90mph with saddle bags, top case, and large duffel bag.
@@TimberTrainer I've heard from a lot of people they were getting in the 40s but I was always getting low 30s. I'm pretty damn big though. I was 250lbs back then.
That's why the Gen 5's were the pinnacle.
@@hondaguy9153 That makes sense. I was also laying on the tank most of the time, and that was all on the highway. Unfortunately, I'm selling that bike.
@@TimberTrainer I laid mine down twice. Didn't want to risk a 3rd. Got rid of it 13 years ago. 😔 First time was my fault, second time someone cut me off. I *almost* kept it up but no luck.
Owned VFR800 (V4), Goldwing and Valkyrie (boxer 6) and leaned all to edge of tire without scrape. Leaning further than that reduces traction/contact patch and indicates lack of riding skill/knowledge. Thank you for the excellent vid!
Boxers are not DUMB, they are iconic! 🤣 Thanks for another superb video. The depth of knowledge that you provide is much appreciated.
They are dumb and iconic. It’s easy to appreciate them after a long day on the bike eating up highway miles, probably not so great on the track.
They are dumb, unless you like dragging your jugs on the ground around spirited corners.
Sounds like a subaru fanboy😂
@@tina11ys or Porsche fanboy, but they are the best Idea for cruising. Imo
I like a flat-6, but that asymmetrical cylinder keeps me up at night (it's 3AM).
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.
I'm surprised he didn't briefly mention the boxer 6 in the Goldwing also.
75mph wheel stand does sound .... Spirited! Haha.
The k1600 engine is a jewel indeed. Rides like a flying carpet!
Yep, my K1600GT motor is the best of the best. Will never tire of it!
No, thank you for once again making us feel better with a very interesting video and a brilliant pov of a good subject, and for making me to be even prouder of my VFR!❤😅
As usual awesome video, both entertaining AND informative :)
Thankyou for all your efforts, a service to motorcyclists everywhere !
i love the boxer engines. it's the low centre of gravity and the feeling when you go around a curve
I actually kinda love the low thump thump of a single, it's the sound of an engine distilled to it's purest and most essential form, of something that will keep on running forever
Yep, thumpers FTW.
This video is extremely well put together
Easy to understand
Entertaining
Well paced
Great visuals
For someone who doesn't know all that much about motorcycles it helped bridge that gap to deliver the concise information
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🙂
How to make science and engineering fun! As always Ryan hits every nail on the head!! If I wanted to be picky with the details (AND YES I KNOW Ryan said he couldn't cover all bikes!) I was surprised there was no mention of 2 stroke engines! Perhaps that will be in "The Pros and Cons of EVERY Motorcycle Engine Type (Part 2).
PS. Great to have you back Ryan!
All the Best From Down Under in Australia!
2 strokes motorcycles are not road legal anymore in most of the world, but it would have been an interesting comparison.
@@aao331 really??? I didn't know that! Is that just new bikes as I know of a lot of people still riding them!!
@@andrewhall836 At least in most of europe 2 strokes became illegal in the past years because of their emissions.
The V four in my 1998 VFR was magical. Good power from 4-12 K. Best sounding bike ever and I did plenty of very comfortable sport touring in western Canada/US. My overall favourite sport touring bike was my 2010 BMW 1200 RT. Everything you need and nothing you don't need.
To this day. For me? The best video you guys ever did. Style and substance. Science and emotion. Explanation without tedium. Absolutely perfick.
Explaining motorcycle engines in a way that even I can understand. Excellent work. Always a learning experience with F9 videos.
“Boxers are stupid”. *Refuses to elaborate* -RF9 Brother 😂😂😂 thank you for the content as usual!
He did elaborate. Wide and in a bike it can scrape the road. Simple, useless.
@@Brgnalf81 on the old Airheads you scraped the pegs first at a pretty solid 45 degree angle (unless you modified the suspension) but you look at monstrosities like the R18 and wonder what the hell BMW were thinking... I love my big boxer though, the old racers I've met on my journey would showcase their scraped valve covers as a badge of pride and always had some wild stories.
@@thomasxl200 nah, my cylinders are still young and haven't sagged. Keine Hänge-Titten.
@@thomasxl200 Yeah, the R18 has basically no lean angle. But even my R1200C will lean SOME ... not like a sports bike assuredly, but enough to outcorner any other typical cruiser or standard around.
as the owner of the bike in the video... i can confirm... they are stupid! haha, but I love the boxer all the same!
I have had a lot of bikes over the years. My 1998 Honda Magna has been my favourite bike. Smooth torque, power to pass a semi in seconds with a downshift. Perfection.
I bought a 96 magna for a song because the dude had done some nasty things to the wiring while bobbing it. Barely got it home, but after two weeks of chasing an absurd amount of gremlins out of the harness and fitting it with a nice shiny gremlin bell, I took it out for a test run to find that id stumbled upon a fucking unicorn.
I'd never even heard of a V45 engine, and I had no clue what the guy had when I bought it. I absolutely robbed him :)
Inline triples with balancers with 120 degree crank are effectively the same as inline 6, there is just a little extra weight, so you lose 2-3% power. Triples are by and far excellent engines because the cylinders are smaller than twins ,on average- and it revs quicker and more readily. It has far less vibration than any twin out there (even boxers), when mounted transverse- they almost never have heating issues.
Essentially- the Pros of triples are:
1: Great power to weight, and have a great balance of power across the entire rev range, making them excellent daily riders and multi-platform engines
2: Reliable power while being relatively compact
3: Not super buzzy high in the range, way smother than any 2 banger
4: Can actually get higher compression ratios more easily than v4 or twins, making them a bit cheaper to achieve similar power output
Cons:
1: Tend to be a bit on the tall side- so for sportier bikes the only mounting option is transverse and tilted forward- which makes the bikes just slightly more front heavy
2: Not QUITE as smooth on power delivery as a v4
3: With more money and enough research- v4s can reliably put out more power with less displacement
This is why the BMW K75 is quietly lauded as their best motorcycle ever. They use a low-mounted inline 120° triple
Highly desiring a follow-up to this one. Rotary, opposed 6, V8, centrifugal jet, axial flow jet, V5, V6, and pros and cons of transverse mounting. Great video.
Agreed, I wouldn't trade my flat 6 even for a V-4.
@@volkardlokisson6292 I've had a V65 Magna and a CTX1300 Deluxe and, honestly, I agree with FortNine on this one. However, I have ridden the latest iteration of the Valkyrie and the previous gen of Goldwing. I think the flat 6 is, without a doubt, the best touring motor on the planet. Everything else should have a V4.
@@tkhawkeye that's a fair assessment. Given that I'm a veteran with more injuries than I care to think about (but am constantly reminded of, especially when it gets cold out) the flat 6 was made for me. Lol
They use VR5's in motorcycles?