Best engine configuration?

**Whynot** · 8th April 2009, 20:29

Well, i have just returned to the 4 cylinder world after spending the last year or so on a V-twin and was thinking about the pros and cons of each ...

So ... what is your favorite engine configuration and why?

**Oakie** · 8th April 2009, 20:39

I've often wondered if a parallel twin has any advantages over either a V twin or an inline four. Anyone?

**Blackshear** · 8th April 2009, 20:42

Straight six.
No doubt.

**boman** · 8th April 2009, 20:46

I have owned and ridden V4 Honda, Inline fours, and my current ride a V-twin. Love the V4 and Inline four for their smoothness. Absolutely love the V-twin for the tourque and the sheer fun in the twisties, IMHO.

**peasea** · 8th April 2009, 20:51

It depends on the application.

In a naturally aspirated world you can't beat a V8 for towing and a V-twin in the bike world for much the same reason; heavily loaded V-twins take lard-arses and camping gear in their stride. For racing some V-twins perform well in certain areas (like the Britten) whereas straight-fours do better in others (OHC helps both) and even the old British twins can be made to fly but they last about as long as fire crackers. The old pushrod triples had their moments too but seriously, pushrods are less than hi-tech.

Also; if you really want to go fast...... give pistons a miss.