How motorcycles work - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

Jiffyjam · 01-06-2006, 06:10 PM

For the uninformed, like myself...

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/motorcycle2.htm

**Louis** · 01-06-2006, 07:23 PM

I thought I just had to sit on it and twist the throttle! You ruined it for me...

BillyBumbler · 01-06-2006, 07:34 PM

"The size of the combustion chamber in a motorcycle engine is directly related to its power output. The upper limit is about 1500 cubic centimeters (cc), while the lower limit is about 50 cc."

They need to raise that upper limit figure by about 35-40%.

Jiffyjam · 01-06-2006, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillyBumbler

"The size of the combustion chamber in a motorcycle engine is directly related to its power output. The upper limit is about 1500 cubic centimeters (cc), while the lower limit is about 50 cc."

They need to raise that upper limit figure by about 35-40%.

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. But the article provides the basics very nicely.

**Clint** · 01-07-2006, 08:47 AM

Strange, they list gyroscopic precession as the primary reason for the countersteering phenomenon. I've always believed that introduction of instability (and the resultant lean) was the initial action. I guess it's both.

tnichols · 01-07-2006, 08:36 PM

"However, shaft drives are heavier and sometimes cause unwanted motion, called shaft jacking, in the rear of the motorcycle"

Ughh....new one on me.....going to have to ask for explanation.

**Clint** · 01-07-2006, 10:46 PM

Because the shaft applies torque at a right angle to the wheel, some twisting occurs, lifting the rear and preventing the wheelie tendency.

Jiffyjam · 01-08-2006, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

Because the shaft applies torque at a right angle to the wheel, some twisting occurs, lifting the rear and preventing the wheelie tendency.

You can sometimes see it happen if you stand to the side and watch someone acelerate from a dead standstill.

IntruderCruiser · 01-08-2006, 10:37 AM

good article -- but it could add a bit on how the up and down motion of the pistons is changed to rotary motion and then coverted to the different types of drive to the rear wheel

**Clint** · 01-08-2006, 10:58 AM

You didn't read the whole article, did you? The first picture clearly shows the motion conversion. The next page discussed drive systems and the clutch.

Uechi Kid · 01-09-2006, 10:54 AM

Pretty Cool.

old-n-slow · 01-28-2006, 06:30 AM

1 mistatement, 1 omission.

Chains don't stretch, they wear, along with the sprockets, which is why you're always adjusting the thing.

Jack shaft in a drive shaft model is the result of the driveshaft "climbing the pinion" when you first apply power to the rear wheel. Most manufacturers have engineed this out of their bikes and you most likely won't notice it anymore.

01-06-2006, 06:10 PM	#1 (permalink)
Jiffyjam In Training Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 128	How motorcycles work For the uninformed, like myself... http://auto.howstuffworks.com/motorcycle2.htm __________________ *LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL!*

01-06-2006, 07:23 PM	#2 (permalink)
Louis Administrator Joined: Sep 2003 Bike: SV650S '05 (Blue) Location: Gatineau, QC, Canada Posts: 10,652	I thought I just had to sit on it and twist the throttle! You ruined it for me... __________________ Louis

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01-06-2006, 07:34 PM	#3 (permalink)
BillyBumbler Kickstand Operator Joined: Oct 2005 Bike: 2005 M50 Black Location: Bakersfield, CA Posts: 268	"The size of the combustion chamber in a motorcycle engine is directly related to its power output. The upper limit is about 1500 cubic centimeters (cc), while the lower limit is about 50 cc." They need to raise that upper limit figure by about 35-40%.

01-07-2006, 08:36 PM	#6 (permalink)
tnichols Found second gear by accident Joined: Jan 2006 Bike: 2005 Suzuki S50 Location: Hickory NC Posts: 307	"However, shaft drives are heavier and sometimes cause unwanted motion, called shaft jacking, in the rear of the motorcycle" Ughh....new one on me.....going to have to ask for explanation.

01-08-2006, 10:37 AM	#9 (permalink)
IntruderCruiser TurtleWax Taster Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: 2003 Intruder 1500 Posts: 585	good article -- but it could add a bit on how the up and down motion of the pistons is changed to rotary motion and then coverted to the different types of drive to the rear wheel

01-09-2006, 10:54 AM	#11 (permalink)
Uechi Kid Fourth gear and illegal Joined: Sep 2005 Bike: 04 M95, Yamaha VStar 650 Location: Antioch, Ca. Posts: 733	Pretty Cool.

01-28-2006, 06:30 AM	#12 (permalink)
old-n-slow Seat Tester Joined: Jan 2006 Bike: 2005 1200/S Bandit Location: West Central Florida Posts: 56	1 mistatement, 1 omission. Chains don't stretch, they wear, along with the sprockets, which is why you're always adjusting the thing. Jack shaft in a drive shaft model is the result of the driveshaft "climbing the pinion" when you first apply power to the rear wheel. Most manufacturers have engineed this out of their bikes and you most likely won't notice it anymore.

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