[AGL] BMW boxer twin

[blacky at cbn.net.id]

>

> Hans-- I was passed today by a fast, smooth-running BMW two-banger, its

> two

> huge cylinders sticking out from the right and left side of the bike, just

> in front of the rider. My question is--why would anyone design a bike with

> the cylinders sticking out like that when it seems like if you laid it

> down

> in a wreck or just hit some loose gravel and lost control you would be

> likely to destroy the engine?


Easy one. The design offers PERFECT BALANCE: you can stand a nickel on the
engine and rev it up without the coin falling over. Beautifully smooth.

It also offers good air cooling as the cylinders are out in the air stream.

As for falling over cylinders never tear off: there's too much heavy metal
down there. They can also protect legs (rather more valuable than
motorcycle bits).

It is difficult to ground the cylinders in a tight turn on high-adhesion
pavement but it can be done. No big problem.

I've always wanted a beemer twin but never owned one (40 other bikes -
almost all Japanese sports models). The design first came out in the 1920s
but is still elegant and stolid kraut engineering.

Ask the expert if you want an opinion, nyaah.


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