[AGL] BMW boxer twin

[Michael Eisenstadt]

Opposed cyclinder air-cooled engines (no radiator needed) are also used in 
small airplanes, Volkswagon bugs, Porsches, Chevy Corvairs and Suburus. 
Subaru closely copied the Volkswagon engine adding watercooling and a 
radiator. Water cooling is more efficient and quiets the engine noise.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <blacky at cbn.net.id>
To: "survivors' reminiscences about Austin Ghetto Daze in the 60s" 
<austin-ghetto-list at pairlist.net>
Sent: Sunday, December 03, 2006 12:35 AM
Subject: [AGL] BMW boxer twin



> >

>> 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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