[AGL] BMW boxer twin

[Gerry]

My reading about the development of the early Beetle identified Joseph Kales
as the inventor of the flat opposed 4 cylinder engine which became the
fabled powerplant of the VW. Out in San Rafael, CA our informal collective
of VW nuts and mechanics in the '70's called ourselves "Joseph Kales
Memorial AutoVerkes". Don't know if there were flat opposed engines before
Kales or not, suspect not.



At any rate, it was the Volkswagen project, led by Ferdinand Porsche and
financed by A. Hitler, which brought the engine to prominence. Lots of spins
on Kales original design since the '30's when it first appeared. I guess the
big Porsche Turbos are the most powerful offspring. And, perhaps, the BMW
bikes are the most enduring. It is truly a design for the ages, light and
powerful and essentially simple in its concept. These days most of them are
manufactured in Mexico, not quite as precisely as the German versions--not
that it makes much difference.
G


----- Original Message -----
From: "Michael Eisenstadt" <michaele at ando.pair.com>
To: "survivors' reminiscences about Austin Ghetto Daze in the 60s"
<austin-ghetto-list at pairlist.net>
Sent: Sunday, December 03, 2006 7:48 AM
Subject: Re: [AGL] BMW boxer twin



> 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.

> >

> >

> > BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB

>

>

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