Parallel-twin engines are a staple in the motorcycle world. Nearly all motorcycle manufacturers have a range of parallel-twin-equipped machines meant to target the mid-size segment across all disciplines of motorcycling. Given the massive popularity of this compact, cost-effective engine configuration, it’s pretty interesting to see just how much this engine has evolved in just a matter of years.
As is the case with all of FortNine’s videos, their latest video is thoroughly informational, well-researched, and excellently executed. It tackles the subject of the beloved parallel-twin engine, more specifically, the sudden surge in popularity of the so-called “crossplane” parallel-twin, characterized by the use of a 270-degree crankshaft. In the video, Ryan goes into great detail and dives into some really deep math when it comes to explaining the ins and outs of parallel-twin engines. Indeed, the first parallel-twin engine found in a production motorcycle dates all the way back to 1894, in the Hildebrand & Wolfmüller motorcycle that made use of a straight twin – also referred to as in-line twin or parallel-twin – engine.
