Why Are V4 Engines So Rare on Bikes?

Posted on: May 2, 2023 | | Written by:

Why Are V4 Engines So Rare on Bikes?

Published on May 02, 2023. EST READ TIME: 4 minutes

The exhaust notes of a V4 engine on a bike can be one of the sweetest sounds that a biker can hear. And being a biker, understanding your engine is one of the better ways to ride. If you are planning to buy a V4 engine bike, here is everything that you need to know.

Understanding a V4 engine

V4 is a type of engine that has four cylinders and works on reciprocating principles. The four cylinders are assembled in a V configuration. In a reciprocating engine, one or more pistons convert the heat from the fuel into a rotary motion. It is called reciprocating due to the backward and forward movement of the pistons that generate the necessary mechanical power.

A V4 engine has two sets of pistons that can either be installed sequentially or opposite to each other. The vertically mounted V4 engine is one of the most used designs. The other setup is where the engine is placed horizontally. Here the cylinders are present on both sides of the bike, one to the left and the other to the right.

4-cylinder inline engines are more popular than the V4 configuration, however, they are still used in some of the more powerful bikes. Apart from bikes, they also have a few other applications. More on that a bit later.

Though some of the bikes still use the V4 configuration, a lot of manufacturers do not use it for a few reasons. V4 engines are bulkier, heavier, and usually cost more than their alternatives. Thus, they are not used for vehicles that are mass-produced. The number of bikes that use a V4 engine is just a very small portion of the total number of bikes sold.

The design of a V4 engine

In the most common implementation of V4 engines, there are two crankpins that are installed on opposite cylinders. The angles used for the installation of the engine could be different based on the engine manufacturer. Mostly, the two pistons are installed at a 90-degree angle. There are a few perks to this. This allows the engine to be in a much better and more balanced position, which reduces vibrations to a great extent. The locking torque in a v4 engine is also relatively lower as compared to a 4-cylinder inline engine. And the stiff crankshaft ensures that the torsional vibrations are minimal as well. A major drawback of a V4 engine is that the engine is wider. It requires a couple of cylinder heads, a couple of exhaust manifolds, and a couple of valve trains as well. As compared to an inline engine, this is twice the number. Since the V4 engines require additional parts, it not only increases their complexity but their cost as well.

Combining all the components, such as the exhaust manifolds, transmission, and intake makes the v4 engines much wider than inline ones. A V4 engine at 60 degrees can increase the complexity, but it will not offer the same level of balance as a 90-degree V4 engine does.

What are the perks of a V4 engine?

The type of engine and its complexity plays a major role in bike technology. V4 engines are still in production due to some of the perks. Following are some of them.

1. A V4 engine is much smoother, rigid, and strong when compared to an inline 4-cylinder engine.

2. V4 engines tend to generate more power than inline 4 engines. It primarily comes down to much stronger crankshafts in V4 engines, which are shorter and reduce the chance of torque twisting. By boosting the number of revolutions in the crankshaft, more power can be derived from a v4 engine.

3. The design and especially the 90 or 60-degree angle of the engine, reduce the vibrations to a great extent. As the engine does not need to turn, unlike an inline one, power is readily available for usage.

4. The crankcase of the engine makes for an efficient flowing of air as well. As a result, pumping losses are minimised, and most of the energy generated by the combustion reaches the wheels.

5. The engine is much shorter than an inline engine, which makes it easier to pack. The cylinder heads are more upright as well, which makes maintenance much easier.

Why aren’t V4 engines used so frequently?

Following are some of the reasons that make using V4 engines frequently a bit challenging.

1. Price-

The design of a V4 engine is a bit more complicated as compared to an inline 4 engine. And the presence of two of each parts, such as exhaust manifolds, cylinder heads, and valve trains, further increases the cost of the engine.

2. Distribution of weight-

Another aspect where the V4 engine has some trouble over an inline 4 engine is its weight distribution. The centre of gravity is much higher in V4, which is not ideal for the weight distribution of the bike.

3. Complex-

As mentioned above, a V4 engine requires two exhaust manifolds, two valve trains, and two cylinder heads. These increase the complexity of manufacturing and installing the engine.

Another point to keep in mind while choosing a bike is its insurance. IDV in bike insurance is one of the primary components that increase the policy premium. A bike that has a V4 engine will shoot up the IDV in bike insurance, and as a result, the policy premium as well.

V4 engine applications

V4 engines are used in the following applications.

1. Cars

A few cars have used V4 engines in the past. Some of the manufacturers have plugged in turbo with a V4 engine to increase the power and torque output, thus extracting more performance.

Boats

V4 engines are quite short, as compared to inline engines. This makes them ideal for outboard engines on boats.

Bikes

V4 engines have found applications in bikes since 1931. The most popular usage of the V4 configuration is the MotoGP. Though the number of manufacturers opting for this configuration is on the decline, it was used heavily in the 1980s.

Differences between V4 and I4 engines

Here are some of the major differences between inline engines and V4 engines.

1. Cost

I4 engines are less expensive as compared to V4 engines.

2. Design

I4 engines are installed in a straight line, while V4 engines are in a V configuration.

3. Weight

I4 engines are lighter as compared to V4.

Whether you opt for a V4 engine or an I4 engine bike, you must visit the RTO for documentation processing. During the RTO visit, the engine and chassis number are documented, which is then used for issuing a registration certificate for the bike. And when you buy bike insurance online, this information is used to buy the policy as well.

Conclusion

A lot of premium and sports bikes still use V4 engine configurations. Ducati Panigale is the most prominent one. The above information about V4 engines will help you understand it better and decide whether you need a V4 bike or not. Irrespective, it is important to buy bike insurance online to protect the bike from any potential hazards.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

BSIV vs BSVI Engines: Know the Difference

Traffic Rules That All Two Wheeler Riders Ought to Know

Steps to Check the Engine Oil Level on Your Bike

Importance of Bike Registration Certificate and How to Obtain it

Bike Servicing Tips You Must Follow!