Classic Motorcycle Race Engines

This authoritative book, elegantly written in highly digestible style by the foremost expert on the subject, provides in-depth analysis of classic motorcycle race engines spanning eight decades, from the 1930s Guzzi 500 120-degree twin to the latest Yamaha YZR M1 in-line four. Packed with technical detail, the book provides an absorbing insight into the technology employed in a wide variety of motorcycle engines, investigating the diverse approaches taken by various manufacturers over the years in the search for race-winning performance.

Classic Motorcycle Engines Vic Willough.A fascinating look at 2 outstanding engine designs in the history of motorcycles. Rudge, Honda, Ducati, BMW, JAP, Moto-Guzzi and more are analyzed in detail with explanations of why they are superior.Some are the latest designs and some are surprisingly old. Great reading for enthusiasts. Hdbd., 8 3/4"x 11", 144 pgs., 17 ill.

The story of a classic motorcycle racer who was fortunate enough to be able to ride many of the best classic machines between 1976 & 2016, at the highest level, and on many of the most famous road racing courses in the world. There are tales of success, friendships, and the loss of racing pals. Machine preparation and mechanical failures feature heavily, and the story recounts the author's frustrations and joys. Andy Reynolds maintained and built many of the bikes he raced, and ultimately retired from riding to become both a machine scrutineer and a sponsor. All aspects of motorcycle racing are covered in the author's easy-to-read and entertaining narrative. Altogether a fascinating adventure story for any motorcycle enthusiast. Come into the world of Classic Racing Motorcycles – but bring your cheque book and medical insurance!

The World Championship Grand Prix (WCGP) is the premier championship event of motorcycle road racing. The WCGP was established in 1949 by the sport's governing body, the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), and is the oldest world championship event in the motorsports arena. This book, developed especially for racing enthusiasts by motorsports engineering expert Dr. Alberto Boretti, provides a broad view of WCGP motorcycle racing and vehicles, but is primarily focused on the design of four-stroke engines for the MotoGP class. The book opens with general background on MotoGP governing bodies and a history of the event’s classes since the competition began in 1949. It then presents some of the key engines that have been developed and used for the competition through the years. Technologies that are used in today’s MotoGP engines are discussed. A sidebar discussion on calculating brake, indicated, and friction performance parameters provides mathematical information for readers who like such technical details. Future developments of MotoGP engines, including the use of biofuels and recovery of thermal and braking energy, are presented. The introduction concludes with a chart that details the winners of the various classes of WCGP motorcycle racing since the competition began in 1949. The bulk of the book consists of four previously published SAE technical papers that were expressly chosen by Dr. Boretti to provide greater insight to the relationships between engine parameters and performance, namely the influence on friction and mean effective pressure of traditional spark ignited four stroke engines tuned for a narrow high power output. The first paper provides the reader with a quick way to estimate the friction loss and engine output. The second paper discusses output and fuel consumption of multi-valve motorcycle engines. The third paper, published in 2002, compares WCGP engines developed to comply with the then-new FIM regulations that allowed four-stroke engines in the competition. The fourth paper examines specific power densities and therefore the level of sophistication and costs of MotoGP 800 cm3 engines. This paper shows the performance of these as well as the 1000cc SuperBike engines. The fifth paper presents four engine concepts including one for a MotoGP/Superbike with 2 and 3 cylinders. The sixth paper compares 3 and 4 in-line, V4, V5, and V6 layouts through 1-D engine simulations. The seventh paper considers the actual operation of 800cc MotoGP engines on the race track, where the percentage of the duration in fully open throttle is less than 20% of the race, but the partial throttle is used for as much as 80% of the race. The final paper in the compendium reports on the Honda oval piston engine concept.

"From the earliest days of motor racing, engineers have strived to develop engines which push the boundaries of technology. This lavishly illustrated book details the design, development and specifications of the author's personal selection of 50 classic racing engines from 1913 to 1994. In addition to thoroughbred winners such as the 1936 Auto Union C-type, the 1957 Maserati 250 F and the 1967 Ford DFV, a number of more obscure yet equally fascinating engines are represented, such as the 1949 Cisitalia and the 1958 Borgward RS. So too are the troublesome 16-cylinder engines produced by BRM. Karl Ludvigsen uses his extensive network of contacts throughout the racing engine world to provide behind-the-scenes stories, and speaks to the personalities involved in developing the power units that have made history."--Provided by publisher.

In this book, seasoned motorcycle restorer Ricky Burns takes you through each of the stages of real-life restorations. Aimed at enthusiasts of all abilities, from the total beginner to those with experience already, the reader is shown each stage and process in step-by-step detail, along with the techniques, tricks and tips used by experts. From choosing a project, setting up a workshop, and preparing a motorcycle, to sourcing parts, dismantling, restoring and renovating, this book is the perfect guide for the classic motorcycle restorer.

A workshop guide to the strip-down, rebuild, maintenance and repair of two-stroke motorcycle engines. Author Dave Boothroyd covers the principles and practice of two-stroke engine work, examining a wide range of marques and road, racing and trail motorcycles. With over 450 colour photographs, this new book covers: the chronological development of two-stroke engines and workshop procedures for each era; the examination of each major engine component in turn, including cylinder head, piston, piston rings, crankcase, flywheel, bearings, inlet manifold, clutch, gearbox and primary drive, and, finally, racing motorcycles and tuning engines for best performance; diagnosing problems and workshop safety. This practical reference guide is for the two-stroke motorcycle owner or restorer and is illustrated throughout with over 450 colour photographs.

Daniel Peirce examines the graphic nature of historic engines, using 64 photographs from his 'Up-N-Smoke' engine project. He also tells the story of the project and the years it took to take it from an inspired idea to a tangible reality.