MadProfessor8138
Well-Known Member
I wasnt sure what section to post this in so here goes........just some of my thoughts on engines.
If this thread needs to be moved..........
There seems to be a need for 35-50hp 4 stroke engines but very few options available.......everyone wants to get away from 2 strokes these days for some reason.
If you want high hp with low weight then looking for engines that were developed with that from the beginning would be the logical choice.
It's a shame that nobody has taken advantage of the R&D that has been done by the Japanese engine designers....they build great engines.
As an example......Yamaha YZF dirtbike engines are 4 stroke,around 45-55hp depending on year,around 60 lbs,rev to around 11,500 rpm,water cooled.....etc.
Strip the kick starter,clutch and transmission off and drop probably 10 lbs or more.
The needed coolant and radiators are pretty light.....under 10 lbs probably.
Design a gearbox or belt drive to mate up with the cases and you have a 60 -70 lb 45-55hp 4 stroke that can take any rpm that you care to throw at it all day long..........and you can walk into any dealer or surf the net to find parts.
Has anyone pursued this avenue before?
I know there was a Yamaha Virago street bike engine flying on a Nieuport for a while...and then you have the Yamaha snowmobile engines being converted now....larger engines than what we are shooting for but still the same principal....
Kevin
If this thread needs to be moved..........
There seems to be a need for 35-50hp 4 stroke engines but very few options available.......everyone wants to get away from 2 strokes these days for some reason.
If you want high hp with low weight then looking for engines that were developed with that from the beginning would be the logical choice.
It's a shame that nobody has taken advantage of the R&D that has been done by the Japanese engine designers....they build great engines.
As an example......Yamaha YZF dirtbike engines are 4 stroke,around 45-55hp depending on year,around 60 lbs,rev to around 11,500 rpm,water cooled.....etc.
Strip the kick starter,clutch and transmission off and drop probably 10 lbs or more.
The needed coolant and radiators are pretty light.....under 10 lbs probably.
Design a gearbox or belt drive to mate up with the cases and you have a 60 -70 lb 45-55hp 4 stroke that can take any rpm that you care to throw at it all day long..........and you can walk into any dealer or surf the net to find parts.
Has anyone pursued this avenue before?
I know there was a Yamaha Virago street bike engine flying on a Nieuport for a while...and then you have the Yamaha snowmobile engines being converted now....larger engines than what we are shooting for but still the same principal....
Kevin
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