Post by Henrik on Apr 22, 2003 6:36:38 GMT -5
I know I have talked about this topic in the past, but I can't recall under what thread, and seeing this new tech area I thought it a good place to take the discussion up again.
Having always been fascinated by the technology that goes in to motorcycle engines, it is probably the engined produced by Honda in the 60's that I am most impressed with. Considering the level of technology that existed back then compared to what is available today, they produced some amazing things. Take this as an example:
Think about it for a second (even though as the article says it is not really comparable to today's F1 engines) a theoretical 320 bhp per litre at 22'500 rpms!!!
It boggles the mind....
Having always been fascinated by the technology that goes in to motorcycle engines, it is probably the engined produced by Honda in the 60's that I am most impressed with. Considering the level of technology that existed back then compared to what is available today, they produced some amazing things. Take this as an example:
Difference between the RC115 and the RC116 is a new bore and stroke, now being 35.5 x 25.14 mm. Power output is 16 bhp at 21,500 rpm. This means 320 bhp per litre and a Pme of nearly 16 kg/cm2 ! As regards bhp per litre, this is a figure that has never been surpassed by any naturally aspirated four stroke engine, and even today's formula 1 cars with their special fuel brews cannot hold a candle to it. I know this is not a totally fair comparison, but it gives an idea of the level of four stroke technology nearly 40 years ago. This engine is the most advanced of all the Honda engines. Red line at 22,500 rpm. Carburettors have flat slides. The gearbox contains a nine speed cluster. Dry weight of the bike is 58 kg. The piston pin has a diameter of 9 mm and weighs 6 g. The inlet valve head is 13 mm, the exhaust valve head is 11.5 mm, and the stems are 3.5 mm diameter. Weight of the exhaust valve: 6 g.
Think about it for a second (even though as the article says it is not really comparable to today's F1 engines) a theoretical 320 bhp per litre at 22'500 rpms!!!
It boggles the mind....