V-twin engine

[2] An early V-twin engined motorcycle was produced in November 1902 by the Princeps AutoCar Company in the United Kingdom.

This Peugeot engine powered a Norton motorcycle that won the first Isle of Man TT race in 1907.

The most common V angle for a V-twin engine is 90 degrees, which can achieve a perfect primary balance (if the correct counterweight is used) like most Ducatis, most Moto Guzzis, the Honda RC51, Suzuki TL1000S and TL1000R.

Transverse V-twin engines have been used by Harley-Davidson, Ducati and many recent Japanese motorcycles, such as the Suzuki SV650.

An advantage of this arrangement is that both cylinder heads can protrude into the air stream, so they can each receive the same amount of cooling (for air-cooled engines).

As per all longitudinal engines, a disadvantage is that the torque reaction will twist the motorcycle to one side (such as on sharp acceleration/deceleration or when opening the throttle in neutral) instead of shifting the weight balance between the front and rear wheels.

However, many modern motorcycles reduce this effect by rotating flywheels or alternators in the opposite direction to that of the crankshaft.

In 1912, Humber produced a light car called the Humberette with a Humber-made V-twin side-valve engine of 998cc.

The engine had a directly attached clutch, 3-speed gearbox and prop shaft output to a rear differential.

Also in the United Kingdom, Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA) produced several cars powered by their V-twin motorcycle engines.

Various V-twin engines have been produced for industrial uses such as pressure washers, lawn and garden tractors, tillers, generators and water pumps.