| Author | Message | ||
     Erz |
Reading the Buell site, it seems that the motor in their bikes meets very strict emission standards in yet they do not use catalytic converters. How are they doing this using an engine that for the most part is pretty old technology. I am impressed | ||
| Crusty |
It's a common misconception that Pushrod engines are "Old Technology". If an engine gives great fuel mileage, burns clean enough to not need Catatonic converters, makes an acceptable amount of horsepower and has high torque in a usable powerband; all the while needing extremely low maintenance; why would you consider it Old Tech? Complexity does not necessarily mean modern or efficient. | ||
| Swampy |
I'm thinking, and I can be wrong, is that the long stroke keeps combustion temperatures down which reduces some types of emissions. | ||
| Chadleys1 |
I love it when people start to realize how really excellent the Buell motors are for a real world bike. | ||
| Teeps |
Erz Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 How are they doing this using an engine that for the most part is pretty old technology. Modern electronic engine management; Fuel Injection and Ignition. | ||
| Chadhargis |
For all the good things the Harley built engine does...it is lacking in a few areas. The biggest of which is power. For a 1200cc engine, putting down 85 hp isn't setting the world on fire. It was rather fun doing a track day on it and holding the throttle wide open most of the time.  But in all honesty, it works pretty good on the street. (Message edited by chadhargis on April 01, 2007) | ||
| Windrider |
Chad, I think that sums it up nicely: The current Buell XB engines produce great power and make a great all around engine for street use. On the track, they are not so overwhelming. Most riders buy their bikes with engines that are designed and tuned for use on the track... but they don't ride on the track, they ride on the street! | ||
| Froggy |
Pushrods unfortunately get called old tech, yet overhead cam engines are just as old. It is mainly because OHC engines didn't become popular till the last 20-30 years. But as you can see, "old school" pushrods are fine and have there advantages, mainly in the size, weight, emissions, fuel economy, and torque. Want high HP per liter? Look elsewhere. Want a bike with lots of torque and great gas mileage? You can't do wrong with a V-Twin. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
Old tech, ole smeck. All bikes burn gas and belch emissions. If you ask me, bikes that need valve adjustments, drive chain maintenance, cam chain adjustments, ect, are the old tech. Quit yer bitching about hp numbers. The only way these bikes even approach these higher hp figures is at the track or breaking the law on the streets. Personally I want high torque at street legal speeds and rpms. Stump pulling torque. Having to rev a bike to astronomical revs is just not possible without the law pulling you over. Inline 4's are so over complicated compared to the Buell power-plant. Complication should not be synonymous with high technology. That is one reason I don't need or want ABS, airbags, or wireless throttle control. About the only thing I believe might be better is the water cooling which allows for tighter tolerances which is a good thing because you can then wring out a few more ponies. | ||
| Stevenknapp |
For a 1200cc engine, putting down 85 hp isn't setting the world on fire. Shh...don't tell the BMW folks that.. | ||
| Terrible1one3 |
I saw in one of their movies on the engines that they pass emissions because of the quality of the burn in the cylinder. A clean good mix of air and gasoline equals a very efficient burn which equals good emissions. | ||
| Strokizator |
Nothing irritates me more than BMW riders commenting on the old tech push rod engine when they're riding bikes whose engine was designed before "der Fuhrer" was in power. | ||
| Chadhargis |
And don't forget...BMW boxer engines still use pushrods. Little itty bitty ones, but they still use them. If they had an overhead cam, you'd be dragging the cylinder on the ground around even a modest corner. Do a valve adjustment on a Beemer and you'll see, there is no cam in the head. Just a rocker being activated by a PUSHROD! | ||
| Soloyosh |
Reading the Buell site, it seems that the motor in their bikes meets very strict emission standards in yet they do not use catalytic converters. How are they doing this using an engine that for the most part is pretty old technology. I am impressed Elves and pixie dust |
