What do you mean by single cylinder engine? Why mostly bikes are single cylinders? What are the advantages and disadvantages of single cylinder motorcycle? Is double cylinder better than single: what are the differences? Why single cylinder engines are called thumps and why they are used in dirt bikes? Find all answers.
What is Single Cylinder in Bike?
A single-cylinder engine is a piston engine that has one cylinder. You can see the mentioned types of engines in motorcycles, motor scooters, motorized bicycles, etc. Even go-karts, all-terrain vehicles, radio-controlled vehicles, power tools, and garden machinery also feature the single-cylinder engine. They can be of 4-strokes and 2-strokes.
It is also known as “a thumper” or “Thump”. Why? It’s because of the sound they produce. Actually, the single-cylinder engines generate a thumping sound. The engine stays quite for most periods of the 4 phases: intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust. It makes a thumping sound while delivering the power to the back wheel in a pulse.
What are the Advantages of a Single-Cylinder Motorcycle?
The key benefits provided by the single-cylinder engines are as follows:
- The production is simpler: features a simple layout and design.
- Has low manufacturing cost and inexpensive option to purchase.
- Maintenance is also easier and cheaper than its counterpart: low maintenance and repair costs.
- Generates more torque lower down the rev range.
- Provides better fuel efficiency and mileage. Hence, a user-friendly option in terms of oil cost.
- Requires less number of associated components: only 1 carburetor, a single exhaust pipe, a single valve teach, 1 piston, and a single-cylinder head. It also makes it lighter in terms of weight. Bikes are also slimmer and nimbler.
- Makes the motorcycles to be more maneuverable and smooth.
- Appropriate for beginner-friendly motorbikes and for dirt bikes.
What are the Disadvantages of a Single Cylinder Engine?
The major drawbacks of this type of engines include:
- Unable to produce more power. Hence, the top speed is also lower.
- Can’t provide a better balance.
- Unable to make the back wheel rev at higher RPM.
- Produces some disgusting vibrations in a plenty. The sound produced is often unlike by classy people.
- Capacity size is usually less than 650 cc.
What is the Difference between Single-Cylinder and Twin-Cylinder?
| Single-Cylinder Engine | Twin-Cylinder Engine |
| It features one cylinder and, hence, fewer pistons. | Has an additional cylinder, extra pistons, as well as associated components. |
| Simple to produce. | Comparatively more complex. |
| Manufacturing costs are lower. | Expensive to produce and hence overall high price. |
| Used in comparatively lower displacement motorcycles | Used in bigger displacement engines. |
| Able to provide better fuel efficiency, ample torque, and low-end grunt. | More fuel consumption and torque are also less. |
| Can’t provide good enough balance. | Ensures far better balance of the bike. |
| Can cause some troubling vibrations. | Doesn’t obstruct with frequent vibrating issues. |
| To displace any given cc, it uses bigger, heavier components. | Features lighter componentry as per the cc displacement. Because that can be divided into 2 parts. |
| Comparatively less ability to produce power and rpm. | Able to reach a higher rpm and produce more power. |
Which is Better, Single or Double Cylinder Bike?
You’ve already got a detailed idea about the pros and cons of both types of engines. In a nutshell, we can tell, that single-cylinder engines are cheaper, have low maintenance costs, and provide better mileage. Also, ensures ample torque. So for those options, single-cylinder engines are better. But if you have no budget issue then you may go for a double-cylinder engines which makes sure better balance, rpm, and power; eliminates extra vibrations. So, single-cylinders are good option in cheap budget but with no budget issue, double cylinders are better performers.
How long will a single-cylinder engine last?
According to Quora, a single-cylinder engine will last between 20,000 to 50,000 miles (about 32,000 to 80,000 kilometers). However, with better maintenance and care, it lasts longer.
Why Single Cylinder Engines are Suitable for Dirt Bikes?
These engines produce power in a pulsating form instead of being able to generate continuous power output. Hence, the rear wheel is able to apply traction. Thus they can produce better control of the dirt bikes on those challenging terrain. If there was a continuous power supply in the dirt bikes it would cause those bikes to be unstable. Indeed, those will not be adaptive to the bumps and changes in terrain.
