What is DOHC Engine in Bike? What type of engine is DOHC? Is a DOHC engine good? Which is better DOHC or SOHC engine? How good is DOHC engine? How to tell DOHC or SOHC? Does DOHC increase horsepower? Are all modern engines DOHC? What are the disadvantages of DOHC? What does 4 cylinder DOHC mean? Know everything about DOHC Engine in Motorcycle.
What does DOHC Mean in Engine?
What is the full meaning of DOHC? DOHC is the acronym for “Dual Overhead Camshaft”. One may call it a “dual overhead cam”, “double overhead cam”, or “twin-cam” engine. In this type of engine, above each bank of the cylinder head, there are 2 camshafts. One of those camshafts is for the intake valves. Meanwhile, the other camshaft is for the exhaust valve. Hence, a straight engine features 2 camshafts. On the contrary, the V engine or flat engine features 4 camshafts.
What are the Benefits of DOHC Engine?
DOHC engines can provide some crucial advantages as follows:
- DOHC is able to provide better airflow at high engine speeds.
- Provides better top-end power.
- Allows the spark plug to be placed in the combustion chamber’s heart region. Hence, offers efficient combustion as well.
- Fits well with efficiency-enhancing technologies.
- Provides better pickup.
- Also offers a higher speed.
What is the Disadvantage of DOHC?
Here are some of the drawbacks of the DOHC engine.
- Higher production cost is one of the major disadvantages and hence can’t be used in cheap bikes.
- Requires more components to build.
- High maintenance fee.
- Also weighs more as well.
Which is Better, a DOHC or a SOHC Engine?
Let’s find out some key differences between the 2 types and also see which one is better.
| SOHC Engine | DOHC Engine |
| Single Overhead Camshaft: has one camshaft per bank of cylinders | Double Overhead Camshaft: has two camshafts over each bank of the cylinder head. |
| 2 or 3 valves per cylinder configuration. | Allows 4 valves per cylinder configuration. |
| It’s more ancient technology. | The technology is more modern. |
| Less airflow through the engine. | Offers better airflow through the engine. |
| The horsepower is also less. | Enhanced horsepower. |
| Lower rev limit. | Higher rev limit. |
| Improved low to mid-range torque. | More top-end torque. |
| Fewer moving parts. | More moving parts. |
| More fuel efficient. | Comparatively less fuel efficient. |
| Less control over the engine. | More control over the engine. |
| Less complicated function and is easy to work on. | A bit more complicated function. |
| Low generation cost. | High generation cost. |
| The maintenance fee is also cheap. | High maintenance fee. |
Well, if the user prioritizes more power and better pick-up, then he should go for a DOHC engine. On the other hand, if someone wants for a cost-effective and less expensive option then SOHC should be his pick. Overall, DOHC provides better performance as well as technologically DOHS has the upper hand over its counterpart.
Is DOHC Fuel Efficient?
The fuel efficiency actually depends on the type of the vehicle and engine. The SOHC has fewer moving parts while also having a simpler valve setup. The SOHC engines have the benefit of a slight reduction in weight. All these make the SOHC engines more fuel efficient. But what about the fuel efficiency of the DOHC engines? Enhanced airflow as well as precise control over the engine; these factors make the DOHC quite fuel-efficient as well. However, comparatively, DOHC is less fuel-efficient than SOHC.
Are DOHC Engines Faster? Does DOHC Make More Power?
This kind of engine are able to deliver more torque and horsepower at higher speeds. Also offers better valve timing. Hence, the DOHC engines can generate power a lot faster. Almost every modern vehicle uses the DOHC engines.
