Single cylinder engines versus twin cylinder engines!
Which is best for dual sport and adventure riding?
A spoiler alert...
the very simple answer is that twin cylinder engines are generally better
if you do a lot of road riding, and especially if you want to carry a passenger.
The single cylinder engine is best for dirt roads,
especially if you often plan to do some rough terrain.
The problem is many of us want a motorbike that will do everything.
So lets look at the pros and cons of each engine.
Single cylinder engines are often called thumpers for obvious reasons.
The biggest difference compared to twin cylinder engines is the weight and power delivery.
Single cylinder dual sport and adventure motorbikes are almost always a lot lighter.
This can be good or bad depending on your needs.
The single cylinder is a great choice if you are
a solo rider and enjoy dirt roads - the rougher the better.
The power delivery is usually very linear.
A big single typically has strong torque up to the midrange then peters out at higher revs.
Again, this is great for offroad riding with
less surprises when it comes to wheelspin and bursts of power.
Other benefits?
The single cylinder engine is much simpler.
Problems can be easier to diagnose.
They are cheaper and easier to rebuild.
It has a narrower configuration which is great for offroad riding.
The negative side of single cylinder engines?
They vibrate more, especially at higher revs.
They usually put out less maximum horsepower.
The overall rev range is smaller.
A single cylinder engine usually does not rev as high.
And you also get 'chain snatch' at very low revs
as the big single cylinder pounds away at the gearbox.
While engine rebuilds are cheaper,
single cylinder engines tend to wear out faster so the rebuilds will happen a bit more often.
Ditto for engine oil changes.
If you don't like loud motorbikes, you will find that single cylinder engines
are much louder when you fit an aftermarket exhaust system.
The 'thump' can be unpleasantly loud,
whereas a twin cylinder is more likely to create a nice sound that is easier on the ears.
Everyone has different opinions about this!
It's easy to see the benefits of a twin cylinder engine in comparison.
They have far less vibration and are smoother.
Even if they have less power at low revs,
they run much smoother at low revs with less 'chain snatch'.
They rev higher, and usually put out quite a bit more horsepower.
The motorbike is substantially heavier,
but this means it carries a passenger with ease, and will handle better on the road.
Less maintenance, less oil changes.
The disadvantages?
The cost of a twin cylinder motorbike is usually higher.
Engine rebuilds cost more.
And so on.
Does it sound like an easy decision?
Often it's difficult because these characteristics don't always apply.
Motorbike prices.
There is a huge variation here.
For example, the twin cylinder Honda CB500X
is incredibly cheap compared to a KTM 500EXCF, which is categorised as a dual sport motorbike.
Singles are not always cheaper.
Weight.
The latest Kawasaki KLR650 is ridiculously heavy for a single cylinder motorbike.
It weighs the same as some twin cylinder 700cc and 890cc adventure motorbikes.
Horsepower.
The KTM 690 is tuned for performance and puts out
higher maximum horsepower than most twin cylinder engines in the same category.
Everything we have discussed is only a general guideline, and there are plenty of exceptions.
Often the only way to make a good decision is get a test ride on the relevant motorbikes.
Another issue?
Every rider has different opinions.
An example?
I hate riding my DR650 for more than five minutes on the highway.
But I can happily spend a few hours cruising along on a big twin cylinder adventure motorbike.
But there are plenty of riders who happily spend all day
flying along the highway on single cylinder motorbikes...
and often these are 250cc dual sport motorbikes buzzing away at high revs.
Each to their own.
It is why I will only give broad guidelines about recommending certain
motorbikes, and never try to make specific recommendations for the individual rider.
One final point.
Some manufacturers get professional riders to do
crazy stunts on big twin cylinder adventure motorbikes.
Unfortunately quite a few new riders believe
they will be able to ride these behemoths at speed through rough terrain.
If they are not incredibly skilful riders, they find out rapidly it ain't gonna happen.
I have spoken to many riders who had to sell the mothership before they hurt themselves.
It's always a good idea to start small and light
when you first start adventure riding or dual sport riding.
Then work your way up.
Check out our vids about the lightweight and mid-weight options available.
What's your preference... single or twin?
And why? Keen to hear your thoughts.