Motorbikes.

[pre65]

How about the AJS Porcupine ?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AJS_Porcupine

Or, and more likely, the Ariel KH and KHA.

http://www.classicbikersclub.com/art...01/ariel-500cc

[bob orbell]

Sorry Philip, wrong.

[pre65]

WRONG ! Oh dear oh deary me.

The 6/1 was a 650cc, so it's not that, and the Bandit/Fury was a 350cc so not that either.

Well, I did think of the Sunbeam S7 (and S8) but I would call them an inline twin.

They might be what you were referring to ? Probably not as they were only vibration free with the modified rubber engine mountings.

If not, is this engine pre, or post WW2 ?

[bob orbell]

Hi Philip and all, I think it was post WWII, but not 100% without gettting the books out, a clue, if its any good to you, it was a racing machine, and I also think it had a blower. Lets see if Baggo can get it. BOB

[pre65]

OK Bob, we will see what Baggo thinks.

Still sounds like the AJS Porcupine (or E90s / E95 as it was known) to me.

[dan_s]

"Google says" Triumph T-16. (Never rode one as the Hinkley triumphs were never imporetd here).
At high outputs, constant power can cause traction problems, on one of the GP bikes sliding issue were solved when cylinder firing order was changed to an uneven rate. I don't know if this makes any difference in everyday motorcycling.

[Dave Ed]

What about the Japanese 3 cylinder two-stroke/6 cyl. 4 stroke offerings from the 1970's?

A triple two stroke 'on song' sounds very similar to a 6 cyl. four stroke, not very common these days admittedly. Kawasaki/Suzuki triple/Honda CBX/Kawa Z1300 anyone?

These are music to my ears (I do admit to owning one of the above).

A friend of mine had a BSA Rocket 3--the thing used to HOWL!!!

I also remember Yamaha's attempt at replicating the Trident/BSA experience--the XS 750--shaft drive.

[pre65]

Originally Posted by dan_s

on one of the GP bikes sliding issue were solved when cylinder firing order was changed to an uneven rate.

The Yamaha that Valentino Rossi was riding from memory.

[Baggy Trousers]

Originally Posted by bob orbell

Hi Philip and all, I think it was post WWII, but not 100% without gettting the books out, a clue, if its any good to you, it was a racing machine, and I also think it had a blower. Lets see if Baggo can get it. BOB

Oh hell! What have I done to deserve this?

This is scraping the recesses of memory but I'm sure the Porcupine was a pre-War design and a blower was an integral part of that design. In 1946 the powers-that-be ordained that superchargers were out. Sadly, the porkypine never fulfilled its potential in naturally aspirated form but I remember it from my schooldays and it was considered the bees knees - a sort of 2-wheel equivalent of the 1,5 litre, supercharged V16 BRM.

Contrary to widely held belief, I'm not omniscient but I once owned and thoroughly enjoyed what could be Bob's mystery prize. It was 25 years old when I bought it and due to its low centre of mass, was the most "chuckable" bike I've ever had. I would love to have it back.

I don't suppose I shall win the prize but my guess is my old bike. What was it? 1933 Flying Squirrel. It certainly was uncannily smooooth.

[pre65]

Originally Posted by Dave Ed

I also remember Yamaha's attempt at replicating the Trident/BSA experience--the XS 750--shaft drive.

The later enlarged version, the XS850 triple was a fair touring bike in it's day.

The four cyl XS1100 was an animal, or at least the one I had was.