The engine is the heart of any vehicle, and bike lovers probably know the importance of this. If you dig deeper, you will find that there are various kinds of engines out there. Each one has unique characteristics and serves a certain purpose. But all these engine terminologies and configurations might seem confusing. They may sound identical, but there are subtle differences between them. If you are thinking of buying a new bike, understanding the different types of engines can be helpful. So, let's delve into the difference between inline and parallel twin engines, understand which is better, and more.

What is Inline Twin and Parallel Twin Cylinder Engine?

Both parallel twin-cylinder engines and inline twin engines are twin-cylinder engines, having two cylinders and pistons in a single engine block. However, the key distinction between the two engines is the positioning of the cylinders, the movement of the pistons, and the crankshaft angle.

Inline twin engine incorporates two adjacent cylinders with two pistons each, connected to one crankshaft. In an inline twin engine, it has to be positioned in line with a bike's frame in such a way that one cylinder should be facing forward and the other should be behind it. The pistons move in opposite directions from each other; hence, the crankshaft angle of the inline twin engine is 180˚.This layout is commonly used by old models of motorcycles.

On the other hand, the parallel twin engine's mechanism consists of the two cylinders being arranged transversely to the frame of the bike, operating with an angle of 360˚ crankshaft in such a way that allows both pistons to move upwards and downwards simultaneously.

Difference between Parallel Twin and Inline Twin Engines

Following are some of the distinguishing features that separate both of these engines:

Which one is Better: Inline Twin Engine vs Parallel Twin Engine

This is a tricky question, as both inline and parallel twin engines are good and have certain strengths and weaknesses; however, which one is better depends on your needs, budget, and other factors.

If you want a comfortable, smooth, and fuel-efficient ride, consider an inline twin-cylinder engine. However, you can choose a parallel twin-cylinder engine for a more powerful, exhilarating, and responsive ride.

Inline-2 Cylinder Bikes in India

The Indian motorcycle market has a wide range of bikes fitted with inline twin engines. Here are some popular inline twin bikes:

Parallel Twin Engine Bikes in India

The Indian motorcycle market has a wide range of bikes fitted with parallel twin engines. Here are some popular parallel twin bikes:

Conclusion

Engines constitute the most important component of any bike or vehicle. When picking between an inline engine and a parallel twin engine, consider your riding preferences, spending limits, and where you want to ride the most. After you have made all these choices and bought your bike, the next thing to do is to get two-wheeler insurance to protect your bike financially in the event of an accident. If you want to know the exact cost, use a bike insurance calculator for the same. Also, while purchasing, always review how to claim bike insurance for the policy you purchase for your peace of mind.

FAQs

The key distinction between the two is the positioning of the cylinders, the movement of the pistons, and the crankshaft angle.

Both inline and parallel twin engines have certain strengths and weaknesses; however, which is better, depends on your needs, budget, riding experience, fuel efficiency, and other factors.

Some popular bike models include:

• KTM 790 Duke
• Kawasaki Ninja 400
• BMW F 900 R

Some popular names include:

• Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
• Triumph Bonneville T100
• Kawasaki Z650

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.