Patent application reveals possible cylinder deactivation tech for Honda motorcycles
Honda V4 engine patent drawings - Click above for image gallery
Honda is pulling out all the stops with its upcoming VFR1200 motorcycle in an effort to make the machine into a proper technological tour de force. In addition to a brand new dual clutch gearbox – the first of its kind for the two-wheeled market – the World's Largest motorcycle maker is also rumored to be introducing cylinder deactivation for the touring bike's V4 powerplant in a bid to keep fuel mileage in check.
The eagle-eyed scribes over at The Kneeslider happened to locate a patent application from Honda that appears to cover the gamut from the aforementioned cylinder deactivation to unequal front and rear cylinder spacing. The latter technology may be implemented to help keep the engine running cool and reduce unwanted vibration. Patent applications are notoriously vague and confusing (probably on purpose most of the time), but it seems Honda plans to add a gap in between the front two cylinders that will funnel cooling air to the rear bank of cylinders.
According to this filing, it may be possible for Honda to run its V4 engine with two, three or all four cylinders pumping away under power. Check out a few images in our gallery below.
Gallery: Honda V4 engine patent drawings
[Source: The Kneeslider]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Kattleox 10:20AM (9/14/2009)
When getting 80mpg just isn't good enough.
Really though, engine technology isn't the problem. I read in a motorcycle magazine a while back, "we could get 800 horsepower into a motorcycle easily while maintaining good mileage. The problem is getting the power to the road." Its pretty true though. Tire technology specifically needs to be fixed. Engines are one of the more efficient systems in a car, while aerodynamics and tire friction are the least. Its all about where everyone applies their focus. I mean, with the right tires a 'vette could get 35mpg or higher, I'm sure.
But that's just the opinion of one ill informed, kept-in-the-dark citizen.
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Gary 11:26AM (9/14/2009)
I agree that it's questionable to add fuel-saving technology to a vehicle whose gas bill is already only a few hundred dollars per year.
Clay Garland 11:34AM (9/14/2009)
I was going to go the sarcastic route and proclaim that I was glad that they were finally doing something about the abysmal fuel economy of motorcycles.
fixitfixitstop 11:53AM (9/14/2009)
1200cc bikes are rated at 80mpg?
Polly Prissy Pants 12:45PM (9/14/2009)
Most big bikes will only get you about 35-40 mpg in the real world. When gas goes back to $4/gallon that 10% would make a difference.
Alan44 11:20AM (9/14/2009)
"but it seems Honda plans to add a gap in between the front two cylinders that will funnel cooling air to the rear bank of cylinders."
Since all of Honda's V4 motorcycle engines are water cooled, including the one in my ST1300, I think the above comment is a fail.
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