However this is a free country. Keep us informed on how it works.
We can always use more data.

BTW I just updated  http://www.rotaryeng.net/Rotar-v-Piston.html

Paul Lamar

Having ridden bikes most of my teen and adult life, I would like to share my
assessment of using motorcycle engines.
I am currently riding an 1800cc ( twin) Suzuki  M109R, sports tourer.
1. Their reciprocating engines and prone to the same valve problems.

2. My bike is heavy, the engine is heavy, don't know how heavy.

3. Higher RPM = higher HP

4. Higher RPM = faster wear and metal fatigue.

5. Rated at about 115 hp at some unknown RPM (can't remember).

6. High RPM = higher ratio reduction box

7. Difficult to put into an aircraft, due to configuration.

8. Very expensive engine to purchase and buy parts for (unbelievable).
The negative list goes on and on - can't remember any positives when
comparing to the rotary for aviation use. Yet this is a great engine for a
Motorcycle.
George ( down under)

George,

Thanks for the input! I think you can see there are a few differences
between the Suzuki M109R and a GSXR1000 (R1, ZX-10, etc), though.
About the only thing these engines have in common is that they have
pistons and are found on two-wheeled vehicles. There is virtually
nothing else similar between a cruiser-designed V-twin and a maximum
performance racing inline-4. Granted, they are both liquid cooled
(despite some aesthetically-intended fins on your engine) and both
DOHC, so maybe valvetrain service is comparable. Weight should be
completely unrelated. A 1300cc Hayabusa engine weighs 160lb INCLUDING
the gearbox. Hayabusas are 478lbs, while modern 1000cc superbikes are
about 370lbs. I bet you could chop off the gearbox and get a 100-120lb
engine. A word on cost in a second...


Keith,

Cost is part of the inspiration for asking about this. A crashed
recent-model "literbike" with low miles would cost what, $3000? $2000?
That would be a steady supply of engines for cheap, as often as you
could possibly need them. The Yamaha Genesis is an old bike, but it's
good to know somebody is trying this, even if only on an ultralight.


-Chris

Come on guys this newsletter is about rotary engines and not bike engines.
People have been using Mazda rotary engines in airplanes since 1973.

Paul Lamar

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