CROSSPLANE inline 4 EXPLAINED in detail - How the YAMAHA R1 i4 differs from all other INLINE FOURS

Step by step secondary balance explanation: • REVOLUTIONARY new INLI... (start at 01:08)
Audiovisual demonstrations of different engines: / @williammoser
00:00 Inline four is everywhere
01:52 What's a crossplane crankshaft
03:47 Crossplane and flat plane engine balance
12:37 Crossplane firing interval
14:50 Flat plane vs crossplane sound
18:06 Big bang engines in MotoGP and their benefits
24:22 Why no other bike went crossplane
The inline four cylinder engine is likely the most plentiful engine configuration in the world. It outnumbers other engine configurations because it offers an optimal blend of physical size, efficiency and power potential for most applications. And you can find an inline four engine in thousands upon thousands of different cars, bikes, boats, trucks, you name it - it’s everywhere. Walk through a city street almost anywhere in the world and chances are very slim that there isn't an inline four somewhere very near you.
And if you would take any of those countless inline four engines and opened it up inside you would find a crankshaft that looks like this. In fact at the heart of every single inline four you can find on the roads of the world lies pretty much the same crankshaft. There may be slight variations, different materials and manufacturing processes, a different number of counterweights. But all of them have essentially the same crankshaft.
Well all of them except one…….. This is the crankshaft in the Yamaha R1 and as you can see it’s different from all the others. So why is the Yamaha R1 inline four engine different from all the other inline fours out there and to what end? Well today I’m going to try and answer that question as thoroughly as possible with this detailed video. We will explain what the crossplane crankshaft is, how it differs from the flat plane, how this influences engine balance and what advantages and drawbacks it brings to the table and then with this information in mind we will talk about the history of big bang engines in MotoGP to see why they came into existence and what benefits they offer in the real world. We will end the video by answering the question of why other brands never adopted the crossplane crankshaft in their production bikes and why it never made it into another Yamaha fan favorite, the R6. So let’s get started.
Now, as you can see all the crankshafts inside every production inline four out there have 1 key feature in common and that is that two of the crank pins point up and the other two crank pins point down. The result is of course that pistons move in pairs. When two go up two must come down.
This type of crankshaft is called a flat plane crankshaft because all the crank pins are located in a single plane.
But starting with the 2009 model year Yamaha’s flagship 1 liter sportbike the R1 made a radical step away from this convention. As you can see its crankshaft doesn’t have two crank pins pointed up and the other two 180 degrees away. Instead each crank pin is pointing in its own direction. If we set our crankshaft so that the first crank pin points up then the second crank pin will be rotated 90 degrees from it. The third crank pin will be 180 degrees from the second and the fourth 90 degrees from the third. In more simple terms one points up, one left, one right, one down.
So why are 99.99% of inline four crankshafts out there flat plane instead of crossplane. The answer to that is that if one takes a rational objective approach towards designing an inline four engine the flat plane design offers more benefits and less drawbacks then a cross plane one. To understand why 99.99% of inline fours are flat plane we must understand how the primary and secondary engine balance of flat plane and crossplane inline fours differ from each other.
In flat plane inline four the pistons move in pairs. When two go up the other two go down. In other words piston one balances out piston two and piston three balances out piston 4.
A crossplane inline four also has an even number of pistons so we should have no problems with primary balance right? The inner two pistons are separated by 180 degrees so they balance each other out. The outer two pistons are also separated by 180 degrees so they also balance each other out. It’s the same thing as a flat plane but only with different pistons. So this means that the crossplane should have perfect primary balance just like the flat plane right? Wrong.
Yes the number of pistons is even but the problem is their distance from and relationship with the engine’s center of mass which results in the crossplane engine having something called a rocking couple.
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#d4a #crossplane #enginebalance #yamahar1

[@d4a]

Support d4a: driving-4-answers-shop.fourthwall.com/ Crossplane in 1:12 - amzn.to/2X4jYko Motivation: kzbin.info/door/t3YSIPcvJsYbwGCDLNiIKA Yamaha racing history: amzn.to/38WU4le Also Yamaha: amzn.to/2XcckVm GOT2GO: amzn.to/3A0YwLV Patreon: www.patreon.com/d4a

[@matthewadkins9810]

Your videos are so much better than Engineering Explained, it's not even funny. Always love you content man, keep it up.

[@bashkillszombies]

Grow a full beard, or shave. Friends don't let friends grow creepy little pedo beards like that. That's what sleazy old guys who hang around playgrounds wear. Shave, or grow it out, or we're going to have to hold an intervention!

[@alansims4344]

Honda learned this the hard way back in the late 70's early 80's when they went on a mission to dominate US flat track racing. Dominated then, and now, by Harley Davidson with the XR750 and such. It's a v-twin sport and HD with it's distinct configuration of close fire - long pause dominated. To be honest the sport is built around this engines ability to "dig" the exits unlike any other. Honda shows up and is competitive but can't win a championship with their smoother v-twins. Eventually having to scrap the new found offset pin v-twin tech and build HD like engines that were shamefully similar to HD. Having just as much trouble holding the cases together as everyone else but finally did win one year I think and then called it a day. Then promptly launched the Shadow line of Vtwins .... with offset crank pin smooth motors. I bought one in 83 loved it but it didn't have "that" sound.

[@winzracingNZ]

Pretty sure my Yamaha TZ in 1990s was uneven firing two stroke

[@Metaldetectiontubeworldwide]

I dont understand why they don´t drill holes , at 180° of where you normaly put the weight ? Giving a weight reduction VS a weight increase w/o the counterbalance shaft. @Yamaha i´m Un- employed and looking for an engineering job.. lol Grtzz from the netherlands Johny geerts

[@RobSchofield]

That has to be the best engineering chain-of-reasoning explanation I have *ever* heard, in 40+ years as an Engineer myself. You are to be congratulated on your clarity of understanding and ability to get the message across. Superb!

[@scully5066]

Wow, you are so right. As interesting as the topic is, I am absolutely blown away by the incredible teaching skills and chain of logic that he presents. And the animations were just perfectly synced with his diamond-crystal clear explanations. Simply could NOT get any better than this tutorial.

[@georhodiumgeo9827]

Yep, this has got to be in the top 10 engineering videos on KZbin. It’s frustrating watching somebody explain something incorrectly or incompletely. If he said anything wrong (and I don’t think he did), it was well above my head.

[@WesterStarThunder]

I can only add my agreement to your words. I am a motorcyclist since 1979 (Harleys) am a trained master tech in automotive and diesel technology. This young man is a pleasure to learn from. I hope he continues to share his knowledge and insight.

[@colinashby3775]

Agreed

[@presizz7883]

damn. i don’t know shit bout flatplane or crossplane, matter of fact i don’t even know nothing bout bike engines. this video manage to make me sit on a lecture bout engines because the clarity and the visuals which made me understand it easily. now i understand why yamaha crossplane engines are loved by many. didn’t even know bout it before.

[@paulspice4717]

I'm a 71 year old biker with an engineering degree and you are the best teacher I have EVER listened to. Brilliant👍

[@juwant61]

The explanation is exceptional

[@MLeoM]

I was shocked watching 5 minutes into the video how excellent it is explained and demonstrated verbally + visually and I have NEVER experienced learning about engines like this before in my entire life!

[@michaellinner7772]

Especially considering English isn't his first language.

[@manstersr]

Great explanation of the big bang 2 stroke engine. One thing you may have missed is how the two-stroke "power band" which you described as a brutal power delivery came in suddenly and made them hard to handle because the power would suddenly double or triple (for explanation purposes) when it hit a certain RPM, primarily due to the exhaust expansion chambers getting "on the pipe".

[@billymania11]

I came up through the 500 GP era and it was amazing and terrifying at the same time. The engines were on/off switches and the powerbands were quite narrow. Drivers of that era were brave indeed.

[@professionalhuman4429]

Did it also have something to do with the valves opening more at a certain rpm or something like that???

[@Shadow0fd3ath24]

@@professionalhuman4429 yes that too, people forget they had power valves

[@paultruesdale7680]

Two strokes and the CVT, or DCT. Would be a wicked combination

[@wirenutt57]

It's so great to listen to a complex and accurate engineering video like this instead of yet another simplistic, poorly researched and poorly written attempt at explaining something simple to begin with done by others. You will always have my attention with every video you release. Thank you for exercising my brain instead of putting me to sleep like so many others! A++++ for you, sir!

[@lordjaashin]

"poorly written attempt" you just described engineering explained channel

[@Barty.Crowell]

Or direct Wikipedia quotes

[@maikelnait4495]

Most people who are also interested in these subjects are not capable to understand the “complex” explanations.

[@bartman59laj55]

I agree, some channels dumb down their explanations and they suffer because of it

[@VisioRacer]

Incredible video! I already knew this and got extremely fascinated when I first found out, but this video explains the whole point of uneven firing very very well. Everybody must get it after watching.

[@d4a]

Thank you! I watched your video on the 3 crossplane engines. I knew about the URS but I have no idea how you managed to dig up that fairbanks thing. Kudos!

[@VisioRacer]

@@d4a Thanks, I cannot explain it, I just search a lot on the web and some stuff just falls into your hands, heh

[@sujendrannairtheywaharen2230]

@@VisioRacer hello there Mr VisioRacer

[@SomeOne-mx2ro]

Well guess now we all moving to your channel to hear how it sounds and see how it performs

[@BobbyOfEarth]

How is it so incredible when engine builders have been bouncing between flat plane cranks and crossplane cranks for over four decades..

[@pannusgarageanautomotivewo3518]

I am 16 years old and i have been studying automobile since my childhood, I have learnt a lot from your videos gaining knowledge of complex concepts in simple yet detailed manner.. Thank you❤❤❤

[@nbowling10trio]

People need to realize and recognize the amount of effort you put into your videos. Well done sir

[@Gixer750pilot]

The fact you did this in perfect English which isn’t your first language is just amazing !!!

[@billville111]

Yes. smart guy

[@psajeffreyocaya5868]

Your explanation, presentation and delivery is out this world. I never thought I could finish this entire video coming in with just mere curiosity on the crossplane design. Your way of "teaching" is bounds and leaps ahead of what could be the greatest teaching styles most everywhere. Thank you very much!

[@pejapl13]

Yeah. I saw 26 minutes and was like I'll just skip through some bits, but I never did, it was too interesting. Not one minute was boring

[@Dowlphin]

It must be my lowcarb diet that made me actually not feel overwhelmed in the mid section.

[@riosena350]

So an inline twin has a perfect primary balance because the forces that go up are equal to the forces that go down, but an inline 3, while 1 piston is going down, 2 are going up and that is why the primary balance of an i3 is so bad, but In an I4 crossplane there are always 2 pistons going in the same direction, so an I4 crossplane should have a perfect primary and secondary balance, because the primary balance has nothing to do with the rocking couple,

[@StanleyKubick1]

I had the same experience. I was somewhat interested, but by the end I was gobbling it up.

[@glassmakerx]

I happened to stumble on one of your videos just before heading outside to get some things done that I need to do and, out of curiosity, figured I would watch it for a couple of minutes before heading out. That was two hours ago. You bastard! What an excellent channel!

[@NormanBoulder]

First video I've watched of yours and I have to say, this is one of the best videos on youtube explaining an engineering concept. Absolutely outstanding job on this! Thank you

[@calinkln-enduroalba7507]

Incredible how this guy can explain complicated stuff and make it easy to understand for the average person. Time and time again. Nice work!

[@thedancinzerg]

@Ken Fullman I think he was saying how hard it would be for you to not find an inline 4. I know here, 50%+ of a parking lot is inline 4's.

[@tegknox2694]

A born instructor, his accent only adds to this superpower.

[@seantaylor2683]

@Ken Fullman The first car he shows just after the timestamp you linked is a Mazda MX5 which does have an inline 4 cylinder engine

[@tyrantworm7392]

@Ken Fullman I hope you, like me, have now binge watched virtually all of his videos. It's easy to understand that the dude knows his shit when viewed in that context.

[@jeanclaudebenoit8983]

Svp traduction en français

[@tesmith47]

This was absolutely excellent, you win this week's internet education award, KUDOS!!!

[@waylonk2453]

Hear, hear!

[@Dadnatron]

You do such a great job of explaining these engineering concepts. High enough level to impart real knowledge, but in a manner low enough for a non-engineer to understand. Thank you very much.

[@semajsodranev1131]

I totally love the way you explain things. I’ve lived with learning difficulties all my life, and I find I have to watch tutorials many times over for the penny to drop. However, you explain things so clearly in a linear fashion that even I get on the first time. Thank you for your videos.

[@JANICKGMO_]

@@originalni_popisovac You sound like a fun person to be around.

[@AVweb]

This is f^%$ing brilliant. Well done. Even I get it now.

[@Barty.Crowell]

Funny seeing you guys here!

[@Erik-rp1hi]

Hi Mr. P.B. I watch your blog as well. You do a great job as well with humor.

[@hachibahn8844]

i know ! amazing stuff, who is this guy ? brilliant just brilliant !!!!

[@benderthegreat4728]

Me too and I don't really care about bikes nor engines

[@scenicdepictionsofchicagolife]

Paul, never expected to see you here, though in retrospect, it is unsurprising!

[@tylera.2869]

"Rev happiness" is the best way I've ever heard it put. Explains why I love my rotary engines & motorcycles so much

[@NWinnVR]

I too love my Dorito engines.

[@seantaylor2683]

As someone who likes torque I'm happy with my 5.3L V8 though I've never had the pleasure of driving a rotary, I imagine it would be fun

[@RichardASK]

I used to ride the twin rotor Norton Interpol and Commander bikes back in the late 80s and early 90s, which were nominally 588cc. These engines were incredibly smooth. The party piece, was to stand up a 50pence piece(an irregular 7 sided coin) on it's side and you could rev. the engine and all you'd get was just the slightest movement, but it would stay upright. No chance with a reciprocating piston engine. A twin rotor(Rotary/Wankel) engine has the same firing pulses as a 12 cylinder 4 stroke, that's why it was so smooth and sounded great. On the IOM TT course, I used to go down to first at the Gooseneck and the sound was fabulous. Oh well, memories.

[@iRA_mkb]

Rotary relyness?

[@20tea]

@@seantaylor2683 Non DOD/afm right? ;) Got the 6.2, so I second that with these ls style motors.

[@josephiousbrosif]

This video was simply incredible. You asked and then answered all my questions without fail throughout the video. One of my new favorite automotive engineering channels

[@LeoinFrance]

Wow, you've done an amazing job of making me understand the characteristics of crossplane inline four engines in superbikes especially R1 and their GP bike. I can't say thank you enough for your great work!

[@ankitpandey2164]

Incredible! As an engineer and a rider, I loved how cleanly and clearly this explains the tyre use and firing order. Thanks for creating this

[@electric7487]

I wonder how the transmissions in MotoGP bikes hold up compared to if the engines fired evenly. That's a lot of vibration transmitted through the gears and chain.

[@Dowlphin]

I find it crazy-borderline comedic that they wouldn't try to resolve the problem at the tire end. Considering it only occured due to a technology change there. Talk about law of diminishing returns!

[@nicozimmermann8672]

this was a extremely well made explanation. i never though about how powerdelivery to the tire is actually in pulse form but it makes so much sense. fascinating.

[@gazworld1808]

Yes very interesting watch 👍

[@ZeroKey92]

This is hands down the best engineering video I've ever watched and also the best engineering related explanation I've ever seen in my life as a mechanic. Massive kudos!

[@SmirkyWaters]

Brilliant explanation. Not only did it make me understand the quirks of the Yamaha R1 engine but it helped me understand even better all the engineering challenges of the traditional inline 4 and extrapolate those of other engine configurations too. You are an outstanding teacher.

[@ubergregmoto]

I adore my Yamaha MT-10. Depending on where you are in the rev range it can sound like a V-twin, a muscle car, a V4 or a banshee trapped in an engine block. It’s not an engine, it’s an event.

[@MrJesiah3]

😂🤣 2009 R1 here. I have to agree with your last statement. Definetely an event.

[@Sledneck1080]

2019 MT-10 for myself I agree as well

[@dut4204]

2013 r1, yup I love my r1

[@mudsucker1971]

Loved my 2013 r1 now have a v4 aprilia 🤫

[@TheLubemaster]

I have pre crossplane R1 and 21 mt10. My R1 would destroy the mt when 100+ but the mt Is so good that it’s not even a debate. R1 faster mt better.

[@u9Nails]

I have absolutely zero questions! Incredibly comprehensive and beautifully illustrated. This is a master class in how to break down a complex engineering problem and explain it in common language. Brilliantly done.

[@drew31186]

Very easy to follow and in-depth explanation without seeming to talk down OR being overly technical! Fantastic balance (pun intended) in your explanation. Also thank you for the great animations and well edited video.

[@mattflammger4396]

I love how that Crossplane I-4 engine has an incredibly similar sound to a crossplane V-8!

[@taylorgtrotter]

Also sounds close to the Aprilia V4 as well

[@oxidizedolive]

I mean, it's a given. It's half of a Crossplane V8... 😂

[@bobbymoore1615]

Does it wheres yhe links peeps

[@bobbymoore1615]

Gotta love yhe triumoh speed triple tho

[@oxidizedolive]

@Kirk Wolfe the only exception I can think of is the 3rd gen Coyote 5.0. 7500rpm from the factory, with built blocks pushing towards 9k. With a cross-plane crank.

[@matthewblanchard7823]

Probably the best video I've seen in years. Very tight writing, just exactly the information necessary to get the point across without belaboring any point, plus great graphics. Very succinct delivery of the concepts and really fascinating!

[@dedosauro]

Hey man, seriously, congratulations, i don't think someone can explain things like that better than you, this is a real pleasure to watch and listen to

[@Skitad]

One more mind blowing video. In fact I read a bit about the crossplane and I can confirm that I had understand the thing pretty well yet. But the way you explain and illustrate it is so accurate, so specific, so clear. That is just admirable. Thank you !

[@bostjanerjavec4146]

This was the most educational video, I've seen lately (allmost ever). Finaly explains why (at the time) Ducatis were faster than Yamahas, although Yamahas had more HP (L2 vs. inline 4).

[@aussiebloke609]

I was just thinking about the Duc's traditional 90 degree engines and what effect that would have. This may explain a bunch, going back to the mid '70s with the 900 Desmo. :-)

[@fauzanramadhan9046]

Well L2 Engine was also using desmodromic valve, which means it doesn't really need to worry about valve floating

[@JukkaX]

The additional ~200 cc helped too you know.. *meh

[@istra70]

@@JukkaX Yeah, Duc. mafia always had unfair advantage ....

[@alexkollias5405]

Unless i have lost something, ducati & aprilia are using V4 (nowhere to be found in the first diagram). And V4 is a great configuration cause it has torque everywhere. Buying a ducati V4 is expensive BUT the aprilia RSV4 and the Tuono are descent. With the "factory" package they offer if i ever go to 4 cylinders i will look there.

[@MrReniks]

These are an engineering college degree explanation videos,as a "Wrench Ride Wreck Repeat" guy these videos are so enjoying to watch. thanks

[@paulfaulkner6299]

What a fantastic explanation covering WHY with reference to grip and allowing a tyre to recover beyond the point where even the best rivers don't have the time to "feel it". I am not an engineer nor am I a motorcycle fan and I have no idea why "the algorithm" brought me here - but it did; and I enjoyed that as an interesting explanation of modern day engineering.

[@davidtlchow]

Dealing with vibrations is the most difficult problem in mechanical engineering. As an engineering of myself, thanks for all this layman explanation that helps more people to appreciate efforts of hard working engineers. You did a great job!

[@ch0wned]

I too am an engineering. 😅

[@RT22-pb2pp]

When you can build a 600cc 135hp bike that revs to 15 16 thousand RPM and not grenade you got my respect guys. I was watching IOMTT fastest record lap with hickman POV the engine is screaming for mercy but hicky gives it none 4 37 mile laps like that says the engineers for bikes are some of the best as stock these bikes can go 100k miles easy with basic maintenance

[@AsilAdnan]

"Yamaha technology, always a step ahead of the competition." Now I know the true meaning of the above MotoGP commentary.

[@cliffcampbell8827]

Yamaha also discovered the best amount of valves to have in a cylinder (back when every engine manufacturer was trying to beat the competition to the optimum). 3 intake and 2 exhaust turned out to be the magic number. They also turned the cylinder position around. That development resulted in a bike with greater balance characteristics.

[@Stevie_D]

Excellent description with crisp, clear graphics made this complex subject easy to visualize and understand - THANK YOU!!

[@jaredchampagne2752]

I have a cross plane r1, and its the best sounding and feeling engine I’ve ever experienced, I absolutely love the sound the bike makes, its such a head turner and it sounds like a v8.

[@TheSwellrider]

That was one of the best laid out and best narrated explanation videos I have ever seen. Well done!

[@jacquescrusan9500]

There's a South American YT Channel that has a focus on a crossplane Fiat 147 drag car. Found it interesting, and it seems that no one knows that it exists. Definitely worth a watch.

[@gerardherrero545]

Name?

[@Jay-ps9zx]

Please give us the link.

[@jacquescrusan9500]

@@Jay-ps9zx Tavoalcorte. That's the channel name. Either that or type 'fiat 147 crossplane' in the searchbar.

[@endurojimmy3109]

Fantastic explanation. Thanks for this. I remember when the first honda big bang appeared in motogp. It was said that the other manufacturers heard it, recorded it on track, worked out the firing interval and two weeks later they all appeared with their own big bang engine.

[@SwapBlogRU]

This isn't so much a video as it is a journey. It went to so many places that I couldn't have ever imagined that it would go. Bravo.

[@LeeSeoungSu]

오래된 폭주족이 보기에 정말 유익하고 흥미롭고 재밌는 영상입니다.

[@Quebecer_Powerstroke]

I had a Yamaha MT-10 few months ago (R1 derived engine). By far the most exiting bike I ever rode. Got a Yoshimura straight pipe exhaust on it. Sound was incredible.

[@g60force]

had?

[@Quebecer_Powerstroke]

@@g60force Yes had, forced to sell it. To much speed ticket. That thing is a monster.

[@georgemanias5177]

I've seen all your content and I have to say this is one now of my favourites! Not because of a love of bikes but because of the complex and complete information given about something I had absolutely no idea has ever even happened! Thank you for consistently putting in time and effort for our knowledge and entertainment 👍

[@ash27cool]

just amazing the way you explained the whole concept in simple laymen's terms . .. . love for engines grew even more !! :)

[@marosszeki]

my goodness I watched 2 of your videos and I feel like my knowledge on motorbike engines and engines altogether has multipied already! Thank you for your efforts, they are much much appreciated! - a beginner biker

[@hpa101]

Another great topic mate!

[@GerritTjaardAMarinus]

indeed very cool ~!

[@youwantshum9860]

HPA approved

[@trevoror8668]

That was the explanation most all R1 enthusiasts could have wished for brilliant. Thanks

[@ArpusTTcansuckit]

This video has got to be up there with the best mechanical explanation videos I have ever seen in youtube. Thanks! Very interesting stuff!

[@brisbaneswords8563]

First time Ive seen your videos - loved it. Clean, clear, and lots of relevant info. I had ridden an R1 back in the late 90s and wondered why the sound was so different now. I currently ride an MT09 with CP3. Ive got to go look at that internally now!

[@dmitrykhramov1832]

I heard several explanations on the cross plane crank when it came out. But none were as thoroughly composed and explained in great detail as yours ! Once again, thank you so much for this Herculean effort 💪 It was extremely interesting! 👌👍✌️ ( ….But I’m gonna need to take this “class” few more times though, hope you don’t mind 😉)

[@markhagge8646]

The best, most professional engineering explanation that I have ever witnessed. Thank you.

[@danz1910]

the clarity of explanation, and rate of delivery, are astonishing. Great channel!

[@Mike-In-O-Town]

An absolutely wonderful video. I knew part of this, but you put the entire picture together in such a way as it broadened my understanding substantially.

[@Jaybiv]

I have tried to find videos/illustrations explaining the difference between a flatplane and a crossplane engine, and I could not find a single one that was explained adequately that I could understand/make sense of. I watched this entire video from start to finish, and your explanation was absolutely exceptional. I learned so much in this video and I was engaged the entire time. Thank you for taking the time to create all of the amazing illustrations and explaining everything so well!!

[@TechTrader108]

It's people like you who SHOULD lecture on automotive engineering.......im an automotive engineer by academics and i know NO ONE EVER TAUGHT THESE BASICS with such details.....if we had such channels in my days then a degree in automotive engineering wudnt have been necessary....... Kudos to u

[@goldilocks913]

Thanks so much for this! You carried me along much like the ‘recovery gap’ principle on the tyre- just as l thought you’d lost me your clear explanation and excellent graphics saved a mental high side. Really well done 👍

[@SurelyYewJest]

The sound pop demo is a great simulation of the FP-CP difference. It's easy to see (hear) why the sound of "halved" engines of the same crankshaft layout have a core part of their sound character from their doubled counterparts. Cross-plane V6s have a muted V12-like character. Inline-3s, 5s, and V10s all have a distinctive dual-tone sound. High-rev flat-plane I4s don't sound too far off high-rev flat-plane V8s, which themselves often sound more akin to I4s than the cross-plane sound most people associate with a V8 of nearly any displacement. A real fun software toy would be to take that sound demo, turn it into a simulator in software, and then add the ability to bolt on an exhaust system that you can lengthen or shorten, as well as bend, in real-time.

[@davelowets]

There are no cross-plane V-6's....

[@SurelyYewJest]

@@davelowets Ah, right. Different angle offsets.

[@davelowets]

@@SurelyYewJest Yep. (3) 120° angles

[@SurelyYewJest]

@@davelowets Hmmm...I guess one could say that V6s are "oblique-plane" engines...

[@markeastman8546]

Outstanding video! My son had both a YAM R6 then a YAM R1. I always wondered why they sounded different. Now I know! Thanks.

[@ramishrambarran3998]

This video is one of the most excellent engineering videos I have ever looked at ! Explanations along with the graphics ensured that everything was understood. This is a work of art ! Respect. Trinidad & Tobago.

[@arnob6903]

How does this guy doesn't have a mil subs yet?! Critical infos explained in a really easygoing way, great video man. Subbed 👍

[@ryannoone]

He will get there. quality work.

[@kx250braap]

He will get there it just takes time

[@captainuki]

Because he supports Alfadan :D

[@roneman20]

You did a great job on this video mate! This video can be used for a wide level of understanding levels, from engineers, to entry level. Really exceptional

[@Goazbox]

This must he the most informative and interesting video about engines I've ever seen. Comprehensive and entertaining and makes me appreciate the motorcycle tech for what its worth. Kudos to you my friend. Im sharing this with all of my car-bros

[@DaBinChe]

This traction advantage is very apparent with Ducati back in the day when they raced their 90* V-twin. Ducks always exited corners faster with more control caused of the power stroke and traction.

[@timhughes2651]

Didn’t hurt that they were lighter, had greater capacity, and desmo valvetrains.

[@rodrozil6544]

If you are talking about SBK then Ducati had displacement advantage. Ducati is behind big 4 in terms of handling. Yamaha and Suzuki sportbikes are best handling especially the Yamaha.

[@Nostradamus_Order33]

Honda 4 cylinder solved the problem. Number one piston was offset by 90 degrees.

[@rodrozil6544]

@@timhughes2651 desmodromic valve has one big advantage, that is literally no valve float. But one serious disadvantage is in engine braking. The aggressive nature of desmodromic valve is not best for handling

[@timhughes2651]

That’s probably why they fitted slipper clutches which reduced the effect of engine braking and allowed faster downshifts. I superbikes that is.

[@northatlantic2723]

That was even more interesting than I thought it was going to be! And extremely well explained, as always. Thank you for making these videos!

[@badlandskid]

I don’t even own a motorcycle of any kind but I found this video incredibly interesting.

[@sniper2349]

I was look for someone who could explain secondary imbalance for a while, you explained it so clearly and it only took like 30 seconds. Thank you

[@GregoryVeizades]

Same. I finally understand.

[@samuelrose8742]

I've never seen a complicated subject explained so perfectly. Absolutely amazing video!!!

[@barryervin8536]

A great explanation. Yamaha has always built some interesting engines. BTW, several years ago I rephased the crank in my old XS650 from the original 360 degrees to 270 degrees (well, actually 284 degrees). I don't think it goes any faster but it's smoother, sounds awesome and has more "character". People always ask me what kind of exhaust system I'm using that gives it that cool sound.

[@pokefan2711]

Anywhere I can listen to it or something similar to it?

[@stevenspilly]

@@pokefan2711 I'll be riding past at 4:38am GMT tomorrow. Only once though, so be ready.

[@miketess4272]

Cross plane cranks are more common in exotic V8 engines. One of my favorite is the newer Ford cross plane V8 in the Mustang. IT SOUNDS AMAZING!!! I had a Yamaha R6 with a single plane in-line 4. It’s redline was 15,500rpm, 120hp from 600cc! It was very smooth but all the power was delivered after 10,500 rpm…..which made for a quite thrilling top end rush but a docile low end power delivery. Yamaha is the innovator! Nice video.

[@MrAckers75]

Yep this is nothing new and has been on many v8 cars for some time

[@kskip4242]

You couldn't be more wrong you're thinking of a flat-plane crank in the Mustang 5.1 Voodoo motor.

[@PetesNikon]

Great explanations for a complex subject and full marks for great graphics with motion to accompany it. I began thinking your talking was too fast, but once I got into it, you captured my attention nicely. Your speech is clear and without confusing and useless words. Well done.

[@bryanpiereson8083]

Awesome description. Now I finally see why the crossplane was done. I have a R1 crossplane. It's easy to stall when taking off. It seems like 2 pistons are firing simultaneously, but based on your description I can see that's not the case. The firings are individual but irregular.

[@fmpinto]

Thank you for the amazing explanation! I started riding motorbikes pretty recently and everytime I think I understood a new mechanical or technological concept related to bikes a new world of knowledge and curiositys opens before my eyes and ears to amuse me, such as this very video. You are an excelent teacher. Hugs from Brazil!

[@quassin443]

The sounds of a crossplane I4 at low revs in that demonstration kinda reminds me of a heavily ported rotary engine

[@OneTrueCat]

If heavily ported rotaries sound like Excitebikes, I agree.

[@rxl-soul8514]

sounds nothing like a ported rotary and by heavily ported i guess you mean PP ported rotary and for sure it sounds nothing like one of them

[@GeorgeTsiros]

or an i4 with arythmia? 😁 not dissing r1 or the engineering, just making a silly joke!

[@carsonwells1785]

Incredible video! Thorough explanations broken down for those of us who were not nursed on Pennzoil 30 wt. Thank you for your time and effort. Keep em cumin!

[@PahaLukki]

This is fascinating. I actually LEARNED something. I never knew the intervals affect grip like that, but now it feels logical.

[@thomaslemon3971]

Now it makes sense why a single cylinder is the preferred engine configuration for a dirt bike. Superior traction with all that recovery gap on the tire.

[@adancs3997]

I love the r1, I know they’ve been using the crossplane, but theres a lot of information i didnt know here, such a good video

[@kasuha]

I guess I just learned something I'll never need in my life but boy did I recognize the sound when it played at 16:17. It was interesting and well delivered, thanks!

[@ClaytonDarwin]

I've only seen 2 of your videos so far, but they are brilliant. Thanks. I appreciate what you're doing and applaud you for your effort and contribution. 👍

[@camelectric]

Clearly the best engine physics explanation I've ever seen. Amazing!

[@M60E3MG]

I’m really happy KZbin suggested this video! I knew the separate parts of this, but had never seen it all put together before, and in a very clear manner. I’m now a subscriber.

[@vicenterr7]

Suzuki also ran crossplane engines in MotoGP and they even got the 2020 Championship in the hands of Joan Mir. Crossplanes are very cool engines. And Fabio Quartararo is leading the championship this year in a Yamaha with a 65 point advantage

[@J_CART3R]

@motorguitarcycle Suzuki has Inline 4 Crossplane too like Yamaha M1.

[@joebloggs9555]

Really enjoyed this video, it explained the concept clearly, with great supporting diagrams/animations and relevant video clips. You would make a great teacher (if you're not one already!). Big kudos. Loved the engine sound clips too, gonna check that out!

[@bassbikesbeerboobs]

I've been trying to understand this for years. So many lighbulb moments today. Great video, thanks

[@CogsOz]

Very interesting and well presented, however I would like to add a crucial point relating to the balance shaft. This has not been added as a "revvable alternative" to additional end weights on the crank, it is actually an essential component. The only way to fully counterbalance a rocking couple is with a pair of counter-rotating identically dynamically imbalanced shafts, that together produce a precisely opposing rocking couple. The forces being balanced are in a single plane (parallel to the piston travel). Rotating weights alone also produce forces perpendicular to this plane, so any rocking couple they balance in one plane, they will add perpendicularly which obviously is not solving the problem. By adding a second counter-rotating shaft the perpendicular forces can be cancelled while the parallel forces add. In the case of the subject engine, weight is added both to the ends of the crank and the counterbalance shaft and these work together to balance the rocking couple. In the case of a cross plane 90° V8, there are two rocking couples to counter-balance which are both phased and oriented 90° apart, so effectively are a rotating couple. These can be perfectly counter-balanced with an opposing rotating couple provided only by added weight on the crank.

[@hardrays]

that does make a difference. thanks for promoting that point.

[@JadusMotorcycleParts]

That is what I thought too. @driving 4 answers can you confirm this?

[@blast3613]

@@JadusMotorcycleParts I think my RZ500 is a 2stroke example of this.

[@jameseastwood4984]

Colin, I think when you examine the out of balance of the cross plane, there is indeed a vertical rocking out of balance, but I would expect there is also a yaw out of balance. Both of these can typically be counteracted with a single counter-rotating, engine speed balance shaft.

[@jameseastwood4984]

@@blast3613 yes, but perhaps out of necessity with a 2 stroke, otherwise with a flat plane crank you would have pairs of cylinders firing together on every down stroke.

[@maxcactus7]

Happy D4A Sunday to all! Another fantastic video and I learned a ton. I love the I4 in my 2020 MX-5!

[@almin9751]

This has to be one of the best videos I have ever watched on youtube!!! Thanks a lot!! Would be interesting to watch one once Honda releases that new 750s this end of year to see if its really that of a thrill

[@harindranathghosh1283]

somebody give this guy an AWARD for the quality content he provides.....

[@KRColson]

I can't say enough about how much I enjoyed your video on this subject! You are very easy to understand as you put things in layman's terms so even I can understand them! Not only did I learn much about the crossplane inline 4 but also about the other configurations. Thank you so much for sharing this information. Looking forward to more as I am now going to like and subscribe. Cheers!

[@lockjawjak]

A mate told me last weekend that the R1 had a cross plane crank and I couldn’t really understand why. Your videos are always so well timed, great stuff as usual

[@centerfieldnick2133]

Great job with this video, really enjoyed it. That demonstration about the sound of the engines was pretty amazing too. Both of you are great

[@BABALOOEY46]

I am impressed… my brain was going crazy as you were explaining engineering and showing high sides at the same time.

[@dengtianshuo]

Now I understand how the cross plane engine on my R1 works. This video is amazingly executed. Thanks for this awesome work!

[@systemconfig7504]

Your video blows my mind. The R1 engineers ingenuity and passion in racing blows my mind again.

[@LifenSantaBarbara]

Thanks for your explanation of the cross plane R1 engine. I currently ride a pre' crossplane R1 (2003) and I've been contemplating if I like the newer version of the R1 with the cross plane but I've been unable to accurately give it my opinion because of my lack for understanding it but you have addressed all of my questions and concerns

[@Feintgames]

Great explanation, I watched the whole video. I never knew that. Makes sense why they didn't put it into the R6. Engineers are awesome. That sound demo was great too.

[@xxxyyy6371]

Thank you for that great explanation of the differences in four-cylinder firing. Another huge advantage beside the tyre recovering time of the cross plane shaft bike is that the torque applied by the throttle through the rider follows the same curves as the inertial torque of the rotating crankshaft does which gives an unmatched feel for the throttle in addition.

[@robertrjm8115]

I have been lecturing exactly this subject (of engine balancing, primary and secondary forces and their origins) at University to many classes but this narration and beats anything I ever was able to deliver. Excellent descriptions and explanations for a rather complex issue. Well done !!

[@gazworld1808]

Defo a good video 👍gazworld🌍

[@kenancoskun1913]

In the past I had driven a Yamaha big bang and I didn’t knew about this engine. Stationary it was a bit wobbly but omg it corners so wel!!! After that I did some research and learned about the crossplane engine. That’s it. Now 10 years later this video teached me a lot! Thanks!!