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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Canuck750 on July 27, 2021, 10:17:44 PM

Title: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: Canuck750 on July 27, 2021, 10:17:44 PM: There have been hundreds of different motorcycle engines produced in the last 100+ years, some are more beautoful thatn others, some show most of their function on the exterior, some conceal the workings, some are complex and dispaly fascinating engineering.

The Moto Guzzi 250 and 500 singles are lovely motors with their large external flywheels and exposed hair pin springs on the early models but they are not 'beautiful' IMHO.

(https://i.postimg.cc/nchGrhpK/3-F1-B0987-4440-4-A82-ACA2-9032-C8-E0-C913.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gr1ZBdwr)

My vote for clean lines are the Motobi / Benelli 'egg' motors produced in two and four stroke singles, two stroke twins in a wide range of displacement. This is a 200 Benelli Sprite four stroke single I am starting to work on, circa 1965.

(https://i.postimg.cc/7ZDM4s9t/618-BB5-CF-1-B7-F-40-E3-A614-16-E8-BAA3-F72-A.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/HVZ74tfb)
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: Moto Vita on July 27, 2021, 10:25:49 PM: Black Shadow.
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: Canuck750 on July 27, 2021, 10:31:09 PM: Quote from: Moto Vita on July 27, 2021, 10:25:49 PM
Black Shadow.

Its a beauty!

(https://i.postimg.cc/FKkfTxrp/52-Vincent-Black-Shadow-engine-R.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: RinkRat II on July 27, 2021, 11:51:46 PM: From the modern age I'd have to go with the Morbidelli V8. You really have to see one in person to fully appreciate the beauty.

(https://i.ibb.co/wz30Wnh/21649250-Morbidelli-V8detail.jpg) (https://ibb.co/wz30Wnh)

Paul B :boozing:
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: balvenie on July 27, 2021, 11:57:26 PM: Agree with RinkRatII

I regret not being able to get a poster-size pic of one, after first seeing one in an Aussie mag. The Editor had no idea where I could get one and there ended my Quest.
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: Rough Edge racing on July 28, 2021, 12:09:53 AM: (https://i.ibb.co/LQbRs1Z/965-C92-BE-A2-BC-4802-B3-A4-7669-E04787-A0.jpg) (https://ibb.co/LQbRs1Z)
My A10...not a rats nest of pipes and shapes ,just organic simplicity
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: PhilB on July 28, 2021, 12:15:49 AM: The Morbidelli is certainly a top contender -- too bad it didn't make series production. I have seen one, at the Barber museum.

For series produced engines, I'd have to go with the later Ariel Square-Four.

PhilB

(https://i.ibb.co/LrBWxqc/image.png) (https://ibb.co/LrBWxqc)
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: tazio on July 28, 2021, 03:14:05 AM: Near the top of my list as well..
Quote from: Rough Edge racing on July 28, 2021, 12:09:53 AM

(https://i.ibb.co/LQbRs1Z/965-C92-BE-A2-BC-4802-B3-A4-7669-E04787-A0.jpg) (https://ibb.co/LQbRs1Z)
My A10...not a rats nest of pipes and shapes ,just organic simplicity
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: lazlokovacs on July 28, 2021, 04:24:03 AM: all beautiful, but nothing comes close to the original roundfin guzzi!
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: twodogs on July 28, 2021, 04:52:27 AM: The Ducati single for some reason has always done it for me :boozing:
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: chuck peterson on July 28, 2021, 05:18:37 AM: Moto Demm 50cc Gran Prix Champion 1961

DOHC, 9.8 hp at 15,000rpm

Moto Demm manufactured the measuring devices used in the Italian moto/car industry during the analog 50-60’s

(https://i.ibb.co/C2869Qk/92-F958-A3-0-B72-40-E8-9953-D29-E9-B617-F64.jpg) (https://ibb.co/C2869Qk)

(https://i.ibb.co/4m9vsQZ/5-F3504-DA-9342-4160-A934-D524-F8606-BED.jpg) (https://ibb.co/4m9vsQZ)

(https://i.ibb.co/yP35PXw/2-EB8-EF88-5178-4-FF7-A63-A-394-B2-A6304-DD.jpg) (https://ibb.co/yP35PXw)

(https://i.ibb.co/ZLp43Hn/24004136-8554-40-BF-8-D1-C-811-E179-D58-E6.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ZLp43Hn)
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: tazio on July 28, 2021, 05:59:19 AM: So many to choose from. Here's another I like.

(https://i.ibb.co/nC7L6mv/20201228-134529.jpg) (https://ibb.co/nC7L6mv)
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: Iron Cross Junction on July 28, 2021, 06:03:54 AM: Great thread. Like all so far.

That said, the word “prettiest” seems (to me) somehow unapt, with “most handsome” or “best looking” or “most artful” or something, but not prettiest. That is, however, pre-coffee quibbling; sorry.

But, if I may also be pardoned for this somewhat iconoclastic comment, at least WRT the Euro nominees thus far, I think the prettiest — or whatever label one chooses — is the Indian Thunderstroke.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-BST3bWh/0/684344e1/M/i-BST3bWh-M.png)

IMO, it is better looking than the 1948 Indian Chief 80″ Flathead it was meant to emulate.

My second place trophy also goes to an Indian engine, albeit of the pre-Polaris days, i.e., this, also a throwback. In this case, a 1920 Indian.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PwS75VG/0/d63e0fc0/M/i-PwS75VG-M.png)

But, coffee’s ready — thanks, Kathi — so I may come to my senses shortly.

Bill
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: SIR REAL ED on July 28, 2021, 06:07:00 AM: Tons of them. In the 4 stroke world, the Yamaha XS 650 always comes to mind.

in the 2 stroke world, too many to mention. Most of the Japanese bikes from the early 1970's.

Suzuki's 125 Stinger was an eye catcher.

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=suzuki+stinger+125&t=h_&iax=images&ia=images&iai=https%3A%2F%2Fs1.cdn.autoevolution.com%2Fimages%2Fmoto_gallery%2FSUZUKI-T-125-Stinger-1947_8.jpg
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: Perazzimx14 on July 28, 2021, 06:46:34 AM: For all the "E" bikers. Those new WEG's are something.

(https://i.ibb.co/QpkkDQr/download-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/QpkkDQr)
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: AJ Huff on July 28, 2021, 06:47:13 AM: Feuling W3

-AJ
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: Scout63 on July 28, 2021, 06:55:23 AM: Great topic. Low hanging fruit for me are:

Norton Commando
Norton Manx
Ducati single
Matchless heavy single
Roundfin Guzzi
Yamaha SR500
Virago 920
Honda SL 125
Panhead
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: Huzo on July 28, 2021, 06:59:17 AM: Pretty ?
Triumph Tiger Cub
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: Dave Swanson on July 28, 2021, 07:03:59 AM: I am partial to this one. My 1955 Triumph T110.

(https://i.postimg.cc/Fsy9tZtx/IMG-8286.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JGhwZjzy)
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: Dave Swanson on July 28, 2021, 07:05:53 AM: But I think in my stable this one wins. 1968 V700

(https://i.postimg.cc/T3FJBz0H/IMG_E7611.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dhRCySz8)
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: Luap McKeever on July 28, 2021, 07:07:42 AM: I've always thought the 4V Guzzi was the prettiest engine I've ever owned. It was also the "snappiest" Guzzi I've ever owned.

(https://i.ibb.co/xGmXyFP/v4.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xGmXyFP)
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: Mayor_of_BBQ on July 28, 2021, 07:20:19 AM: If you look at TodkaVonic's Ambo, you'd be hard pressed to not say a loopframe roundfin

(https://i.ibb.co/mTPZmGW/33-E69041-82-AE-46-EB-BD67-FB4-A0-B6-EBC54.jpg)
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: nick949 on July 28, 2021, 07:34:17 AM: (https://i.ibb.co/2d4Xxw7/engine.jpg) (https://ibb.co/2d4Xxw7)

Nick
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: Joliet Jim on July 28, 2021, 07:41:36 AM: Quote from: Dave Swanson on July 28, 2021, 07:03:59 AM
I am partial to this one. My 1955 Triumph T110.

(https://i.postimg.cc/Fsy9tZtx/IMG-8286.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JGhwZjzy)

Yeah something about old Triumph and Norton engines, they polish so nicely :) It's a beauty
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: jwinwi on July 28, 2021, 07:45:03 AM: Quote from: Iron Cross Junction on July 28, 2021, 06:03:54 AM
Great thread. Like all so far.

That said, the word “prettiest” seems (to me) somehow unapt, with “most handsome” or “best looking” or “most artful” or something, but not prettiest. That is, however, pre-coffee quibbling; sorry.

But, if I may also be pardoned for this somewhat iconoclastic comment, at least WRT the Euro nominees thus far, I think the prettiest — or whatever label one chooses — is the Indian Thunderstroke.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-BST3bWh/0/684344e1/M/i-BST3bWh-M.png)

IMO, it is better looking than the 1948 Indian Chief 80″ Flathead it was meant to emulate.

My second place trophy also goes to an Indian engine, albeit of the pre-Polaris days, i.e., this, also a throwback. In this case, a 1920 Indian.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PwS75VG/0/d63e0fc0/M/i-PwS75VG-M.png)

But, coffee’s ready — thanks, Kathi — so I may come to my senses shortly.

Bill

From what year is the motor in the lower picture? :undecided:
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: Cam3512 on July 28, 2021, 07:57:27 AM: (https://i.ibb.co/dBdGzTB/BF4-D35-B5-C26-A-4-F39-A18-D-6-B1-B3-E1-D6-D42.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dBdGzTB)

Duc single. So magnificent.

My Benelli SS 250 has the egg motor. I’m not blown away with that one.

Cam
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: PeteS on July 28, 2021, 07:59:29 AM: Never owned one of these but always thought the late '60s Triumph Bonnevilles were some of the best looking bikes ever made. Cleaner engine than my Norton.

(https://i.ibb.co/VYwDskN/image.jpg) (https://ibb.co/VYwDskN)

Pete
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: s1120 on July 28, 2021, 08:00:14 AM: Gotta love a nice engine...
(https://i.ibb.co/Gppb58Y/750ss-5.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Gppb58Y)

(https://i.ibb.co/G3rT57f/OLYMPUS-DIGITAL-CAMERA.jpg) (https://ibb.co/G3rT57f)
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: inditx on July 28, 2021, 08:14:06 AM: At the risk of sounding a bit cheeky, it’s whatever I’m riding at the time.

However, I am partial to the Bultaco and the Elsinore pictured here, at the “World Famous Marquette Motorcycle Museum" in Marquette Kansas.
Home of Stan “The Man” Engdahl memorabilia and much more.
Stan won over 3,000 races throughout his career.

inditx

(https://i.ibb.co/xz641M6/IMG-0994.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xz641M6)
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: inditx on July 28, 2021, 08:16:15 AM: Quote from: PeteS on July 28, 2021, 07:59:29 AM
Never owned one of these but always thought the late '60s Triumph Bonnevilles were some of the best looking bikes ever made. Cleaner engine than my Norton.

(https://i.ibb.co/VYwDskN/image.jpg) (https://ibb.co/VYwDskN)

Pete

:thumb: :bike-037: :tongue:
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: Alfetta on July 28, 2021, 08:24:08 AM: IMHO it's hard to beat the late 60's british engine designs based on looks alone. My personal fave is the BSA big single, clean shapely and un cluttered.
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: Iron Cross Junction on July 28, 2021, 08:35:00 AM: Quote from: jwinwi on July 28, 2021, 07:45:03 AM
From what year is the motor in the lower picture? :undecided:

Not sure how many years, but at least 2002. See that year in this Indian Chief Roadmaster:

(https://i.ibb.co/C7SxNSn/lv0118-314858-2-2x.jpg) (https://ibb.co/C7SxNSn)

high resolution photo sharing sites (https://imgbb.com/)

Bill
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: twodogs on July 28, 2021, 08:36:51 AM: LOL, will this work Perazzimx as I spit coffee all over :boozing:
(https://i.ibb.co/3d4KYvd/1627479364164211765888.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3d4KYvd)
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: Don G on July 28, 2021, 08:51:49 AM: This has to be one of them....
(https://i.ibb.co/kM1PN7P/KNUCKLE.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kM1PN7P)
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: jwinwi on July 28, 2021, 09:28:11 AM: Quote from: Don G on July 28, 2021, 08:51:49 AM
This has to be one of them....
(https://i.ibb.co/kM1PN7P/KNUCKLE.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kM1PN7P)

THIS ^^ Top 5 for sure. Been trying to find a picture of a Parilla that has one polished casting that looks like a Y covering the valve gear -right side ?
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: philwarner on July 28, 2021, 09:46:02 AM: I am partial to my Triumph America even with its fake air cleaners,

(https://i.ibb.co/D1mWp0y/100-1486.jpg) (https://ibb.co/D1mWp0y)

but just in case you meant the prettiest engine you've never seen, here's my recent addition.
(actually it is butt ugly when you get to it)

(https://i.ibb.co/28vTc6f/7-4-21-in-Beaver-Ar-1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/28vTc6f)
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: blackcat on July 28, 2021, 09:46:26 AM: (https://cdn1.mecum.com/auctions/lv0119/lv0119-362356/images/1-1543953564679@2x.jpg?1547654475000)

1960 500cc Norton Manx
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: kidsmoke on July 28, 2021, 12:03:42 PM: piling on....

(https://i.imgur.com/DuEIPLD.jpg)
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: cliffrod on July 28, 2021, 01:07:57 PM: Quote from: jwinwi on July 28, 2021, 09:28:11 AM
THIS ^^ Top 5 for sure. Been trying to find a picture of a Parilla that has one polished casting that looks like a Y covering the valve gear -right side ?

I'm guessing you mean a Parilla 175/250 High Cam. The actual OHC 250 looked more like a Ducati single with tower shaft. The high cam (mid level, not overhead) is not actually a Y casting. It has little clamped rubber tubes enclosing the short push rods completing the Y figure-

(https://i.ibb.co/yqwp0Hk/image.jpg) (https://ibb.co/yqwp0Hk)

Hard to pick a favorite prettiest motorcycle engine. Norton Manx is very high in my list. But my favorite complete bike as a deliberate overall composition, including engine as part of that composition, is easy. it's a V7 Sport.
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: Canuck750 on July 28, 2021, 01:13:49 PM: Quote from: cliffrod on July 28, 2021, 01:07:57 PM
I'm guessing you mean a Parilla 175/250 High Cam. The actual OHC 250 looked more like a Ducati single with tower shaft. The high cam (mid level, not overhead) is not actually a Y casting. It has little clamped rubber tubes enclosing the short push rods completing the Y figure-

(https://i.ibb.co/yqwp0Hk/image.jpg) (https://ibb.co/yqwp0Hk)

Hard to pick a favorite prettiest motorcycle engine. Norton Manx is very high in my list. But my favorite complete bike as a deliberate overall composition, including engine as part of that composition, is easy. it's a V7 Sport.

Hi Cam Parilla, a beautiful example of Italian engine castings!
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: Turin on July 28, 2021, 01:14:26 PM: you beat me to it !

(https://i.ibb.co/2h98hP9/1957-Parilla-175-Tourismo-L-Engine-550x368.jpg) (https://ibb.co/2h98hP9)
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: Canuck750 on July 28, 2021, 01:18:46 PM: Another favorite of mine - the Gilera Saturno Sport 500, dual overhead cam

(https://i.postimg.cc/NF8GkTr4/Gilera.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: jwinwi on July 28, 2021, 01:19:43 PM: Quote from: cliffrod on July 28, 2021, 01:07:57 PM
I'm guessing you mean a Parilla 175/250 High Cam. The actual OHC 250 looked more like a Ducati single with tower shaft. The high cam (mid level, not overhead) is not actually a Y casting. It has little clamped rubber tubes enclosing the short push rods completing the Y figure-

(https://i.ibb.co/yqwp0Hk/image.jpg) (https://ibb.co/yqwp0Hk)

Hard to pick a favorite prettiest motorcycle engine. Norton Manx is very high in my list. But my favorite complete bike as a deliberate overall composition, including engine as part of that composition, is easy. it's a V7 Sport.

Agreed on the V7 Sport :thumb: Maybe what I'm thinking of is not a Parilla. What I remember :rolleyes: is 1 casting that covered the whole side of the motor including the area where the rubber tubes are on this motor...
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: Canuck750 on July 28, 2021, 01:25:10 PM: The Guzzi V Twin is definitely beautiful on the inside!

(https://i.postimg.cc/kXBq5kTs/B65-E1-C49-CCB7-4-F8-F-B252-09-A2-B68-DBAEF.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/3d5PSb50)
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: bacongrease on July 28, 2021, 01:34:49 PM: (https://i.ibb.co/qkbtBrm/SOHC750-Honda.jpg) (https://ibb.co/qkbtBrm)

(https://i.ibb.co/jZXF0m3/Honda-SOHC-750.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jZXF0m3)
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: egschade on July 28, 2021, 02:02:57 PM: 1940 Indian 4 and a V11 Coppa. Also think Indian did a great job with their Thunder Stroke V-twin

(https://i.ibb.co/pxrLWVC/f108706cc675c552d5653757f54972c5.jpg) (https://ibb.co/pxrLWVC)

(https://i.ibb.co/6rQ6PXM/photos-moto-guzzi-v11-sport-coppa-italia-2004-zoom.jpg) (https://ibb.co/6rQ6PXM)
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: cliffrod on July 28, 2021, 02:42:29 PM: Quote from: Canuck750 on July 28, 2021, 01:25:10 PM
The Guzzi V Twin is definitely beautiful on the inside!

(https://i.postimg.cc/kXBq5kTs/B65-E1-C49-CCB7-4-F8-F-B252-09-A2-B68-DBAEF.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/3d5PSb50)

Around here down south, that kind of compliment ranks right up there with "well, Bless your heart." Too funny..
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: ITSec on July 28, 2021, 05:22:18 PM: Count my vote among modern engines as going for the Indian Thunderstroke - if anything, the new 116 is even better looking than the 111.

For something older and eclectic, I always loved the spare aesthetic of the 70s two-strokes, particularly my old Yamaha RD400D...

(https://i.ibb.co/1bvFScp/RD400D.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1bvFScp)
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: Tusayan on July 28, 2021, 09:41:46 PM: Esthetically, my favorite bike engines would be the MV Agusta triples from their last 1970s GP bikes and the Honda Elsinore two stokes of the same era. Both have a functional machinery look combined with compact form and attractive shape. Also the sound from each is compelling :thumb:

(https://i.ibb.co/9cjDq0p/11321-A0-B-3-CA0-4-C77-9-D87-2146444-F7280.jpg) (https://ibb.co/9cjDq0p)

(https://i.ibb.co/DQQwZXc/50-EE071-A-58-A4-4-B6-B-9219-9-BDD0-CE8-E540.jpg) (https://ibb.co/DQQwZXc)

Guzzi engines typically have nice textures and details, but their overall form is driven by practicality in design and maintenance, not just esthetics, which is a good thing.
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: fotoguzzi on July 28, 2021, 10:19:57 PM: This about the prettiest photo I've seen of a motorcycle engine. I think the pic courtesy of Lucky Phil
(https://i.ibb.co/JcyFwhG/CC04-A0-C6-BC04-4-A1-C-B26-F-8-DEF29920-C5-F.jpg) (https://ibb.co/JcyFwhG)
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: chuck peterson on July 29, 2021, 04:53:32 AM: Sandcast.

(https://i.ibb.co/pRPLWg5/DDFCA391-6-CEC-4707-BC6-B-39-ACB26-C0927.jpg) (https://ibb.co/pRPLWg5)
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: huub on July 29, 2021, 08:53:19 AM: one more vote for the norton manx !

(https://cdn1.mecum.com/auctions/lv0119/lv0119-362356/images/1-1543953564679@2x.jpg)
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: JJ on July 29, 2021, 08:56:51 AM: Quote from: PeteS on July 28, 2021, 07:59:29 AM
Never owned one of these but always thought the late '60s Triumph Bonnevilles were some of the best looking bikes ever made. Cleaner engine than my Norton.

(https://i.ibb.co/VYwDskN/image.jpg) (https://ibb.co/VYwDskN)

Pete

That would be one of my top 3 as well...This is a 1970... :thumb: :boozing: :cool: :smiley:

(https://i.ibb.co/zmqKDHd/Screen-Shot-2021-07-29-at-6-57-37-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/zmqKDHd)
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on July 29, 2021, 09:32:21 AM: I always thought the BSA was the prettiest of the British twins, with the Royal Enfield 750 a close second.

(https://i.ibb.co/X2HktBB/BSA-power-egg.jpg) (https://ibb.co/X2HktBB)

(https://i.ibb.co/gTVLdGC/royal-enfield-750.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gTVLdGC)
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: Rough Edge racing on July 29, 2021, 11:22:38 AM: (https://i.ibb.co/8MvwFr1/2-ADECA7-C-21-E6-4623-BD63-45-D2-B63-C0-A23.jpg) (https://ibb.co/8MvwFr1)
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: Kiwi Dave on July 29, 2021, 03:53:01 PM: Quote from: jwinwi on July 28, 2021, 07:45:03 AM
From what year is the motor in the lower picture? :undecided:

Here's some information based on questions I asked on an Indian forum.

https://www.indianmotorcycles.net/threads/the-indian-chief-predecessor.335565/#post-3512859
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: radguzzi on July 29, 2021, 04:47:09 PM: Dave and Pete have beat me to the punch but...

Pre Unit Triumph Engines have Always stirred the soul.

(https://i.ibb.co/6mJjjPQ/Triumph-Engine-Tach-Drive-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/6mJjjPQ)

The later Unit Construction Engines carry on the beautiful look as well... All of my Current Triumphs are of the '70s persuasion.

(https://i.ibb.co/S3b27Ps/Triumph-Unit-Engine.jpg) (https://ibb.co/S3b27Ps)

Some of the other posted engines are indeed beautiful pieces.

We are all just helpless gearheads. I'm ok with that.
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: Rough Edge racing on July 29, 2021, 05:10:42 PM: I have a few pre units and unit twins...

(https://i.ibb.co/89TpwGz/28567256723-f87509909d-c.jpg) (https://ibb.co/89TpwGz)

(https://i.ibb.co/hdVn28m/53-D4-AC6-B-A4-EF-442-B-A1-AF-98-B4-A10-AFBFF.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hdVn28m)
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: chuck peterson on July 29, 2021, 05:25:06 PM: No cheating..!

(https://i.ibb.co/71WDhLG/2-CD37-EEF-D8-B0-4190-9-D1-A-029-E310-D6-AEC.jpg) (https://ibb.co/71WDhLG)

As a pro fotog for 30 plus years and always giving my opinion when not asked…

That pic could use a pair of twins….suntanned California women….in yellow bikinis

Just saying..hell w the motors
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: SmithSwede on July 29, 2021, 09:42:44 PM: This one is a contender.

(https://i.ibb.co/GRQdhZF/21456-B1-E-C809-43-E9-9948-89-E084592541.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GRQdhZF)

This one is not. WTH was Norton thinking?

(https://i.ibb.co/xgz9nQj/3469-A10-C-6-EA0-4-EC1-BED7-50-F5-B4-B2-E92-D.png) (https://ibb.co/xgz9nQj)
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: wymple on July 29, 2021, 10:21:32 PM: "Tons of them. In the 4 stroke world, the Yamaha XS 650 always comes to mind."

Bingo. That & any of the larger Viragos.
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: krglorioso on July 29, 2021, 10:26:28 PM: Quote from: PhilB on July 28, 2021, 12:15:49 AM
The Morbidelli is certainly a top contender -- too bad it didn't make series production. I have seen one, at the Barber museum.

For series produced engines, I'd have to go with the later Ariel Square-Four.

PhilB

(https://i.ibb.co/LrBWxqc/image.png) (https://ibb.co/LrBWxqc)

Yes!!! I worked at a BSA-Ariel-Velocette dealership in the early 1960s and the final version, the MK-II four pipers were stunning. All those aluminum cases and fins, beautifully polished.

Ralph
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: Muzz on August 04, 2021, 04:30:42 PM: Quote from: Cam3512 on July 28, 2021, 07:57:27 AM

(https://i.ibb.co/dBdGzTB/BF4-D35-B5-C26-A-4-F39-A18-D-6-B1-B3-E1-D6-D42.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dBdGzTB)

Duc single. So magnificent.

Cam

My choice too Cam. Diana Mklll, one of the prettiest bikes ever made.
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: TOMB on August 04, 2021, 05:05:22 PM: I would say the Moto Guzzi V-Twin followed by the Victoria Bergmeister.

TOMB
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: larrys on August 05, 2021, 07:25:40 AM: Quote from: PeteS on July 28, 2021, 07:59:29 AM
Never owned one of these but always thought the late '60s Triumph Bonnevilles were some of the best looking bikes ever made. Cleaner engine than my Norton.

(https://i.ibb.co/VYwDskN/image.jpg) (https://ibb.co/VYwDskN)

Pete

Me too. Owned a buttload of 'em. Still have one. I would count the same vintage BSA twins in, too.
Larry
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: LowRyter on August 05, 2021, 08:58:31 AM: now for something completely different

(https://g1.img-dpreview.com/34AD824BD7AD40C8865DD1ACD0259763.jpg)

(https://g3.img-dpreview.com/4E488B32AE1E437D99D31B1BAFDB49CC.jpg)
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: JJ on August 05, 2021, 09:10:42 AM: I'd say this is another contender....1958 Zundapp Citation...now on Bat...

:thumb: :boozing: :cool: :wink:

(https://i.ibb.co/VvyCKcw/Screen-Shot-2021-08-05-at-7-09-09-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/VvyCKcw)

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1958-zundapp-citation/
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on August 05, 2021, 09:21:31 AM: Quote from: JJ on August 05, 2021, 09:10:42 AM
I'd say this is another contender....1958 Zundapp Citation...now on Bat...

:thumb: :boozing: :cool: :wink:

(https://i.ibb.co/VvyCKcw/Screen-Shot-2021-08-05-at-7-09-09-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/VvyCKcw)

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1958-zundapp-citation/

Zundapp in name only. Built by Horex.
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: JJ on August 05, 2021, 09:45:14 AM: Quote from: Antietam Classic Cycle on August 05, 2021, 09:21:31 AM
Zundapp in name only. Built by Horex.

HOREX made some fine looking machines! :thumb: :bow: :cool:

(https://i.ibb.co/88VmqCS/Screen-Shot-2021-08-05-at-7-44-10-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/88VmqCS)

(https://i.ibb.co/9v5FGPK/Screen-Shot-2021-08-05-at-7-43-44-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/9v5FGPK)
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: LowRyter on August 05, 2021, 02:13:19 PM: and more....

(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/t2p2BqIpnJw/maxresdefault.jpg)

(https://www.off-road.com/images/content/3-Maico-vintage-dirt-bike-1970-MC-400-11-18-13.jpg)

(https://i2.wp.com/www.bike-urious.com/wp-content/uploads/Wood-Rotax-Flat-Tracker-Engine.jpg?ssl=1)

form follows function
Title: Re: NGC what is the prettiest motorcyle engine?
Post by: LowRyter on August 05, 2021, 05:44:31 PM: from the Wankel thread

(https://cdn.motor1.com/images/mgl/WlRP1/s1/cycleweird-the-worst-of-all-worlds-suzuki-re-5.jpg)

where's the water buffalo?