advrider Posted January 31, 2022 Share Posted January 31, 2022 To build a working internal combustion engine from scratch is something many gearheads dream about, but few ever follow through. To put that engine in a bespoke chassis is an even bigger task. Legendary New Zealander John Britten was one visionary that did it, and the folks at Engrich Motorcycle are following in his footsteps. The Wellington, New Zealand, engineering company has spent the better part of twenty years bringing a unique engine to fruition, and have built a motorcycle around it using the same ingenuity and craftsmanship. While Britten’s engine and motorcycle designs chased (and won) racing glory, the Engrich is more restrospective in design and attitude. Utilizing a 360-degree parallel-twin design that was popular with early British motorcycle manufacturers, the Engrich ART claims to be the “only fully balanced large capacity 360° parallel twin in the world”. To cancel out the primary imbalance of a 360-degree parallel-twin, the design utilizes a “reciprocating tungsten balance system”, the concept for which was first envisioned by influential post-war British motorcycle designer Bert Hopwood. With the two pistons in a 360-degree parallel-twin traveling up and down in unison, there is substantial primary imbalance as the upward and downward forces of both pistons act together to shake the engine. To counter this, Engrich employs a dummy tungsten piston and connecting rod attached to the crankshaft between the two main pistons, traveling in the opposite direction. As both main pistons reach TDC in one direction, the tungsten dummy piston is reaching TDC in the opposite direction, cancelling out the primary imbalance. The result is an engine with the sound and character of the Nortons and Triumphs of yore, but with a smoothness of a modern powerplant and (hopefully) without the oil leaks. You can see the inner workings of the engine, as well as a sound bite of the engine idling, in their YouTube video. The build process for the engine and chassis is highighted on Engrich’s YouTube channel, including the custom castings for the engine and a peek into the computer aided design (CAD) process. Engrich ART The rest of the build for the Engrich ART is notable in its use of CNC machining for most parts, including the fuel tank and frame. The suspension and running gear are higher end Öhlins, Brembo, and PVM parts, while the electronics are by Motec. John Britten’s creations pushed the performance envelope for race bikes at the time. The Engrich, while inspired by Britten’s creativity and ingenuity, strives to bring back the classic British 360-degree parallel-twin in a modern naked chassis. Low-volume production is planned, prices have not been announced. Sources: thekneeslider.com, engrichmotorcycle.nz Vezi sursa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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