Submitted by Agitated_Potato_3052 t3_z6iq50 in explainlikeimfive
18_USC_47 t1_iy1n1jy wrote
In general if two equivalent size engines have differences in cylinder numbers the sound will be from smaller cylinders, moving faster.
A 650 twin will have 2x 325 CC pistons firing in a specific order. Some with a 90 degree offset, others with 270. This just means “if one cylinder fires, where is the other one”. This can also have an effect on the sound since the combustion of gas in the cylinders is what causes the noise.
So there’s two larger cylinders firing in a different order.
In a higher cylinder configuration like a V4 or inline 4, the firing order is different, but also there are much smaller cylinders.
Generally a 600cc will have about 150cc cylinders, but firing much faster to get the same power.
It’s the difference of “big pops slower, or smaller pops much faster” and a little bit of what order the pops happen in.
chrome-spokes t1_iy21gov wrote
> A 650 twin
Ah, gotta chime in with this, talking about unique sounds...
Vintage Triumph 650cc Bonneville's parallel twin engine have an even different unique sound than same cc v-twins.
This from the two pistons traveling up and down together, while the firing order is 180 degrees apart. That is, one is on compression while the other is on exhaust.
Music to my ears, hah!
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