Crankshaft: The main rotating shaft running through the length of the engine. As the pistons move up and down, they work together to spin the crankshaft. The rotating motion of the crankshaft is transmitted to the gear cluster which is eventually used to rotate the rear wheel of the motorcycle.

 

Related Words

Crankshaft: The main rotating shaft running through the length of the engine. As the pistons move up and down, they work together to spin the crankshaft. The rotating motion of the crankshaft is transmi . . . View Full Definition

Flat Twin: A two cylinder internal combustion engine with the cylinders arranged on opposite sides of the crankshaft. The best known example is the ‘traditional’ (since 1923) BMW motorcycle engine, whe . . . View Full Definition

Ignition Timing: The process of setting the time that a spark will occur in the engine combustion chamber (during the power stroke) relative to piston position or crankshaft rotation. Setting the correct ign . . . View Full Definition

Pushrods: Pushrods are used to connect to rocker arm assemblies which, in turn, open and close valves. In this case, the Camshaft is located near the crankshaft. The rotation of the camshaft causes it . . . View Full Definition

Top Dead Center (TDC): The point at which the crankshaft and piston are in their highest possible position. (Compare BDC).

Camshaft: A metal shaft with two or more cams (oval “lobes”) that rotates to operate inlet and/or exhaust valves in a four-stroke engine.

Eccentric: A circle not having a geometric center. Also, a device such as a crankshaft or a cam for converting rotary motion to reciprocating motion.

Big End: The larger (crankshaft) end of the connecting rod.

Bottom Dead Center (BDC): The point during crankshaft rotation at which the piston is in its lowest possible position. (Compare TDC).

Bottom End: Bottom End refers to the bottom portion of a motorcycle engine including the crankshaft, connecting rods and bearings, primary chain, cam sprockets, seals, and other components that support . . . View Full Definition