RE: harley trivia

[glen <gpowell@acacianet.com>]

except the harley cylinders are "in-line" (this is why the motor is so narrow)  
and the duke cyls are offset.  i think harley accomplishes this by              
using a split conn rod on one of the pistons.  also, the harley pistons         
move up and down simultaneously rather than alternately (explaining the         
unique sound of a harley as well as explaining it's universal attraction        
to female passengers  =8).  also the duke is a 90 degree V twin and i think     
the harley has a narrower angle.                                                

OK, back to the nascar discussion...    =8)                                     
frank                                       

Actually, the con rods in a Harley V2 share a common journal, just like a pair of con rods in a V8 share a common journal, not split conn rod journals. As the two rods share a common journal and the cylinders are of a V configuration this means it would be impossible for both pistons to rise and fall in synchronization, as they do, for example, in the Honda Dream. (did I just date myself? :) THIS is what gives Harleys the very distinctive sound and idle. Rump-rump-silence-silence-rump-rump-silence-silence. (and what gets the girls all excited :)

And now back to the NASCAR race,
                                    
-glen