In recent years, the technical evolution of motorcycle engines has been abysmal. The result, among other things, of new electronic systems with which to improve efficiency, but also the development of cutting-edge technologies aimed at reducing weight or improving the production process itself. At this point Sling has a lot to say; reliable proof of this is its revolutionary V3 engine with electric compressor.
Now the Japanese brand returns with one of its recent innovations in the form of a patent. In it they advocate the simplified design of a parallel twin-cylinder block combining “three potential advantages: less material (and therefore less weight), a simpler design and less thermal distortion,” as stated by Top Speed when echoing the news for the first time.
Honda is committed to “thickness right where it belongs”
This is basically what the idea boils down to: To make an internal combustion engine cylinder block, a complex-shaped cylinder block is cast and the cylindrical cylinder liners are press-fitted to the cylinder bore sections of the cylinder block. In this context, Honda is committed to “a technology in which the outer periphery of a cylinder is oval-shaped, with its major axis perpendicular to the crankshaft viewed from the axial direction of the cylinder and its minor axis parallel to the crankshaft.”
They conclude: “The objective is to increase the thickness of the peripheral wall in the intake-exhaust direction, perpendicular to the crankshaft, and provide it with sufficient resistance.” This allows for a simplified design, as well as focusing on the thickness of the weakest parts, thus ensuring “sufficient resistance against the press fit of the cylinder liner and against the internal cylinder pressure applied during the combustion of the air-fuel mixture.”.
Is there a possibility of seeing it in series?
Every time a brand files a patent with the corresponding registry office, we all wonder if it will finally be implemented in series in one or several models of said company. In this case, doubt once again floods our subconscious, although we know for a fact how complicated it is to carry out the entire process prior to its implementation.
In any case, with EICMA 2026 just around the corner, we assume that this issue will not be one of the main claims that Honda will include in its stand at the famous Milanese event. However, in the medium term, it is possible that we will know some progress of the project, associated in turn with other innovations that the brand is already working on for the near future.
