The air-cooled engine is all but extinct in modern motorcycles, but some bikemakers are keeping this legacy alive. Air-cooled engines use ambient air as a cooling medium, with metal fins attached to the cylinder head increasing surface area for better cooling. This design also uses engine oil to cool the motor internally.
Despite its pros and cons, liquid-cooled motors dominate the market. However, some manufacturers offer air-cooled motorcycles, each with their own engine formats like parallel twins, V-twins, and Boxer-twins. The Royal Enfield Classic 650 is a notable example of an air-cooled motorcycle, featuring a single overhead camshaft and 270-degree crankshaft.
The Royal Enfield Classic 650's 650cc parallel twin engine produces 46 horsepower and 39 pound-feet of torque, making it less about outright performance and more about character and low-end torque. This motor also features an air-and-oil-cooled design, giving it a unique pulse that sets it apart from other parallel twins.
The Harley-Davidson brand is synonymous with large air-cooled V-twins, and the Milwaukee-Eight and Fat Boy are two examples of this legacy being carried forward. The Milwaukee-Eight 117 powers the massive motorcycle, delivering crushing 126 pound-feet of torque that propels it down the road with ease.
The Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight is a classic V-twin setup, featuring a 45-degree bank angle and pushrods that deliver the looks and soul-stirring rumble that define the American cruiser experience. This massive motor also produces 103 horsepower, but its true character lies in its torque output.
Moto Guzzi's air-cooled V-twin architecture is featured in the V85 adventure machine, making it a unique and charismatic option. The 853cc 90-degree V-twin engine pushes out 80 horsepower and 61 pound-feet of torque, with oil jet cooling supplementing the air-cooling system.
The Moto Guzzi V85's air-cooled V-twin engine is a simple yet effective design that delivers a punchy and reliable performance. Its unique rocking motion also makes it endearing to riders, setting it apart from liquid-cooled parallel twins.
Ducati's Scrambler features an 802cc Desmodue L-twin engine, which shares the space with air-cooled motorcycles like the Moto Guzzi V85. While not as well-known for its air-cooled options, Ducati is still a major player in the motorcycle market.
As the industry continues to shift towards liquid-cooled engines, air-cooled motorcycles are making a comeback with unique character and charm. These bikes offer a different driving experience that appeals to riders looking for something more than just raw power.
As the industry shifts towards liquid-cooled engines, air-cooled motorcycles are making a comeback with unique character and charm.
