cheapnewb24 wrote on 12/12/15 at 21:56:06:Considering the engine size and weight comparison, why on earth does the Savage gas mileage suck so badly? You'd think that a lighter bike with a smaller engine would do better than a big twin.
Are big singles at an efficiency disadvantage, or is it something else?
I think that's a reasonable question, and one that I don't Know the answer to. I'm trying to envision Why, ahhh, here,,I may have a clue.
The big single has a counter balance that is separate from the crank, and it doesn't swing itself. It's a parasitic load. A twin uses a HP producing piston and rod to counter the other, along with weight on the crank. I'd think that,ideally, the engine design that requires the least amount of weight for balancing would be a good engine, in terms of efficiency.
Now, Dave may have some ideas and maybe they will agree with mine, or, maybe not. I Would suggest, though, that If Dave comes in, disagrees, explains it all, as long as he can do that and not just rub my nose in it, I won't be forced to go scrape about fifty stars off his column on the scoreboard.