For decades BMW's motorcycles
were easily identified by the two opposed cylinders sticking out of
each side of the bike. While you can still find this layout on some of
its products, these days the company also uses a variety of other
layouts, depending on the model line. Based on European patents, there
might even be a Bimmer in the ranks eventually with an absolutely
bizarre-looking W3 configuration.
BMW
actually has two separate patents on these W3 designs, and both of them
have the goal of cramming three cylinders into the space of a
traditional V-twin. The first splays the cylinder out into a fan shape
with pushrods operating the valves. The description submitted to
the World Intellectual Property Organization describes the solution as,
"The embodiment according to the invention represents an as of yet
unknown type of W-3 reciprocating piston internal combustion engine
having cylinder angles which can be largely freely sized."
The other solution is more of a modification to the traditional V-twin. Two of the cylinders share a crankpin, but the third has its own and is positioned inside the angle of the V. It's a very odd-looking engine.
With BMW's assertion that these designs are meant to fit in place of a traditional V-twin, Jalopnik speculates that they could be for a future cruiser from the company,
and that would make sense. While brand offers a line of sport tourers
with the K1600 line, it doesn't have something more classic to take on
the likes of the Ducati Diavel. Creating such a weird engine would probably grab early interest from riders.
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