• There are several types of motorcycle engines.Motorcycle Engine image by Andrew Breeden from Fotolia.com
  
  The type of engine a motorcycle has can have a dramatic impact on its performance. The speed, distance, maintenance and functions of the motorcycle are all determined by the type of engine the motorcycle has. Each engine has its own advantages and disadvantages. Although having more cylinders means having more power, it may also lead to extra maintenance.
  
  

One Cylinder

• One-cylinder engines are commonly referred to as singles. One cylinder is usually positioned vertically with a single spark plug attached to the top. The cylinder is most commonly positioned horizontally. Although in some cases, the cylinder is positioned slightly forward while the spark plugs rest on top.
  
  

Two Cylinder

• Two-cylinder engines, commonly referred to as twin engines, are the most common. Its cylinders are available in several different configurations. V-twin engines are configured in a V shape. Both cylinders move upwards. An L-twin engine is a V-twin that has one cylinder which points horizontally forward. Parallel twin cylinders are configured parallel to each other.
  
  

Three Cylinder

• Three-cylinder engines are the least common of the types of motorcycle engines. The biggest advantage of the three-cylinder engine is that it offers a lot of power. Its biggest disadvantage is that it requires many parts.
  
  

Four Cyclinder

• A four-cylinder engine is similar to a small car engine. Its cylinders are arranged in an in-line configuration. The cylinders are also available in square and V-shape twin configurations.
  
  

Four-Stroke

• Four-stroke engines can be found in most modern motorcycles. The four-stroke engine operates much like a small car engine. It produces four linear strokes of the pistons. Each individual stroke takes care of the intake, compression, power and exhaust. Four-stroke engines are clean and dependable.
  
  

Two-Stroke

• The two-stroke engine is different from the four-stroke cycle in that it produces two linear strokes of the pistons. The two-stroke engine is powerful in that it achieves more in two strokes than the four-stroke engine achieves in four. In two strokes, this engine is capable of taking care of the intake, compression, power and exhaust. The benefit of two-stroke engines are they are simple in mechanics and light weight. The two-stroke engine has a few disadvantages. It needs constant maintenance, cleaning and its power is only accessible in a narrow rpm band.