Boxer engines

Boxer engines probably got their name because the pistons of the motor, when observed from the top, resemble the fists of a boxer as he strikes them together before a bout. Another explanation is that on a 4-cylinder engine the two side-by-side pistons move alternately like a boxer's fists pummeling his opponent. Boxer engines of up to eight cylinders have proved highly successful in both automobiles and motorcycles, and continue to be popular for light aircraft engines.

One benefit of using a boxer engine versus a V-engine is that the design provides good balance because each piston's momentum is counterbalanced by the corresponding piston movement of the opposite side. Boxers are one of only four layouts that have a natural dynamic balance; the others being the straight-6, the flat-12 and the V12. These engines can run very smoothly and free of vibrations with a four-stroke cycle and do not require a balance shaft or counterweights on the crankshaft to balance the weight of the reciprocating parts, which are required in other engine configurations.

Original boxer engine

(Note that this is true of all boxer engines regardless of the number of cylinders, but not true for all V and straight, or inline engines.)

Boxer engines tend to produce more noise than inline and V-engines because valve clatter is not so well dampened due to lack of covering by air-filters and other components, and produce a larger torsional vibration than a V-engine, and so, tend to require a larger flywheel. They have a characteristic smoothness throughout the rev range and, combined with the mounting position immediately ahead of the rear axle, offer a low center of gravity and more neutral handling.

Boxer engines - Boxer engines notable

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