The BMW S1000RR featured in this video is a giveaway! Head over to yammienoob.co - become a member and earn your entries to win it. Sweepstakes ends March 29th.

Glad the Honda VFR is getting lots of love in these comments. It’s the V4 bike of the masses. I love my 5th gen.

Thank god a normal voice video

I read somewhere on the internet that part of the reason V4’s dominate in MotoGP is because part of the crankshaft is external, allowing manufacturers to add weights, which change the characteristics of the power delivery, depending on the track

I went from a lifetime (20+ years) of only inline 4 sport bikes. They were good. Last year I got Tuono, and honestly I’d never go back to an I4. The bottom end and midrange aren’t even close and the sound of that engine with SC project “exhaust” (it’s an open pipe with no cat), is absolute heaven. I’m biased but I bought that bike over Ducati because the sound is my favorite.

Emissions is nonsense. Motorcycles represent such a small part of the problem they are arguably irrelevant. So many sexy engines no longer on the market. So much horsepower left on the drawing board. Very sad

GSX-RR was crossplane design... And ducati "superior v4" is dominating WSBK with rules that allows it 16100 RPM while kawasakis inline 4 is limited by regulations to 15100 RPM to level the playing field.... and that is for 2024 season, in 2022 ducati was allowed 16100 while kawasaki was limited by rules to 14100... So V4 is "dominating WSBK" when you put on it 60kg rider and put 2000RPM penalty to competitor....

I love my Honda VFR800. V4 for the win!

I don't care what people say, I like the sound of inline 4 better.

have a 2014 vfr 800. I've sat on literally 100 newer bikes since then and never purchased one.. My V4 honda is just so damn well made.... my only dream is they make a new Honda VFR 1000 or something with a new V4 engine.

A new type of content from old yammie noob

Happy owner of a Honda VFR750R RC30 for 20+ Year, I just bought a VFR400R NC30 for fun. Yes, V4 are greats !

One v4 I don't see yammie talk about or his Canadian counterpart talk about is the Honda Magna. I'd like to see some mention of this bike.

Totally agree with other comments. Honda had it right with the VFR. I actually owned a Honda NR750 is ‘93 when I was stationed in Japan, it was ferocious.

I have a 1983 v65 magna vf1100 and I love the sounds of it’s v4

That was a boat load of great information. Thanks for posting it, Yammie.

I had a Honda V-65 Sabre for 20 years. That V-4 was a beast and extremely dependable. I put a few batteries, tires and replaced the rear wheel bearings in all those years. The thing I remember most was the beautiful sound it made. That is what I really miss about that bike. Nope, I left the exhaust stock, it was awesome!

I've never had an inline 4(I know my loss) but I do love the sound the feel of the v4 in my Vmax 1200

I love this informative type of content. Keep it coming.

I know all us VFR owners look down on everyone but…. Yeah, they’re the best.

I love my 948cc inline 4, but God if I hit that lottery money that super leguera is getting parked in my bed room !😂

Really liked this clean, organized, well articulated video of yours @yammie!! You should keep that format!

Hey! You didn’t show my bike the 1986 Yamaha Vmaxx!!! Awsome bike that lasts forever

VERY WELL DONE video!!!! I love and have loved learning about motorcycles all my life and have been stuck on " screamers" for most of that time because, well . . . I LOVE going FAST, but you've educated me to think about the V4 potential. My dad bike (Yamaha FJR 1300) suit my needs for touring AND RIPPING it up but I rode my friend's Super Duke in sport mode on a twisty Colorado mountain road and was thoroughly impressed with it. Now I understand a little more as to why. Hate that you said E Bikes are coming for us all but maybe I croak before they MAKE ME switch over. THANKS AGAIN Noob!! Keep 'em coming and stay safe out there.

One of the best Yammie vids imho. Thanks dude.

V4's are just a love letter for your ears and your guts.

Great vid dude. I've a 25 Yr old VFR, although has only 14k miles on it. I live deep in the countryside on a twisty+bumpy road and can only ride cautiously as many blind corners. Find just cruise it and actually behaves pretty much like a big old single with tons of bottom end torque, V4's all the way!

Not a fan of yammies videos, but this one was solid. I learned a lot, thanks

Hey Man, I Enjoyed Your Video. The Honda 750 Four Came Out In '69. Yeah, I Was 10 & Some Memories Never Fade. Thank You.

I'm not a racer or a connoiseur of modern superbikes, but I found the science interesting. I've only owned four bikes in my lifetime, the current one being the Kawasake Vulcan S 650, but I did have one of the early CB750s when I was stationed in Japan. Awesome bike; I wish I had it back.

I'm surprised the VMAX wasn't talked about. The most renowned V4 motorcycle.

I love my two V4s. 94 Magna and a 2014 CTX1300.

One key thing that you surprisingly missed here is that the Ducati v4 engine runs backwards, I.e counter clockwise to the direction of the wheels. The gyroscopic effect of this has been amazing in helping turn the bike quicker and recover it making it much more nimble in handling. This has had a tremendous result in moto gp!

Love my '84 Magna!

Watching this video as we're on our way to WSBK Philip Island for the weekend :)

Have owned and run the following formats - parallel twin, in-line 4, OHC driven v4, desmo driven v4, gear driven v4, inline triple. The Duke V4S was not just hot on your thighs and legs, it was bloody painful at anything less than 75mph when the air flow removed the heat. As a road bike, it was a joke. But as a race/track bike it was supreme. The ‘Prilia Tuono Factory was a mighty fine engine, but 32mpg even when riding like your gran is not acceptable. The 675R was a peach, and matched the chassis perfectly. God I miss that bike. The inline 4s (FireBlade RRV, GSX-R K5 & L7, BMW S1000RR) are all efficient, effective, reliable, and intuitive - and buzzy. The VFR was, well, VFRy - the feel is like a long elastic catapult when you wind on the power, and the gear whine sound remains iconic. So, horses for courses, but, be very careful with those high end Dukes, and test ride the roads on a hot sunny day before you even think about buying one.

2009-2020 Yamaha Vmax. 1700 V4

I keep a 5th gen VFR800. The sound, performance and reliability of that V4 are great. As I am not getting any younger, I wish the bike was lighter and lower though. 🙂

As a graduate mechanical engineer who has had many bikes, this was very interesting, thank you. The bit about over-squaring an inline 4 causing it to become too wide was something I had never considered. My favourite configuration has always been inline 4. I’m 62 and this year, after a 10 year hiatus (before that I’d had bikes since I was 15) I will be buying a Z900RS as a retirement present to myself. 😊

I love your work even from the early days. I enjoy your explanations also. I am an older biker, some 52 years worth. BTW I like your tattoo on your L upper arm, very nice. Please carry on Sir. Australian here

Love my 2021 Ducati Streetfighter V4S 😊❤

Presently a student at MMI. This video helped me understand a few things a little better. Thank you for making this.🌻🔧⚙️

I love inline 4s. It’s the best four cylinder cost/benefit configuration not only for motorcycles but for automobiles also. It’s why so many new cars and SUVs use it.

Well broken down in a simplified manner..love it!

I really enjoyed watching this video when you speak straight, and to the point without all these memes and distrations. Excellent video.

another great vid ✨ I'm so happy you are who you are Yamms, cause I would've had a very different experience when I started if it wasn't for you

I’m convinced the fairings on the Panagale shove alll the heat at the pilot. The SFV4 even in hot weather has never got too hot for me 🤷‍♂️ a lot more area exposed I suppose.

This was awesome. Cheers.

I have a 2019 Yamaha R1 with a week I bought Puigs windscreen,R&G frame sliders/rear spools, GB engine coves, tech spec tank grips, motodynamic fender eliminator, integrated taillight and driven gas keyless gas cap. Months later I got Werks USA 3/4 exhaust, flash ecu, Q5s tires, engine ice, asv clutch and break levers, driven lever guards, NRC mirror delete with turn signals, R&G radiator and oil cooler guards, front and rear axle sliders. Right now I have rear hugger and chain cover in carbon, planning on putting more

Haven't watched your channel in a while and I'm glad I came back to a technical video. Great job man!

Yammie here’s a video idea. Take the bmw and a v4 bike like a ducati or Aprilia to the track. I’ve seen a lot of videos of sportbike competitions on the track and the bmw tends to always win. Would be nice to see how you do with an inline 4 vs v4. I personally think you’d do better with the bmw

If it was cost effective I'd say v4 all the way... but having just bought an fjr 1300 rather than a vfr800, I'm happy with i4s as well.

V4s are my favorite

This video was like Papa Yamm and “not-the-mama-either” F9 had a video baby. Love it!

This changes all the time, Kawasaki won superbike 6 years in a row with a inline 4 from 2015, remember when cars started using much v4's, the inline 4 where much better

Actually Ducati's 90 degree V configuration is a very difficult packaging motor due to its length & shape.If it is rotated forward it forces the position of the front wheel forward, if it is rotated rearward the CG is raised & the rear wheel rearward both of which lengthen the wheelbase. This is why the narrow bank V's are actually favored. Ducati has stuck with its traditional 90 degree L shape motor, kinda for the same reason Harley sticks to its 45 degree design. Harley has actually owned Ducati at various times in the past...

Point and shoot the in line,, I'll keep my inline zx1400. Gen 1 2006. One of your best videos. Thanks.

in motogp the aero winglets and ride height device give ducati more advantage .

Own a 1985 Honda VF 500F Interceptor, love it to bits, literally, it doesnt run thanks to being left abandoned for 13+ years, but it shall be resurrected! If i can fix the fueling and idling issue....

Driving4Answers and Fortnine are the 2 best channels that explain motorcycle engineering. D4A does a lot of in depth engine config videos.

As a tour operator that does a lot of track time I'll say the V4 not only represents the best on the track but also the best for sport touring in big machines like the MTSV4, which is a honking big motorcycle. We use most S1000RR on track but also use Panigale V4 and V2 as well as R1. The S1000RR is easiest to ride, and makes it easy to work on your riding rather than futzing with the bike. The R1 has character and might be more fun but isn't as smooth so it comes down to rider ability mostly. The Panigale V4 is an absolute beast that will shred the lap times of the other two but it's not very forgiving.

Yammie Noob, are you one of Mulitiverse of Linustech? Just kidding, loving this kind of set up. Watch it all the way!

The primary advantage of a V4 over a L4 is rigidity. High speed engines run up against intense vibrations from both firing order or primary balance and secondary mechanical balance this means strength is not the limiting factor but dimensional stability, stiffness, as it minimizes strain, which is related to fatigue by reversals inherent in vibration. The V4 configuration, it also shrinks the dimensions of the engine and all its components which increases rigidity, reduces strain, increases specific strength, decreases mass, and further reduces secondary imbalances of the engine. The V4 over the L4 makes layout and manufacture more difficult. But the V4 does not magically increase power production and may limit it by retention of heat. So you spend your money and take your chances hoping it works out. Personally, Honda’s long skinny crankshaft seems to me subject to more torsional fatigue and strength issues as it has less rigidity than a short compact V4 crank which increases and related to strain reversals of the material in the L4 over the more short and stiff V4 crank.

Is Ducati still using the counter-rotating crankshaft? I'm surprised that didn't get a mention.

Never considered it before this video but I’m guessing that the inline 4 with the large, heavy, rapidly spinning crankshaft contributes to gyroscopic stability that inhibits the ability of the inline 4’s lean into a turn as quickly as a V4.

We can all agree that the cross plane is by far the best sounding. I’ll take character over power 🤙🏽

Very happy to watch this for the info and the confirmation that side by side medium sized twin cylinders are a smart over all motor. I ride my Honda Rebel 500 to work, the store, big cities, and twice now on long vacation trips. I had two new Kawasaki 500's 50 years ago when I was in the service. Now at 68 years old I bought two more midsized bikes on purpose. I have had big V Twins but they are simply not smart bikes for me anymore . My last vaction, 9 months ago, got me almost 2500 miles round-trip to Omaha and back in very bad weather every day on HWY 30 at 49.9 miles per gallon according to the bike's electronics. I would like to have a V4 bike, but I am happy as an old guy with a fun, fast, easy to handle, midsized bikes. P.S. if you take suggestions for future videos, consider winter riding help. I bought a Honda 300L last September and put stud/screws in every lug for snow ice traction. I felt safe eniugh, but speed was not an option. Bikes don't plow well. Have you tried custom tire chains? Helmets with defrosters? I made it to work every work day, but it was an easy winter and I only do 18 miles a day round trip. My Old Guy Morale did get quite a boost, when I road my winter bike to work and parked the only motorcycle at Garden Of Eden Truck Stop on a 14 degree day in big wind and snow. Yes it's true snow doesn't usually happen at 14, but it did that day. Bye the way, ice alone is fairly easy with studded tires. This may sound silly, but two midsized motorcycles have let me pay for the Freshman Year of college for the granddaughter. I am looking for just 3 more winters, then I will leave the snow to the young folks. Thanks.

Great description and breakdown, loved it ❤

The end 😂😂😂 great stuff learned a lot honestly getting more into bikes again helps my soul 👍🏼

The shorter crank in the V4 bikes also allows for less gyroscopic forces due to the smaller lighter rotational forces produced by the crank. This allows for a less stable, but much nimbler bike in the hands of a seasoned rider. First time I rode one I was amazed how significant the difference is at lower speeds.

Stepped off 2 hours on my VFR1200 to this video. Yeah, once you go V4 it’s a bummer to settle for less.

Thank god they made a inline 4 that sound in next level

I like seeing papa Yam growing the mop out. Also happy to see a S1K on your channel. Unfortunate you put a Leo Vince can on it. But I understand they're a sponsor and you gotta do what you gotta do. Akra, Arrow, or SC Project my guy!

"Chicken n egg problem..." The egg came first, cause dinosaurs and fish. Are the squids going extinct? Good!

You say the v4 un even firing order helps give the tire more rest. However, doesn't it also counter that by also putting more power into a smaller portion of the tire, which could cause the tire to break loose?

Nice outro. Now i can't sleep at night

Inline 4 motorcycle engines were being used around 100 years ago.

The 285° crank will apparently be the final evolution

à truly master class explanation. not many motogp fans are aware of. thanks

As much as I love the Ducati Panigale V4S, the lack of dealer access near me and crazy hot summers have kept me from pulling the trigger. From what I’ve heard from so many Ducati owners, , the V4 kings of today run unbearably hot, even at freeway speeds. Since testicular cancer took one of my nuts, I’m very protective of the last man “hanging.” I’ll stick to my inline 4s for now lol.

I can't decide what I like there both sick I've had both before and loved both but I have to say the symphony of that inline 4 screaming under your butt..but the rumble of the v4 is sick to.love them both.😊

I had an 85 Honda VF1000R, a rolling hot tub that would redden your inner thighs after a short ride in Phoenix. Gear driven cams gave it an exotic idle sound and it pulled like a tractor. End of benefits. The earlier V45 Interceptor (750 cc) was a much better bike and I wish I had a mint condition one now. Just a different experience from an inline.

Bought myself a Ducati SFV4s grey Nero. Wanted something I could track but would suit the 6+ hour weekend days in the saddle. I can do sports bikes ergos, for an hour without being too uncomfortable. They’re made for a track after all! I’ve mostly have i4s down through the years. Love them too but I crave more low down grunt. The v4 is the most insane platform I’ve sat on. Huge torque , down low pull but still has that 15500 rpm available. Nuts . They also sound better in real life, like a deep rumble lion growl, speakers don’t pick it up.

The king for V4 is Honda’s VFR series. I am pretty upset it’s mentioned on video only 2 second.

Two out of the last three MotoGP winners (Quartararo and Mir) had inline fours. In the last 10 years, seven World SBK champtionships (Rea x 6 and Razgatlıoglu x 1) were won on an inline four. I'm not sure I can agree that V4's are unbeatable. And this coming from someone that used to own one.

But, how does the Ducati use the inertia of the v-4 crankshaft, to pull the front wheel down under hard acceleration? Do they spin it in the opposite direction?

Really loved an informative video like this

The explanation for the complications of an I4's longer crankshaft when compared to a V4's was a bit off. The real problem with a crankshaft being longer is rigidity: try to bend (or break) a long stick and you'll easily be able to do it. Now try it with a stick as thick as the first one but half as long and you'll notice that it'll be much harder. That's why V4's crankshafts are much lighter, not only they are much shorter, they don't need as thick of a metal to be as rigid and that, as a consequence, also reduces the moment of inertia a bit. But the bulk of a crankshaft's moment of inertia will be from cranks on which the rods are attached to and their counterweights, and that will mostly be dictated by the engine's stroke length and weight of the rods and pistons. That's why the example of the spinning ballerina holding her arms closer doesn't apply very well here... It'd be more like a tall and thick ballerina versus a short and thin one, lol. The short one will still spin faster (supposing their arms have the same length and weigh the same) after applying the same force, but it's for a different reason and not as much of a difference than spreading their arms open versus holding them together.

Very interesting discussion of engine design dynamics. 👍

A lot of what's "Winning" on the track has a little bit to do w/ the weather, the tires, & like the rider who harnessing all that as he hangs on for dear life? Who knows which motor is the absolute best & why does it really matter as long as you can get up to 180+MPH when the cops flip on the lights? Besides, I'd bet a champ racer w/ a much smaller bike could wax Yammie on his 1000RR..... so it really doesn't matter to the squid. peace & be safe

I love my KTM V-twin, but I do love me a good V4. If Ducati's weren't so much more expensive, I may have just bought a Multistrada over my Super Adventure, but the Multistrada was an extra $10k. I love me a V4, but not $10k more. It's ok anyway, the extra torque on the V-twin is more useful anyway. =)

Great technical video! Please do one on the triple!

Gen 2 Yamaha VMAX is my all time dream bike ❤

Look what's winning All the senior TT Isle of man Races recently A inline 4 BMW

I don't see the V4s dominate the Isle of man .Thats the best race to test a bike.

Very informative. Thanks.

apart from motogp, in WSBK Ducati are given unfair advantage with 1200cc displacement. while rest of competitors have 1000cc displacement

I'd be interested to see a manufacturer produce a 270 degree i2 litre bike. These middleweight twins just don't quite have enough power for me but I love the torque of a twin, something like the Suzuki SV1000S or the Honda VTR1000 but translated into a modern bike.

Great video! Makes me love my multistrada v4s even more.

Ahhh... No, I think the lower center of gravity is why they're better on the track. An even "power pulse" is theoretically superior as it's spread out more and less likely to begin slipping, meaning you have a larger margin