We all know that ATVs are tough, tenacious vehicles, but not everyone stops to think about what makes their ATV tick. If you aspire to become a serious ATV rider, you should learn what ATV engines are all about! After all, this is the most important component of your quad, and it needs regular maintenance to stay in top condition. This guide from Honda Parts Direct aims to answer all your questions about ATV engines.
The Basics of Combustion Engines
Just like most vehicles, most ATVs feature a combustion engine. This kind of engine runs on fuel that is mixed with air in a combustion chamber and ignited by a spark. The spark creates a small, controlled explosion that is converted to mechanical action by the piston.
The piston is a small cylinder inside the engine that is connected to the crankshaft. When combustion occurs, the piston moves up and down, which causes the crankshaft to turn. The crankshaft converts the force generated by the engine into rotary motion. That motion is then transferred to the wheels via the drivetrain. This is what propels your ATV forward!
Two-Stroke Engines
There are two main options for ATV engines: two-stroke engines and four-stroke engines. The term “stroke” refers to the motion of the piston. As you might expect, two-stroke engines only require two strokes to complete one revolution of the crankshaft. This means that in a two-stroke engine, the intake and exhaust functions occur at the same time.
Two-stroke engines can accelerate faster than four-stroke engines. Because they do not use an oil reservoir, two-stroke engines also require less frequent maintenance. However, they are less reliable and efficient compared to four-stroke engines.
Four-Stroke Engines
Four-stroke engines have four distinct piston strokes for intake, compression, power, and exhaust. This is the kind of engine most often used in most cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Four-stroke engines can operate at lower RPMs than two-stroke engines, which reduces wear and tear. This is why four-stroke engines tend to be more durable. They are also smoother and quieter than two-stroke engines, and they burn less fuel.
Now that you know a thing or two about ATV engines, you will be better equipped to maintain your ATV. If you need any replacement parts for a Honda® ATV, you can find them here on our website! Honda Parts Direct is your online source for Honda parts and accessories. We ship to customers all over the world from our home base in Palestine, TX.