The ‘V’ sign

few months back, Editor Robinson penned a piece on V-twins which set me pondering why so many manufacturers produced such complicated engines in pioneer days, when even making a decent single was a challenge. Was it the seemingly trivial factor that the V’s engine profile automatically and aesthetically complemented the ‘diamond’ frame motorbikes had inherited from pedal cycles? Or did practical advantages come into play? It was already realised that Vs were easier to balance for