Motorcycle Repair: Comparing Bikes, 2 stroke engines, high performance cars

Question
Hello eXpert,

My name is Nagy and I am a fellow expert in Electronics, home theatre and satellite Pay-TV.
I live in Australia and I have an import business.
Due to the local demand for Dirt Bikes, I have been communicating with Chinese manufacturers as to source from them.
In return I was confused with all the jargon they used which I doubt that all end-users would know but since they affect the price greatly I would appreciate all help in deciphering them.
So basically, number of engine strokes, number of valves, alloy vs steel parts, normal or upside down absorber, water vs air cooling.
I understand it could be too much for you to discuss and write but it will be equally helpful if you attach some links for me to read, I'm good at it.

THANKS HEAPS

NAGY

Answer
Nagy... If you are going to supply parts along with the sale of the bike, then understanding terminology is pretty important.

http://motorcycles.about.com/od/basicsofmotorcycling/

http://motorcycles.about.com/cs/beginners/a/basicstuff.htm

http://www.motorcyclebasics.com/

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/motorcycle2.htm

In a nutshell... 2 cycle (2 stroke) engines are the cheapest to manufacture and most compact. They require mixture of oil/gasoline which produces more emissons than a standard 4 cycle (4 stroke) engine. 2 stroke engines fire ever revolution and have no valves. 4 stroke engines can have either 2 valves (intake and exhaust) or sometimes 4 valves (2 each/intake/exhaust) in high performance applications. Pretty much the same technology as many new high performance cars.

Air cooled engines have finned cylinders and cylinder heads to facilitate heat removal, but are noisier and less efficient and have higher emissions. Water (liquid) cooling on the parts addresses these concerns, but there is added weight and complexity with radiators and water pumps/hoses, etc. Again these are just small car engines in principle and design.

Fork suspension for years used steel fork tubes as the basis for the suspension units and sliding alloy fork units which hold the axle were on the bottom. Engineers found that turning the components upside down gave a more rigid suspension system mounting foundation with less mass moving up and down.

The more complex the design, the more difficult they are to service and there are more parts to break/fail and repair, as well as keep in stock. Motorcyclists tend to gravitate to advance designs in driveline components and styling, as they become more sophisticated/experienced. In China, the difference between the plain and fancy isn't all that great, pricewise. I would certainly do research with any existing customers to determine who is making the best machine for the money.

Wise counsel would have you invest or pursue things you understand and love, vs what makes money. Without proper technical support and parts supplies, your customers will become unhappy quickly and your reputation as a business person may suffer.

Good luck in your endeavors..

Bill Silver www.vintagehonda.com