Lifestyle

Gallery: Inside the 2016 Honda RC213V-S Part 2

A closer look at the RC213V-S engine. How close is it to the real thing?

January 18, 2016

The V-4 engine utilizes a 360-degree crank phase angle, which leads to more favorable exhaust pulses and increased charge efficiency for better power. Additionally, the irregular interval of combustion helps improve traction performance. The 90-degree angle eliminates the need for a balancer and the associated mechanical losses, as well as making the engine more compact.Honda

The major changes from the RC213V are the use of traditional valve springs in the S as opposed to pneumatics, and a conventional transmission instead of the seamless transmission. These changes were made based on servicing requirements and the necessity that the RC213V-S be serviced in "a realistic maintenance environment."Honda

A V-4 engine also has a shorter crankshaft than an inline-four, reducing engine width, in turn increasing potential lean angle and reducing frontal area for better aerodynamics. Friction losses in a V-4 engine are less than in an inline-four, as fewer crank journals are required (three vs. five).Honda

The closed-deck configuration of the crankcase improves rigidity and limits cylinder deformation at high rpm. On the RC213V, PNT plating (a composite plating using nickel-silicon carbide) is used to reduce friction between the piston and cylinder. Engine height is reduced by using an oval shape for the crankshaft counterweight, which allows the piston to be closer to the crankshaft at bottom dead center. tungsten alloy weights with a high specific gravity are used in the crank webs, allowing the unbalance amount and inertial mass to be achieved while still keeping the crankshaft compact.Honda

Titanium connecting rods are used for high rigidity and low weight. Bridge-type pistons are used for weight reduction and for compliance with emissions regulations; the RC213V-S has three rings on each piston; the top ring, second ring and an oil ring.Honda

A straight, short intake port is used, which reduces port volume for improved throttle response. The valves are set at a narrow angle, limiting the surface area of the combustion chamber to increase combustion efficiency. Valves are lightweight titanium alloy, actuated using finger followers.Honda

The gear drive system for the camshafts improves reliability in the high rpm range and reduces friction. A total of 10 gears are used. On the MotoGP bike, backlash is adjusted by selecting from a multiple number of gears; the RC213V-S uses an eccentric adjustment mechanism with coaxial cam gears, allowing adjustment without the need to replace gears.Honda

Mounting the water pump on the cylinder head has several benefits, including: increases lean angle; eliminates the need for reduction gears in the pump drive (as the camshaft spins slower than the crankshaft); and places the radiator and water pump closer together, reducing water pipe length and the amount of cooling water required.Honda

The RC213V and RC213V-S both use a dry-sump oiling system with a scavenge pump to maintain negative pressure inside the crankcase and reduce pumping loss.Honda

The S-model uses a cassette-style transmission, but not the seamless design of the RC213V. The transmission parts are made from "wholly machined nickel-chrome molybdenum steel."Honda

The RC213V-S uses the same assist & slipper dry clutch as the RC213V, with hydraulic actuation. A centrifugal governor system enables starting the engine from the rear wheel using an engine starting unit or by a push start.Honda

Both the RC213V and RC213V-S use connecting seals between the throttle bodies and the cylinder head, with the throttle bodies rubber mounted. This helps to reduce the intake port length.Honda

Dual fuel injectors per cylinder are used, with the top injectors mounted to the throttle body. The airbox is made from CFRP, with aluminum fuel delivery pipes, injector stays and air funnels.Honda

The mode switch on the left handlebar can be used to select one of three power modes, Level 1, 2 or 3; one of nine HSTC levels (including off); and one of four engine braking levels. These parameters can be chosen for each of the five riding modes.Honda

The TFT LCD meter is the first in full color on a Honda motorcycle, and automatically adjusts its brightness depending on the ambient light. Three modes of display are available: Street, Circuit (shown) and Mechanic. Circuit mode shows lap time, number of laps and difference from the best lap in addition to the information shown in Street mode. In Mechanic mode, numerical values for engine rpm, gear position, grip opening, throttle opening, water temperature, oil temperature, oil pressure and battery voltage are shown.Honda

The ride-by-wire system incorporates an accelerator position sensor unit at the base of the right handlebar that detects throttle opening. A return spring and friction-generating mechanism inside the sensor unit replicates the feel of a traditional throttle. The RC213V-S is equipped with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), a traction control system that utilizes wheel speed sensors and an inertial measurement unit. The system uses position detection technologies developed through Honda's Asimo robot program, and controls engine torque output based on wheel speeds, roll angle, acceleration in three dimensions and rotational speed in the roll and yaw directions.Honda

While the exhaust for the RC213V-S is different from the RC213V and has butterfly valves and catalyzers, the layout is the same with separate exhaust systems for the front and rear cylinder banks. The front bank's exhaust ports exit the cylinder head low and on to the right side of the engine, while the rear bank's ports exit below the rear seat cowl; this improves space efficiency of the exhaust system, helping to make the motorcycle more compact overall.Honda

The Sports Kit available for the RC213V-S includes an ECU with a different setting to work with the installation of the exhaust and ram air duct. The ECU also includes a launch control system, which limits engine rpm for race starts. Other items included in the kit include: a front ram air duct, exhaust system, spark plugs, load-cell quickshifter switch (which enables adjustments for the quickshifter operation), a reverse-shift-pattern shift drum, data logger set, rear suspension link connecting rod with ride-height adjustment, front brake pads, remote adjuster for the front brake, thermostat, sprocket set, CFRP clutch guard, wiring kit, various bodywork parts, stands, and a coverHonda

The ignition system is activated using the Honda Smart Key (with a case made from aluminum and CFRP), which eliminates the ignition switch in the top triple clamp. The fuel cap and steering lock are operated using a conventional key, which can be stored inside the Smart Key unit.Honda

Last week in our image gallery of Honda's exotic MotoGP replica RC213V-S, we detailed the chassis and how similar it is to the RC213V. This week, we take a look at the engine, and through a series of images provided by Honda look at just how close the powerplant of the RC213V-S is to the MotoGP bike's. Scroll through the gallery above to see the images and learn more about the RC213V-S.

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