It's not only Steve that shouldn't......

[BrendanO]

So, did you buy the XSR because of its crossplane philosophy, or because of the authentic tread pattern on the tyres?

Seriously, nice-looking bike, but don't the marketing people write a lot of bo!!ocks? (I had an MT-03 so I know - I was part of the torque sports revolution!)

[themoudie]

Aye Brendan, just what my thoughts were as well! Appears to be a good bike and suspect the motor is using the old TDM850/TRX 850 motor layout to keep costs down.

Ian,
I hope you are able to put the miles on the beastie, especially with this fine weather.

Good health, Bill

[Ian]

Brendon, I don't think I read any of the bu mff. I just rode it and liked it. Any way how do you do crossplane with a twin? Very much lots of Bowlarks

Aye Bill, going for the first service this week to get rid of the mineral oil and put some good stuff in. (Well known fact you can't run an engine in with synthetic oil)
Ian

[Ian]

Matt, those are the extras that I ordered. Most are now fitted, just waiting for the service for the tank side panels and the fork gaiters to be fitted (all free of charge). Excellent dealership at Dudley Motorcycle Centre.

[Propellor]

Dunno, but was this the first cross plane motorcycle?

Either way, tell me the sound don't send shivers up yer spine 😁

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WuPCONnIiVU

(Not the JAAAZZ at the beginning. The REAL music half way through 😁😁😁)

[Ian]

I think the first Yamaha crossplane was the R1, then the MT-09, although I may stand corrected

Pics for those interested, I think the screen will divide the nation

Ian

[attachment deleted by admin]

[BrendanO]

Ok, I'm gonna have to admiy I have started summat I know NOTHING about:

I didn't know crossplane was a real thing; I have NO idea what anyone is talking about!

(Or are you now all taking the p!ss out of me?)!

[Propellor]

Ok, I'm gonna have to admiy I have started summat I know NOTHING about:

I didn't know crossplane was a real thing; I have NO idea what anyone is talking about!

(Or are you now all taking the p!ss out of me?)!

There's obviously stuff on the net, that goes without saying, but basically the difference between a conventional four cylinder (flat plane) crank and a cross plane crank is literally in the words. When looking at the crank end on the crank pins on a conventional four lie in a flat plane. The crank pins on a cross plane four lie in the form of a cross, with the crank pins spaced at 90 degrees. It's a good few years since I read the details on it but I believe the benefits are in cancelling inertial torque and also giving a firing order akin to a 90 degree vee four. Both of these things are meant to give better traction and especially feel when on the racing limit. I recall reading that when Rossi joined yamaha they had a cross plane engine under development. At the tests they presented him with three different engines to try. A conventional flat plane (screamer) four, a flat plane four with big bang firing and the new cross plane four. He preferred the cross plane and the rest is history.

Regarding the URS500, that is a fascinating story. An engine fully designed and built by Peter Kuhn and Helmut Fath. The link here though is that the crank arrangement was peculiar. Two 180 degree twins set at 90 degrees apart and coupled together by gears onto a layshaft. Basically what you have is a cross plane "format" and I'm guessing a reverse rotating crank. Both things are a big deal in modern gp racing.

[Propellor]

The "cross plane philosophy" statement, with regard to their 120 degree triple is just climbing onto their own bandwagon. A very tenuous link IMO. I can't see any cross! I think what they're hinting at is the end benefits of cancelling or at least lessening inertial torque.

[Propellor]

Ok, I'm gonna have to admiy I have started summat I know NOTHING about:

I didn't know crossplane was a real thing; I have NO idea what anyone is talking about!

(Or are you now all taking the p!ss out of me?)!

There's obviously stuff on the net, that goes without saying, but basically the difference between a conventional four cylinder (flat plane) crank and a cross plane crank is literally in the words. When looking at the crank end on, the crank pins on a conventional four lie in a flat plane. The crank pins on a cross plane four lie in the form of a cross, with the crank pins spaced at 90 degrees. It's a good few years since I read the details on it but I believe the benefits are in cancelling inertial torque and also giving a firing order akin to a 90 degree vee four. Both of these things are meant to give better traction and especially feel when on the racing limit. I recall reading that when Rossi joined yamaha they had a cross plane engine under development. At the tests they presented him with three different engines to try. A conventional flat plane (screamer) four, a flat plane four with big bang firing and the new cross plane four. He preferred the cross plane and the rest is history.

Regarding the URS500, that is a fascinating story. An engine fully designed and built by Peter Kuhn and Helmut Fath. The link here though is that the crank arrangement was peculiar. Two 180 degree twins set at 90 degrees apart and coupled together by gears onto a layshaft. Basically what you have is a cross plane "format" and I'm guessing a reverse rotating crank. Both things are a big deal in modern gp racing.

[mthee]

You know, Ian, all this talk of what the crossplane adds and the aesthetics of that screen can be easily resolved Smithy-style, ie ,we all pile over to yours for test rides  oh, go on, pretty please!!!!

[Propellor]

Good idea Matt. The true benefits of the cross plane philosophy (or cpp as it shall henceforth be known😁) can only be tested on the ragged edge 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[Ian]

You know, Ian, all this talk of what the crossplane adds and the aesthetics of that screen can be easily resolved Smithy-style, ie ,we all pile over to yours for test rides  oh, go on, pretty please!!!!

No problem Matt 😜

[timbo]

Damn you Ian! I have been thinking about this bike all night 
I think a trip to Dudley could be on the cards this afternoon. And i have shed a few bikes in the last few weeks, so that will help. As long as the bar width is 34'' or less, it will fit in my yard.

[Ian]

Sorry Tim, but you do realise if you even sit on one you'll want it. Tell Steve or Andy I sent you!
Ian 🙄