PARALLEL TWIN: 360° vs 180° vs 270°

[ThatXS650Guy]

I always thought my KZ400 had a similar vibe to the XS650. Yep, 360 degree...
Cool video. I spent some time watching his other ones. Thanks for posting.

 

[jetmechmarty]

And it works visually - even non-bikers recognise it as a proper motorbike.

Yes, W800 is what my mind says a motorcycle is.

 

[Raymond]

Me too:

 

[dps650rider]

As the original balance factor is designed for a 360 crankshaft, it definitely not optimal for a 180 crankshaft, and not really ideal for a 270/277 either.
360 degree twins usually have balance factor in the 60 to 85 percent range, while a 270 should be better with close to 100 percent. And a 180 should have a much lower balance factor, I guess between 0 and 50 percent.
In any case, pushrod engines or twins with.an outboard cam chain/ belt would be a better starting point for a 180 or even 270/277. This because more tightly spaced cylinders will reduce the rocking couple.

Optimal balance factor for a 270 is around 50, for a 277 53.