J,

I'd guess it has to do with packaging (fitting engine in frame, center or gravity, etc.). Figure a UJM inline 4. I think the engines are canted forward for low COG and to prevent tank from being a chin rest whilst you're sitting straight up. If you were to mount carbs on the front of that engine, they would need a funky set up. They'd need to be like ..... 2 sets of hanging DDs (or something like that?!).

Maybe it also helped with cooling older air-cooled motors. Think of the flow of air hitting the exhaust port side of an engine (2 and 4 stroke). I can envision the finned ex. manifold brakets of various makes.

on the 2 stroke V-twins, its just simpler to have a central induction system (one airbox, one ram-air box, racked carbs....). I believe honda has a patent on this system (V engine config. with central induction). Besides various RS250s and NSR250s, I have only worked on a 3XV (?) TZR250 and it was a nightmare with seperate carbs, airboxes, cables.

Now where's Master Matt to chime in and show my ignorance.

Remember, there's no such thing as a stupid question, just a stupid answer!

Check this link, someone was on your same wavelength:
http://venus.13x.com/roadracingworld/issues/apr00/tularis.htm

Scott


Last edited by scottvor on Sun Jan 16, 2005 3:58 am; edited 2 times in total