Turbo Chargers to be used in Bikes with 200 cc
Can turbo chargers be used in bikes about 200 cc?
I know this sounds crazy but it may be relevant to my final year project help me with your reviews. Turbos in bikes rare to find out below 500 cc. Please help me.
Update: Answer-
Yes, technically speaking, it is possible to use a turbocharger in a 200cc motorcycle.
The principle behind turbocharging - using exhaust gases to spin a turbine and compress the intake air - can be applied to any internal combustion engine, including small displacement motorcycles.
However, there are several important considerations:
Space: Motorcycles, especially smaller ones, have very tight packaging. Fitting a turbocharger and its associated plumbing may be difficult. You may need to do considerable modification to the bike to make it fit.
Cost: Turbochargers are expensive. For a small bike, the cost of the turbocharger might exceed the value of the bike itself. In addition, you will likely need to upgrade other parts of the bike to handle the increased power and heat, which will further increase costs.
Heat: Turbochargers produce a lot of heat. This could be problematic in a small bike without much space for cooling.
Lag: Turbochargers have what is known as 'turbo lag', which is a delay between the rider opening the throttle and the turbo providing the boost. This might detract from the riding experience, particularly in a small-displacement bike where instant throttle response is often valued.
Reliability: Increasing power output with a turbocharger can put additional strain on the engine components, potentially decreasing reliability and lifespan.
Efficiency: The whole point of a small engine is to provide good fuel efficiency. Adding a turbocharger might improve power, but at the cost of reduced fuel efficiency.
So, while it's technically possible, it may not be practical or economical, particularly for a small bike. However, as a final year project, it could be an interesting challenge and an opportunity to learn a lot about engine mechanics and dynamics. It is always advisable to carry out thorough research and planning before attempting such a project.