SwRI: Motorcycle Technology Engine Durability Testing

Continuous, long-term engine testing to evaluate engine and component durability using industry standard or user-specified test cycles is routinely performed by Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) engineers. 

Engine Durability Expertise

Technicians with motorcycle engine knowledge and experience perform routine maintenance, component replacement, and complete tear-down inspections. Data acquisition and closed-loop control of the engine and test conditions are provided with a variety of hardware and software platforms. 

Engine Durability Test Cells

Specially equipped test cells allow a wide spectrum of test capabilities including cooling air flow for air-cooled engines, altitude simulation, low-temperature environment, thermal cycling, deep thermal shock on water-cooled engines, real-time oil consumption during steady-state and transient operation, and continuous engine monitoring. Engine operation is conducted on a 7-day, 24-hour basis with computer control for virtually any test cycle.

Engine Durability Test Procedures and Capabilities

Experienced engineers and technicians perform extensive standard and customized test procedures and practices. Engine health monitoring and inspections are common to all engine tests. SwRI staff provide extensive services for monitoring engine operation, including:

• Cylinder combustion pressure measurement and analysis

• Coolant, oil, exhaust, and radiated heat rejection determination

• Engine teardown inspections

• Exhaust emissions measurements

• Failure analysis

• Fuel analysis

• Oil analysis

• Real-time component wear measurement

• Thermal imaging

• Blowby monitoring

• Air filter efficiency evaluation

• High-pressure leakdown determination 

• Real-time oil consumption

• Air, lube, and fuel filter efficiency

Environmental Testing

	SwRI's diesel engine cold cells maintain fuel, battery, and transmission at test temperature.

SwRI offers a variety of environmental test services for the motorcycle industry. SwRI offers both vehicle and engine environmental test chambers. Conditions such as temperature and humidity are controlled for vehicle and component analyses, including:

• Fuel injection calibration

• Thermal cycling

• Cold soak

• Hot soak

• Cold start calibration

At SwRI, we are always striving to offer the best services possible to our clients. This motorcycle technology information represents only a small portion of how SwRI can assist your company with motorcycle testing, research, and development.

For a more comprehensive review of our capabilities or information about how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Suzanne Timmons, at satimmons@swri.org or (210) 522-2499 to arrange a tour of our complete facilities. We look forward to seeing you in San Antonio.