Honda's Radial Four-Valve Combustion
Chamber (RFVC™) delivers high output
and excellent low-end and mid-range
torque. A true hemispherical combustion
chamber, the shape that allows the
largest possible valve area, is made
possible by the radial arrangement of
the valves. This would ordinarily mean a
single overhead cam could not be used
because of side forces on the valve
stem as the valve opened and closed.
Honda has solved the problem by using
a sub-rocker interposed between the
valve stem and the rocker for each
valve. The centrally located spark plug
ensures even flame-propagation for the
most efficient combustion process.
These engines are very compact and
use lightweight dry-sump designs.