10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Hoglet V2 Mini V-Twin Engine | Stirlingkit

If you're into engines, motorcycles, or anything with a mechanical soul, you've probably seen mini gas-powered engines before. But few models capture the raw spirit of vintage V-twins quite like the Hoglet V2.

Inspired by the legendary American V-twin motorcycles — and built with real combustion, a kick starter, and a growl you can feel — the Hoglet isn’t just another scale engine. It’s a tribute to old-school engineering, scaled down and made for your desktop.

Whether you're a longtime gearhead or just starting your mechanical journey, here are 10 surprising facts about this little powerhouse that might just make you fall in love with it.

1. The V-Twin Was Born in 1903 — and Never Died

The first V-twin motorcycle engine was patented over 120 years ago. Its unique 45-degree angle wasn’t just for looks — it helped Harley fit powerful engines into narrow bike frames, changing motorcycle history forever.

2. “Potato-Potato” Isn’t a Joke — It’s Engineering

That famous Harley sound is actually the result of uneven firing intervals caused by the V-twin’s crankshaft design. It’s so iconic, Harley once tried to trademark the sound!

3. Kickstarters Used to Break Ankles (Seriously)

In the early days of motorcycles, kickstarting was the only option. If the timing was off, the lever could kick back — hard. The Hoglet lets you safely enjoy the thrill of kickstarting, no ER visit required.

4. V-Twin Engines Are Loved for Their Torque

While inline engines offer higher RPMs, V-twins are torque monsters — delivering strong, low-end pull. That’s why cruisers like Harleys feel so powerful at low speeds — and why this model sounds so good at idle.

5. Randall Cox: The Man Behind the Machine

The original Hoglet was handcrafted by Randall Cox, a legendary hobbyist who built small engines with full combustion function. His work bridged art and engineering, inspiring a new generation of miniature motorheads.

6. The Word “Hog” Has Biker Roots

The term “hog” for Harley comes from the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.), but even earlier, it came from racing crews who brought a pig as a mascot. After a win, the rider would do a victory lap with the pig on board!

7. The Exhaust Sound? It’s Not Just Noise — It’s Soul

The exhaust system on a V-twin isn’t just for emissions — it's tuned to amplify low-frequency rumbles, which humans associate with power and satisfaction. That’s why this engine’s upgraded dual exhaust sounds so amazing.

8. The Belt Drive Was a Game-Changer

Belt-driven systems, like the one used in this model, were originally introduced to reduce maintenance and noise on real bikes. In this mini engine, the belt tensioner adds realism — and is fun to watch in motion.

9. Why V-Twins Lean to the Right (Sometimes)

Ever notice how some motorcycles with big V-twin engines tilt slightly to one side when idling? That’s because of the gyroscopic effect and uneven torque pulses from the V-twin layout. This model replicates that uneven rhythm — you can feel it when it runs on a table!

10. Why Does It Shake? The Magic Behind the V-Twin Vibe

One thing that makes V-twin engines feel so alive is their natural vibration. Because of their 45° cylinder layout and uneven firing order, they produce side-to-side torque pulses that make the engine rock slightly at idle. That “loping” movement isn’t a flaw — it’s a feature. Big bikes are famous for this rhythmic shake. And the Hoglet model captures it, too. When it's idling on your desk, you can actually see and feel it gently rocking, just like the real thing. For many, that’s not just cool — it’s a mechanical heartbeat.