Why Are Some Engines Canted Forward?

[Demerest]

I'm kind of new to all this but have often wondered what is the reason some engines are installed canted forward on an angle? Whatever the reason it does look pretty cool.

 

[jeep2003]

Just for looks

 

[VeritableFox]

I'm kind of new to all this but have often wondered what is the reason some engines are installed canted forward on an angle? Whatever the reason it does look pretty cool.

Bikes with swing arms on the rear wheel like the Fox Trail/Street Scamp or Dynamark need it for chain clearance. Otherwise you would need to have a cut out in the engine mounting plate for the chain whether it has a jack shaft or not. Swing arm bikes like the Campus get around this with the jackshaft placed above and behind the engine mounting plate and not under it like the Street Scamp. Although, there are a number of bikes that have it just for the looks, like noted.