This configuration minimises secondary imbalances; however, a primary-rotating-plane imbalance is present and the firing order is uneven. The exhaust note and power delivery resemble those of a 90° V-twin engine.

Straight-three engines most commonly use a 120° crankshaft design and have the following characteristics:
* Firing interval is perfectly regular (although the power strokes are not overlapping).
* Primary and secondary reciprocating-plane balance is perfect.
* Primary