the ea-series is a water-cooled inline two-cylinder engine replacing the n360's air-cooled engine. an sohc design with a timing belt (replacing the chain used in the n360 engine), the ea was first seen in the 1971 honda life. this engine was derived from the air-cooled engine in the honda cb450 and was adapted for water-cooled application. the displacement was reduced to be in compliance with japanese kei car legislation that stipulated maximum engine displacement. bore and stroke were . a version producing at 8,000 rpm was installed in the honda life, while the honda z and the honda life touring (introduced in may 1972) received a twin-carb model with at a heady 9,000 rpm.