This paper is the first of 2 companion papers which investigate in-cylinder swirl generation characteristics in helical port engine with wide valve angle. Two wide valve-angle engines, which are same ones and have slightly different rig swirl number, were used to compare the characteristics of cylinder-flow. One intake port is deactivated to induce swirl flow. A PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry) was applied to measure in-cylinder velocity field during intake stroke. The results show that the intake flow component passing through valve area near the cylinder wall is not negligible in helical port engine with wide valve angle contrary to conventional one. The effect of this velocity component on in-cylinder increases as the swirl ratio rises and intake process progresses. Consequently, this component interferes the formation of in-cylinder swirl flow resulting in lower actual swirl.