Objective The effect of different motion types on the cylindrical surface topography was analyzed on the self-devel-oped both-sides lapping machine to improve the work performance and extend its working life. Methods Under conditions of the given rotation speeds of the upper and lower plates, the eccentric wheel and the outer ring gear, the different motion types were studied, and the macroscopic and microscopic cylindrical surface topography was observed and compared. Results When the upper and lower plates, the eccentric wheel and outer ring gear rotated simultaneously, there were no obvious scratches and processing traces on cylindrical surface topography after processing, and the best surface topography was obtained, with the surface roughness Ra being 0. 124 μm. When the eccentric wheel and the outer ring gear rotated, but the others not, the most obvious scratches and processing traces were observed on cylindrical surface topography after processing, and the worst surface topography was obtained, with the surface roughness Ra being 0. 171 μm. Conclusion When designing motion types and speeds combination, the processing trajectory should be adjusted to distribute uniformly on the cylindrical surface, and the material removal in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical surface should be maximized, while the material removal in the axial direction should be minimized. A reasonable proportion between them can improve the cylindrical surface quality.