10 V-twin Motorcycles That Deliver Inline-Four Performance

Inline-four motorcycles have long been the pinnacle of performance. Just look at the world’s fastest bikes between the late 1990s and 2010. In contrast, V-twin engines have always focused on torque instead of peak power. But in recent times, the gap has narrowed between these engine types, thanks to improvements in manufacturing materials and production processes. As a result, there are some mighty powerful V-twin bikes on offer. We’re looking at 10 such examples here, all of which have higher performance than an average inline-four motorcycle. We’ve set a minimum threshold of 120 hp accordingly.

Harley-Davidson Sportster S

Power: 121 HP

Harley-Davidson

The Sportster S boasts a high-revving liquid-cooled Revolution Max 1250T engine, also found on the Pan America. Variable valve timing is standard here, but the ‘T’ suffix is due to the emphasis on torque here. The power is still comparable to that of the average inline-four engine. This is also the most powerful cruiser by Harley today. Elsewhere, the Sportster further differentiates itself from the usual Softails by featuring USD forks, sporty wheels, and a distinct chassis.

Harley-Davidson

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Suzuki Boulevard M109R

Power: 123 HP

Suzuki

The M109R takes direct inspiration from an inline-four superbike in a few places. For instance, its front forks and brakes are derived from the GSX-R1000. Yet, at its heart lies a V-twin engine like no other. This is Suzuki’s largest-ever engine, with a displacement of 1,786cc. Add to that liquid cooling and an over 6,000 RPM peak, and you get an output of almost 125 ponies. There’s also a driveshaft to make maintenance easier as you enjoy the oomph.

Suzuki

Indian Challenger Powerplus 112

Power: 126 HP

Indian

Indian has only one motorcycle on this list, and, understandably, that is its flagship creation. The Challenger Powerplus 112 marks a significant step in America’s touring segment, thanks to its fully liquid-cooled powerhouse. That means even with less displacement than the cheapest Harley Softail, you get a sizable 126 horsepower and 133 pound-feet. Interestingly, the Challenger 112 also undercuts its Harley rivals and offers better features.

Indian Motorcycle

Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST

Power: 127 HP

Harley-Davidson

What you’re looking at is the flagship performance bagger from the Motor Company. The inspiration comes straight from the King Of The Baggers racebike here, which explains the impressive performance on tap. Speaking of which, the Milwaukee-Eight 121 engine is in its High Output state here. That means a high-flow air intake, racing-derived camshaft, and a titanium Screamin’ Eagle exhaust. Forged carbon parts and adjustable suspension make matters sweeter.

Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250

Power: 150 HP

Harley-Davidson

The Pan America 1250 has the same Revolution Max engine as the Sportster S, but the emphasis is on peak power rather than torque. So you get 150 ponies and 94 pound-feet. That puts it in the range of upper middleweight inline-four sports bikes, such as the Suzuki GSX-R750. Also present is a sporty trellis chassis, a final chain drive, and a suite of modern electronic rider aids–all as standard.

Harley-Davidson

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KTM 1390 Super Adventure R

Power: 173 HP

KTM/Rudi Schedl

What you’re looking at is the most powerful off-road-ready adventure bike on sale. In a segment dominated by V4s, KTM has whipped up one of the most advanced V-twin engines for its flagship bikes. This is a 1,350cc engine, armed with oodles of modern tech, such as a cam shift timing and a 10-liter airbox with RAM Air. The result is 173 horsepower and 107 pound-feet, which is higher than the superbike-derived V4 engine we see on the Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally. And things get better, as you’ll find out when we talk about the Super Duke below.

Rudi Schedl/KTM

Buell Super Cruiser

Power: 175 HP

Buell

The Super Cruiser is not only America’s most powerful cruiser, but also the world’s most powerful V-twin cruiser today. Credit goes to the mighty 1,190cc, V-twin engine–same as the Hammerhead 1190. Here, though, it has been retuned to produce 175 horsepower and 94 pound-feet of torque. That means comparable power to liter-class superbikes but with even more torque on tap. Buell has also limited the Super Cruiser’s weight to just 485 pounds, thanks to premium components like FOX suspension, lightweight wheels, and a trellis chassis instead of the usual double-cradle setup.

Buell

Buell Hammerhead 1190

Power: 185 HP

Buell Motorcycles

The Hammerhead 1190 is the most powerful sports bike America has produced. Yes, we’re not counting the Damon that is yet to enter production. You get the same V-twin engine as the Super Cruiser above, albeit in its full power tune to promise 185 horsepower. The headlining figure, though, is the torque. It’s higher than the new-age superbikes by a sizable chunk while being concentrated in the mid-range. Buell has also limited the weight to just 419 pounds, thanks to the hefty use of carbon fiber.

Buell

KTM 1390 Super Duke R EVO

Power: 188 HP

Rudi Schedl via KTM

This is the pinnacle of V-twin performance today. While the engine is the same as the Super Adventure, it is in its unhinged state of tune here. The result is 188 ponies and 107 pound-feet, where the latter is higher than all your V4 and inline-four superbikes. To sweeten the pot, the 1390 Super Duke weighs just 467 pounds fully fueled. No naturally aspirated V-twin comes close to offering such performance today, and we doubt that will change soon.

Rudi Schedl via KTM

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Aston Marin AMB 001

Power: 225 HP

Aston Martin

The Aston Martin AMB 001 is an exotica in the world of motorcycles. Why, you ask? First, because it has an uber-low production figure of 88 units, out of which just 25 are reportedly set for the States. Secondly, you get a turbocharged V-twin engine here. The displacement is just 997cc, but the output lies at a whopping 225 horsepower. At the same time, all of its track-specific parts ensure a weight of just 396 pounds.

Source: Various Manufacturers