10 Badass Motorcycles With Incredible Torque

[Suzuki Johnny]

You have to hand it to the latest advancements in riding technology these days. Motorcycles are so diverse in more ways than one that there is literally a motorcycle for everyone. Of course, one of the most desirable qualities one looks for in a bike is how powerful it is. Speed demons love how a single twist of the throttle can push a bike to the limits of its performance, leaving everyone else in the dust. Given the increasingly larger sizes of engines being produced, the research and development divisions of these motorcycle manufacturers are definitely due for a raise. Motorcycles are more powerful than they have ever been, being able to produce high amounts of horsepower and torque that can satisfy even the most experienced of riders. Of course, because everyone wants a fast motorcycle, no one manufacturer has a monopoly on high-performance bikes. There are some torque-heavy sport bikes. There are some even torquier touring bikes. There is both a literal and figurative race for the most powerful motorcycle on the market, and everyone is vying to come in first. So let's take a closer look at some popular models on the market that are also producing the highest amounts of torque.


Harley-Davidson Sportster S
Torque Output: 94 lb-ft
The first motorcycle on this list is probably one of the more popular high-performance bikes to hit the market in recent years. Harley-Davidson took their iconic sportster model and transformed it from lightweight and nimble cruiser to a torque-heavy street bike now known as the Sportster S. Powered by the new Revolution Max 1250T liquid-cooled engine, this bike produces ample amounts of torque, as well as 121 horsepower, all while maximizing rider control. This is not your grandfather's sportster. If anything, the Sportster S serves as the catalyst for Harley-Davidson's new line of high-performance motorcycles for a new generation of riders. Not to mention that it also comes with a Bluetooth infotainment console with multiple ride modes, toggling instrument cluster, music, and turn-by-turn navigation. Not just torque-heavy. It's also tech-heavy.

BMW R 1300 GS
Torque Output: 110 lb-ft
You know we can't talk about torque-heavy motorcycles without having at least one adventure bike on the list. The new 2024 BMW R 1300 GS is a prime example of a motorcycle that can thrive both on the street and through the dirt for long periods of time. BMW has been no stranger to the adventure bike market, so they are well aware of the high amounts of power these bikes need when traversing difficult terrain like dirt, mud, and sand. This model is a step-up from its predecessor by being able to produce 145 horsepower and 110 lb-ft of torque, which is 5 lb-ft greater than the previous R 1250GS. The BMW R 1300 GS is also much lighter and compact than previous models, in addition to all new fancy tech options that come with it.

Suzuki Hayabusa
Torque Output: 110.6 lb-ft
Another mandatory motorcycle that needed to make an appearance on this list is a sport bike. But not just any ordinary sport bike. We are talking about the one-and-only Suzuki Hayabusa. The 'Busa first arrived on the market in 1999, and it has been a hit ever since. Granted it has received a thorough makeover as one of Suzuki's most successful sport bikes, it barely edges out the BMW R 1300 GS by being able to produce 110.6 lb-ft of torque. While that is certainly impressive, it should also be noted that a previous version of the Hayabusa was able to generate a peak torque of 114 lb-ft at 7200 rpm. So why the downgrade? To comply with European regulations. So even though the newest 'Busa had to dial back its torque output by a measly 4 lb-ft, it is still the same exciting sport bike it always has been.

Related: Suzuki Hayabusa - 25 Years Of The Most Iconic World’s Fastest Motorcycle

BMW R 18
Torque Output: 116.5 lb-ft
Another BMW that excels in the torque department is the German manufacturer's take on a long-distance touring bike meant for the highway, the R18. While it is intended for American markets, this bagger still carries the tradition of German engineering with an air-cooled 1,802cc two-cylinder engine with the highest displacement of any boxer built by BMW by producing 116.5 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. In addition, it also houses 91 horsepower, which is more than enough power to carry this bike over hundreds of miles of highway. Just when you thought BMW was only good at making cars, sport bikes, and adventure bikes, adding a torque-heavy touring bike to its portfolio is definitely an impressive feat.

Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST
Torque Output: 125 lb-ft
A common criticism Harley-Davidson receives from the sport bike community is that they are "too bulky" and "too slow." Well, they can try to say that to the Low Rider ST, but they will be too busy eating its dust. This sport touring bike is Harley's latest take on a long-distance bike that is also lighter than its touring-class relatives. The latest version of the Low Rider ST is equipped with the mighty Milwaukee-Eight 117, which packs a real punch for the brand's softail line. One twist of the throttle and you are ready to cruise down the highway with minimal effort. Definitely favored among more experienced riders, this bike delivers an extra kick that they've been missing in some of their previous motorcycles. On top of offering wind protection, saddlebags, high maneuverability, and large amounts of power without overwhelming the rider, it's pretty clear why the Low Rider ST is a big hit in the Harley world.

Indian Chieftain Elite
Torque Output: 126 lb-ft
The Indian Chieftain Elite is the next big bike on this list to lead the charge for torque-heavy motorcycles. This bike has such a high demand that only 175 of them are available worldwide, which we can all assume are long-gone by now. Powered by a Shadow Bronze Chrome Thunderstroke 116 cubic-inch V-twin engine, this touring bike raises the bar with a max torque output of 126.1 lb-ft, with power to spare in each gear. A bike that is as bold as it is powerful, the Indian Chieftain Elite is one of the brand's top-shelf touring bikes being produced today. This bike is so rare that should you be fortunate enough to encounter one out in the real world, you'd better take a picture because that will probably be the only time you'll ever see it again.

Indian Challenger Elite
Torque Output: 128 lb-ft
Just beating out its sibling by only 2 lb-ft, the Indian Challenger Elite is another perfect example of a torque-heavy touring bike to make an appearance on this list. Just as rare and powerful as the Indian Chieftain Elite, the Indian Challenger Elite is also a limited-edition release that features a Sapphire Blue Smoke paint job, a 5-spoke precision-cut front wheel, and color-matching badging that makes this rare touring bike a sight to see. The Indian Challenger line is also known for having to pack some extra torque, as it regularly faces off against the Harley-Davidson Road Glide in the annual battle of the baggers race. So for the Indian Challenger Elite to produce 128 lb-ft of torque and 122 horsepower is more than enough for this bike to make an appearance on this list.

Honda Gold Wing
Torque Output: 130 lb-ft
Everyone knows that the Gold Wing has been Honda's primary contender in the touring market for 40 years. It's comfortable, affordable, fun to ride, and provides enough power to carry two riders great distances without any stress. Packing a 1,833cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed six-cylinder four-stroke engine, the 2023 Honda Gold Wing can produce a max torque output of 130 lb-ft and 125 horsepower. That much power can come in very useful when transporting two people wearing heavy leather jackets, as well as extra clothing, snacks, mementos, emergency supplies, and more in its three storage units. Just when you thought this list was going to be primarily sport bikes, here comes the Gold Wing and its fellow touring bikes to lead the chase!

Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide
Torque Output: 139 lb-ft
Not too long ago we brought up the Indian Roadmaster Elite. Now what you are looking at is the ultimate version of its arch-nemesis, the Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide. This extremely rare motorcycle is loaded up with as much tech and creature comforts as it is with power. Equipped with the Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine, this top-of-the-line bagger is capable of producing 139 lb-ft and 115 horsepower. More than enough kick to rule the highway and take the lead in every group ride. Those that are familiar with Harley-Davidson may have noticed that the 2023 version of both the CVO Road Glide and CVO Street Glide have taken on more of a futuristic approach by adapting a more aerodynamic design, as well as some impressive tech features like heated grips, remote-adjustable shocks, signature LED lighting, and a plethora of rider safety enhancements.

Triumph Rocket 3
Torque Output: 163 lb-ft
If you review all the previous entries on this list, motorcycles with max torque outputs ranging from 94 to 139 lb-ft sound very impressive. But that is until we get to the final bike on this list, which blows them all out of the water! That motorcycle happens to be the Triumph Rocket 3, which has a torque output that far supersedes every other bike here with 163 lb-ft. This British high-performance cruiser is equipped with the monstrous 2,294cc in-line three-cylinder engine that also produces 165 horsepower. Just when you thought the only bike Triumph made was the Bonneville, here comes this hulking cruiser that comes with the latest in riding technology, high spec parts, and an overall lighter weight than its predecessors, allowing it to go from 0 to 60 mph in a staggering 2.73 seconds. For a motorcycle that has mastered the art of torque, there is none greater than the Triumph Rocket 3.

Sources: VisorDown, Triumph, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Indian Motorcycles, BMW Cycle World and Suzuki


https://www.topspeed.com/motorcycle-eng ... e-cylinder

[hillsy v2]

Before I'd even read the list I knew the Rocket 3 was going to be up top.

"Just when you thought the only bike Triumph made was the Bonneville" was a real laugh

[Suzuki Johnny]

Before I'd even read the list I knew the Rocket 3 was going to be up top.

"Just when you thought the only bike Triumph made was the Bonneville" was a real laugh

The article states ..
"So let's take a closer look at some popular models on the market that are also producing the highest amounts of torque."

The article does not list them by performance, power, or any other ranking attribute.

[hillsy v2]

The article does not list them by performance, power, or any other ranking attribute.

Err....it lists them in torque ranking low to high?