U.S. motorcycle manufacturers have invested significant effort and resources into creating outstanding cruiser motorcycles. These bikes deliver impressive torque, although their low-revving, somewhat rough engines often fall short in horsepower. This has led to a common misconception that nearly all Japanese motorcycles outperform them in power, which is far from the truth.
While sport bikes typically excel at higher revs with more horsepower, Japanese manufacturers have largely stuck with traditional sport bike engine designs for quite a while. Many models share platform components, but Japanese cruisers have seen enhancements aimed at maximizing torque while slightly compromising horsepower. For instance, the Honda Rebel 1100 exemplifies this trend, featuring a parallel twin engine fine-tuned for torque rather than sheer horsepower. With that in mind, we highlight 10 American cruisers that significantly boost horsepower, with some even doubling the torque of the Honda.
To provide the latest and most accurate information, this article utilized data from various manufacturer websites, including Indian and Harley-Davidson, along with other reputable sources. The motorcycles featured here have been evaluated based on their horsepower ratings.
100 horsepower was once a significant benchmark for American cruisers, but today, several models exceed that figure.
10
Harley-Davidson Street Bob 114
Power: 94 Horsepower
Harley-Davidson
For enthusiasts of air-cooled engines, the 114 engine delivers robust performance. Softails are ideal for those looking to customize their ride, with the Standard showcasing a classic chrome finish, while the Street Bob offers a modern aesthetic with its blacked-out heads. As with most Harleys, it invites a range of personal modifications.
Specifications
Engine Type
V-Twin, air-cooled
Displacement
1868cc
Max Torque
119 LB-FT
Transmission
6-speed
Weight
655 lbs
9
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy 114
Power: 94 Horsepower
Harley-Davidson
At a hefty 700 pounds, the Fat Boy certainly lives up to its name. While it may not be as agile as the Rebel, it certainly commands attention and delivers considerable power. This bike emphasizes design over agility, making it a polarizing choice. Nonetheless, it has become an iconic motorcycle due to its strong pop culture presence.
Specifications
Engine Type
V-Twin, air-cooled
Displacement
1868cc
Max Torque
119 LB-FT
Transmission
6-speed
Weight
699 lbs
8
Harley-Davidson Breakout 117
Power: 101 Horsepower
Harley-Davidson
The Breakout introduces the Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, a marked upgrade from its predecessor, which had a 114 engine. This motorcycle harmonizes show and go, designed for those who appreciate style over comfort. Offering dedicated forward controls for the rider, it’s an aesthetic choice that may not suit everyone. If this isn’t your style, you may want to look at the other 117 model featured here.
Break away from conventions with this bold and stylish drag-inspired cruiser from Harley-Davidson.
7
Harley-Davidson Low Rider S
Power: 103 Horsepower
Harley-Davidson
The Low Rider S exemplifies West Coast styling with its forgiving mid-controls. While the ST makes a strong case for bagger enthusiasts, the S model capitalizes on its lighter frame to utilize its power effectively. Its classic design ensures a wider appeal compared to more controversial models.
Specifications
Engine Type
V-Twin, air-cooled
Displacement
1917cc
Max Torque
125 LB-FT
Transmission
6-speed
Weight
679 lbs
6
Indian Sport Scout
Power: 105 Horsepower
Indian Motorcycle
If you’re not set on an air-cooled Harley, the liquid-cooled V-Twin in the Scout offers an excellent, affordable alternative. It may seem odd that a bike with more power is priced lower, but not everything is perfect. The ultra-low seat height is suitable for shorter riders, yet can be less accommodating for taller individuals. The features are minimal, but the lighter weight enhances its power feel – similar to the Rebel.
Specifications
Engine Type
V-Twin, liquid-cooled
Displacement
1250cc
Max Torque
82 LB-FT
Transmission
6-speed
Weight
528 lbs
5
Indian 101 Scout
Power: 111 Horsepower
Indian Motorcycle
The 101 is equipped with the same Speedplus V-twin engine as the Sport Scout, modified to deliver additional horsepower. Featuring an attractive quarter fairing, Brembo brakes up front, and adjustable suspension, we believe that this model stands out in the Indian lineup for its power, quality equipment, and competitive pricing compared to the Sport Chief.
Specifications
Engine Type
V-Twin, liquid-cooled
Displacement
1250cc
Max Torque
82 LB-FT
Transmission
6-speed
Weight
549 lbs
4
Harley-Davidson Sportster S
Power: 121 Horsepower
Harley-Davidson
The Sportster S features the modern Revolution Max 1250T V-Twin, generating impressive power. However, its power delivery might not resonate with some traditional Harley fans. This model significantly diverges from the typical Sportster, appealing to a new type of buyer. With excellent value for money, we hope to see a naked bike iteration of this or the Nightster in the future.
The Sportster S perfectly blends the authentic Harley-Davidson flavor with all the modern conveniences you crave.
3
Arch KRGT-1
Power: 122 Horsepower*
Arch
If you have no limitations on budget, nothing embodies American craftsmanship quite like this. Every Arch motorcycle is custom-built, allowing customers to be a part of the entire creation process. Its robust S&S engine delivers ample torque and plenty of horsepower to satisfy even the most demanding cruiser riders. Design-wise, it leans slightly sporty, but its forward controls reaffirm its cruiser essence.
Specifications
Engine Type
V-Twin, air-cooled
Displacement
2032cc
Max Torque
115 LB-FT*
Transmission
6-speed
Weight
596 lbs (dry)
2
Arch 1S
Power: 122 Horsepower*
Arch Motorcycle
With mid-controls and a fresh design that incorporates a significant amount of carbon fiber, the 1S embodies a sporty cruiser, remaining true to cruiser identity. Both the 1S and the KRGT generate 122 horsepower and produce 115 lb-ft of torque at the wheel. The power estimates at the crank are based on earlier figures published by Arch during the KRGT’s launch, ensuring a level comparison between models. Keep in mind, this exquisite motorcycle can set you back $128,000.
Specifications
Engine Type
V-Twin, air-cooled
Displacement
2032cc
Max Torque
115 LB-FT*
Transmission
6-speed
Weight
563 lbs (dry)
1
Buell Super Cruiser
Power: 175 Horsepower
Buell Motorcycle
With the final version of the Super Cruiser now in sight, the main question left is its real-world performance. On paper, nothing in the U.S. can compare, but that’s merely theoretical. Given the known capabilities of that V-twin engine, it’s likely this model will live up to Buell’s impressive claims.
Vehicle: Harley Davidson FXDB Dyna Street Bob.
Year of manufacture: 2013.
Date of first registration in the UK: 8th October 2013.
Place of registration: Sidcup.
Date of last MOT: 14th August 2021.
Mileage at last MOT: 20,610.
Date of last V5 issued: 16th August 2021.
There is something of a misconception that American motorcycles are so focused on making torque that they forget about horsepower entirely. The debate about which is actually more important is purely subjective and could go on for days, but one fact remains that there are most certainly some seriously fast American motorcycles on (or coming onto) the market. The most obvious candidates for this are the high-powered electric motorcycles currently being developed. But, both Indian and Harley-Davidson have produced a couple of surprising motorcycles that can actually take the fight to the establishment as well. There are also a few wild cards that may not even be on your radar.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites, including Indian and Harley-Davidson, as well as other authoritative sources. The motorcycles on this list are rated according to horsepower.
Ten examples of Japanese cruise motorcycles that go fast like no one’s business.
10
Indian FTR Sport
Power: 120 Horsepower
Indian Motorcycle
Indian has sliced out a small niche market with the FTR. As it stands, this is the only naked bike made by one of the big American manufacturers. While a tad heavy compared to some of the Japanese and European models, it has a charm all of its own and capitalizes on buyers looking for an American flat-track racing aesthetic. It’s quite a lot cheaper than European-made V-twin naked bikes (we’re looking at you, KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo).
Specifications
Engine Type
V-Twin, liquid-cooled
Displacement
1203cc
Max Torque
87 LB-FT
Transmission
6-speed
Weight
522 lbs
9
Harley-Davidson Sportster S
Power: 121 Horsepower
Harley-Davidson
We can lament the fact that the Bronx could have so easily been here in the place of the Sportster S as much as we want. The fact remains that it is not. What we do get is an especially modern, especially fast Sportster. Its liquid-cooled V-twin laughs in the face of the old air-cooled engines and offers a totally unique riding experience.
Specifications
Engine Type
V-Twin, liquid-cooled
Displacement
1917cc
Max Torque
1250cc
Transmission
6-speed
Weight
502 lbs
8
Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST
Power: 127 Horsepower
Harley-Davidson
What you’re looking at is the wildest Harley-Davidson bagger. Not only does it possess Harley’s biggest V-twin to date, but it does so in a High Output trim. The result is the highest power output for a Harley that’s not an adventure bike. The carbon fiber bits, special wheels, adjustable suspension, and race bike-inspired graphics elevate the package further.
Impressive performance doesn’t have to cost an arm AND a leg.
7
Harley-Davidson Pan America Special
Power: 150 Horsepower
Harley-Davidson
While an adventure bike might not be the first thing that comes to mind when talking about fast motorcycles, we really do live in a different kind of world today. The Pan America is by some margin the fastest Harley, and along with that powerful V-twin comes a long list of comfort features for those who want to tour at hyperspeed. There’s also a CVO version for all of you who want something top-shelf.
Specifications
Engine Type
V-Twin, liquid-cooled
Displacement
1250cc
Max Torque
95 LB-FT
Transmission
6-speed
Weight
569 lbs
6
Buell Super Cruiser*
Power: 175 Horsepower
Buell Motorcycle
Over the past year or so, there has been a lot of buzz around the Super Cruiser. The weight of expectation is now firmly set upon its shoulders, and we are already seeing a few cracks here and there, with inevitable changes being made to the pre-production model. We have a clearer picture of what the Super Cruiser will look like now, though, and we feel it still has the potential to really take the fight to the establishment in 2025.
Specifications
Engine Type
V-Twin, liquid-cooled
Displacement
1190cc
Max Torque
101 LB-FT
Transmission
6-speed
Weight
450 lbs
5
Lightning Strike R
Power: 180 Horsepower
Lightning Motorcycles
Electric motorcycles are akin to high-stakes gambling, with companies folding one after the other, especially expensive superbike manufacturers like Lightning. Somehow, even with questionable financials and even more questionable build quality, the company remains active. It is pretty wild to think that this is the “low spec” version of the bike. The top-shelf model is in another league altogether, as you’ll see below.
Specifications
Motor
Ultra Power Dense Axial Flux 380VDC liquid-cooled
Battery Capacity
20 kWh
Max Torque
120 LB-FT
Transmission
Automatic (direct drive)
Weight
N/A
4
Buell Hammerhead
Power: 185 Horsepower
Buell Motorcycles
The original Buell 1125R was a truly revolutionary motorcycle. Determined not to let the effort that went into building it go to waste after Buell got shuttered in 2009, Erik Buell set up Erik Buell Racing (EBR) mostly just to sell an updated version of that bike in the form of the 1190RX. Unfortunately, that didn’t last too long either, but it got yet another name and is still available for purchase today. As you might imagine, being an older platform – mostly targeted at racing – it is a raw machine with only a handful of features. Yet there is a lot to go gaga over, including that 185-HP V-twin powerhouse.
The most powerful American motorcycle under $15,000 is a 120-horsepower roadster from America’s oldest bikemaker
3
Damon HyperSport
Power: 200 Horsepower
Damon Motorcycles
The HyperSport demands a premium, but not exactly that much more than other equally powerful ICE motorcycles. Until it gets out into the real world, it is hard to say exactly how effective the bike will be. Theoretical power delivery and range are always a touch optimistic, but even if it only delivers on 80 percent of its potential, it will still be an incredible, seriously futuristic motorcycle.
If the company offers to sell this to you – yes, it will offer, you don’t get to just go out and buy it – you will need to shell out around $250k. What you get in return is straight out of a cartoon: an actual jet-bike. Nothing quite compares to this crazy-fast creation. It needs a pretty long stretch of road (well, ideally a runway) to build up speed, but will essentially go as fast as you dare.
Specifications
Engine Type
Rolls Royce-Allison Model 250 C20B gas turbine engine
