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10 High-Performance American Motorcycles for Speed Enthusiasts

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.

 

 

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10 Fastest Japanese Cruiser Motorcycles For Speed Junkies

Ten examples of Japanese cruise motorcycles that go fast like no one’s business.

10

Indian FTR Sport

Power: 120 Horsepower

 

 

 

2024 Indian FTR Sport leaning into a curve

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 TypeV-Twin, liquid-cooled
Displacement1203cc
Max Torque87 LB-FT
Transmission6-speed
Weight522 lbs

9

Harley-Davidson Sportster S

Power: 121 Horsepower

 

 

 

2024 Harley Davidson Sportster S

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 TypeV-Twin, liquid-cooled
Displacement1917cc
Max Torque1250cc
Transmission6-speed
Weight502 lbs

8

Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST

Power: 127 Horsepower

 

 

 

2024 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST static front quarter shot

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.

Specifications

Engine TypeV-Twin, air-cooled
Displacement1977cc
Max Torque145 LB-FT
Transmission6-speed
Weight838 lbs (wet)

 

 

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10 Most Powerful American Motorcycles Under $20,000 In 2024

Impressive performance doesn’t have to cost an arm AND a leg.

7

Harley-Davidson Pan America Special

Power: 150 Horsepower

 

 

 

Rider on a 2024 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special

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 TypeV-Twin, liquid-cooled
Displacement1250cc
Max Torque95 LB-FT
Transmission6-speed
Weight569 lbs

6

Buell Super Cruiser*

Power: 175 Horsepower

 

 

 

2025 Buell Super Cruiser acceleration on public road rear third quarter view

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 TypeV-Twin, liquid-cooled
Displacement1190cc
Max Torque101 LB-FT
Transmission6-speed
Weight450 lbs

5

Lightning Strike R

Power: 180 Horsepower

 

 

 

2023 White Lightning Strike R Motorcycle

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

MotorUltra Power Dense Axial Flux 380VDC liquid-cooled
Battery Capacity20 kWh
Max Torque120 LB-FT
TransmissionAutomatic (direct drive)
WeightN/A

4

Buell Hammerhead

Power: 185 Horsepower

 

 

 

Buell Hammerhead 1190 cornering cinematic side profile view

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.

Specifications

Engine TypeV-Twin, liquid-cooled
Displacement1190cc
Max Torque102 LB-FT
Transmission6-speed
Weight419 lbs

 

 

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3

Damon HyperSport

Power: 200 Horsepower

 

 

 

Yellow Damon Hypersport Premier electric motorcycle

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.

Specifications

MotorPMAC liquid-cooled motor
Battery Capacity20 kWh
Max Torque148 LB-FT
TransmissionAutomatic (direct drive)
WeightN/A

2

Lightning LS-218

Power: 244 Horsepower

 

 

 

Lightning LS-218 side right profile shot

Lightning Motorcycles via YouTube

We honestly wish we could actually get more excited about the LS-218. It should already be a flag-bearer for electric motorcycles around the world. But in reality, it only serves to underscore the risk involved in purchasing a high-performance electric motorcycle. To date, this is an exclusive bike, and while highly capable, certainly not widely available or remotely affordable.

Specifications

MotorIPM liquid-cooled electric motor
Battery Capacity15 kWh
Max Torque220 LB-FT
TransmissionAutomatic (direct drive)
Weight495 lbs

1

MTT 420 RR

Power: 420 Horsepower

 

 

 

MTT-420RR-Turbine

MTT

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 TypeRolls Royce-Allison Model 250 C20B gas turbine engine
DisplacementN/A
Max Torque500 LB-FT
TransmissionAutomatic (two-speed)
Weight500 lbs
Categories
Harley Davidson News

Top 10 High-Performance Cruiser Motorcycles of 2024

Not too long ago, referring to any cruiser as a “performance cruiser” would have seemed contradictory. However, the landscape has changed significantly, offering a variety of high-performance choices. In this category, torque has typically taken precedence over horsepower, but it’s refreshing to see that this is no longer the case.

It’s important to emphasize that these bikes come with a hefty price tag. While acquiring a robust cruiser may be possible, it certainly won’t be affordable. If you’re working within a budget, exploring used options might be advantageous. However, for those who are financially unrestrained, considering one of these incredibly fast cruiser motorcycles is a worthy endeavor.

To provide you with the most accurate and current information, this article is informed by diverse manufacturer websites, including Triumph and Harley-Davidson, along with other reliable sources. The motorcycles featured in this article are evaluated based on horsepower.

 

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10

Harley-Davidson Low Rider S

Power: 103 Horsepower

Harley-Davidson Low Rider S hd wallpaper
Harley-Davidson

Equipped with a 117 cubic inch V-twin, the performance remains commendable, yet the riding experience deviates slightly from the more powerful bikes on this list. Thanks to its more comfortable mid-controls, this motorcycle provides a relaxed ride for those lengthy journeys. Presently, it stands as the most powerful air-cooled Harley-Davidson within the cruiser range. For enhanced power, aftermarket options are your best bet.

Specifications

MSRP$19,999
Engine TypeV-Twin, air-cooled
Displacement1917cc
Max Torque125 LB-FT
Transmission6-speed
Weight679 lbs

9

Indian 101 Scout

Power: 111 Horsepower

2025 Indian 101 Scout static front quarter shot
Indian Motorcycle

Although technically categorized as a 2025 model, it has been available for much of the year. The 101 Scout delivers more power than any other motorcycle in the cruiser lineup, and indeed the Scout range. It owes its prowess to its modern liquid-cooled Speedplus V-twin, which is finely tuned to outperform other bikes in the series. This model also boasts sporty adjustable suspension, a quarter fairing, and robust Brembo brakes at the front.

Specifications

MSRP$16,999
Engine TypeV-Twin, liquid-cooled
Displacement1250cc
Max Torque82 LB-FT
Transmission6-speed
Weight549 lbs

8

Evoke 6061-GT

Power: 121 Horsepower

Evoke 6061-GT electric cruiser
Evoke Motorcycles

While it’s challenging to pronounce further details until it undergoes rigorous real-world testing, the specifications are impressive. Its price aligns comparably with other high-performance cruisers on this list and, if anything, it outperforms numerous other motorcycles. With a claimed range surpassing 400 miles, there’s minimal concern regarding range anxiety.

Specifications

MSRP$24,995
MotorPermanent magnet, multi-wound synchronous motor, liquid cooled
Battery Capacity29.8 kWh
Max Torque152 LB-FT
TransmissionAutomatic (direct drive)
Weight705 lbs

 

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10 Things We Like About The Evoke 6061-GT

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7

Harley-Davidson Sportster S

Power: 121 Horsepower

2024 Harley Davidson Sportster S
Harley-Davidson

The only downside to the Sportster S is its potential as an even better pure naked bike. The Bronx was tantalizingly close to being realized, though Harley seems to have backed away at the last minute. Ultimately, the Sportster S positions the Sportster legacy for the future, but it might not attract a wide audience. Most cruiser enthusiasts will likely lean towards the equally compelling Nightster range, while those seeking an American-made naked bike may consider Indian’s offerings.

Specifications

MSRP$16,999
Engine TypeV-Twin, liquid-cooled
Displacement1250cc
Max Torque93 LB-FT
Transmission6-speed
Weight502 lbs

6

Arch KRGT-1

Power: 122 Horsepower*

ARCH KRGT-1
Arch

This motorcycle is an impressive one-off creation. Arch customizes every bike for the individual buyer, encouraging owner involvement in the build process. Naturally, this level of customization comes at a cost, and while the company provides a base price, any modifications or personalization requests will increase that cost. Regardless, the investment pays off once you fire up that 2,032cc V-twin.

Specifications

MSRP$85,000 (and up)
Engine TypeV-Twin, air-cooled
Displacement2032cc
Max Torque115 LB-FT
Transmission6-speed
Weight596 lbs (dry)

5

Arch 1S

Power: 122 Horsepower*

2023 Arch Motorcycle 1S 3
Arch Motorcycle

Although the KRGT-1 is undeniably a cruiser, understandable reservations about its inclusion may exist. In numerous respects, it bears a striking resemblance to a sport-naked bike, apart from the formidable air-cooled V-twin. Additionally, it’s worth clarifying that torque measurements are provided at the wheel, while power output estimation is at the crank, with the actual wheel horsepower being 94. The figure we mentioned was Arch’s initial estimate intended to ensure a more accurate comparison with other motorcycles on this list.

Specifications

MSRP$128,000 (and up)
Engine TypeV-Twin, air-cooled
Displacement2032cc
Max Torque115 LB-FT
Transmission6-speed
Weight563 lbs (dry)

4

Suzuki Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S.

Power: 128 Horsepower

2023 Suzuki Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S. cruiser
Suzuki

Technically, last year’s B.O.S.S. is still listed on the website and is certainly still available. We appreciate the blacked-out finish against the blue backdrop and think – at least in terms of style – this model stands out compared to the standard M109R. It reigns as the most powerful Japanese metric cruiser available and is also the most budget-friendly option on this exotic list.

Specifications

MSRP$15,599
Engine TypeV-Twin, liquid-cooled
Displacement1783cc
Max Torque118 LB-FT
Transmission5-speed
Weight764 lbs

 

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8 Metric Cruisers With More Power Than A Harley-Davidson

It is surprisingly difficult to find metric cruisers with more power than a Harley-Davidson. But these bikes well and truly take the fight to H-D

3

Ducati XDiavel Nera*

Power: 152 Horsepower

Ducati XDiavel Nera power cruiser
Ducati

It’s worth noting that, unlike the previously mentioned B.O.S.S., it isn’t found on Ducati’s official website. Nevertheless, it likely still occupies space in various dealership inventories, and with a bit of luck, you might score a solid deal on one. Yet, being a Ducati, perhaps that’s wishful thinking. Speculation exists that the XDiavel may return as a V4 one day, likely in a limited edition, similar to the Nera.

Specifications

MSRP$29,795
Engine TypeL-Twin, liquid-cooled
Displacement1262cc
Max Torque93 LB-FT
Transmission6-speed
Weight514 lbs (no fuel)

2

Ducati Diavel V4

Power: 168 Horsepower

Ducati Diavel V4
Ducati

Much like the Arch 1S, the Diavel V4 embraces sportiness within its sports cruiser classification. Fueled by an aggressive V4 engine, it stands out as one of the most extreme high-performance cruisers in this curated list. While it may not claim the highest power, we have reasons to believe it would dominate the others here, including the considerably heavier XDiavel.

Specifications

MSRP$27,195
Engine TypeV4, liquid-cooled
Displacement1158cc
Max Torque93 LB-FT
Transmission6-speed
Weight492 lbs (no fuel)

1

Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R

Power: 180 Horsepower

2024 Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R Tail
Triumph

While it’s true that the Rocket may not lap a track quicker than the Ducati V4, on the open roads, that distinction becomes less significant. This motorcycle exudes presence and is unapologetic about its dedication to a colossal three-cylinder engine. In terms of torque, it’s only the Evoke that comes close, and it happens to be electric!

Specifications

MSRP$24,995
Engine TypeInline-3, liquid-cooled
Displacement2458cc
Max Torque166 LB-FT
Transmission6-speed
Weight699 lbs