The Strongest Parallel-Twin Motorcycle Engines Now

By Comfort

21 May 2024

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Find out the strongest parallel-twin motorcycle engines that are available now.

The parallel twin is quickly becoming the preferred design for brands. Some bike manufacturers have managed to derive more than 130 horsepower from their engines. The parallel-twin engine has become the choice engine for many manufacturers for multiple reasons. Certainly, while the V-twin is appealing, having two cylinders leads to higher expenses for production, shipping, and maintenance.

It also takes a bit of engineering wizardry to cool the rear cylinder and prevent it from overheating in stop-and-go traffic. Improved metallurgy and manufacturing techniques have contributed to the decreasing width of parallel twin motors. This reduction in size allows these motors to be installed in different types of motorcycles.

Let's delve into which motorcycle manufacturer has maximized the potential of this design. No, a 200-HP parallel twin is not available yet, so manage your expectations accordingly. In order to guarantee precision, the data gathered for this article came from the manufacturers themselves and reputable sources. We have listed them by power, with a preference for lower displacement if the peak power is the same.

1. 800NK

Despite its base being in China, CFMoto has remained among the most popular Asia manufacturers. It has partnered with well-known brands, and the 800NK is among the products available for purchase in different countries. It is surprising that CFMoto, a relatively new player, made it onto this list over more established names. However, once you realize that the 800NK's engine is derived from the KTM LC8, this element of surprise disappears. In the CFMoto model, it generates a smooth 100 horsepower using its 799 cc volume.

• Producer: CFMoto
• Type of motorcycle: Street/naked
• 799 cc of displacement
• Maximum power: 100 horsepower

2. RS 660

Aprilia appears to have rediscovered its momentum, consistently releasing impressive new models. A standout figure in 2024 is the highly skilled RS 660. The torque spread in this case is wider and more easily accessible on the streets compared to typical inline-four setups, making it the perfect finishing touch.

• Producer: Aprilia
• Type of motorcycle: Supersport
• Engine size: 659 cubic centimeters
• Maximum power output: 100 horsepower

3. Honda Africa Twin

This motorcycle is a complete adventure touring model and the horsepower will not deliver the same impact as the naked or sport bikes in this case, but it is achieved at relatively low revolutions. Its substantial displacement coupled with low RPMs results in an engine that is not under excessive stress and does not prioritize achieving a high power output like some of the competitors on the list.

• Maker: Honda
• Adventure touring motorcycle style.
• Engine size of 1,084 cc.
• Max Power is 101 HP at 7,500 RPM.
• Maximum torque is 82 pound-feet at 5,500 revolutions per minute.
• Maximum power output: 101 horses.

4. KTM 790 Duke

The smallest naked twin-cylinder from KTM is the 790 Duke. It has 103 horsepower from a 799 cc parallel twin engine, which is impressive, especially in a compact, lightweight, and agile vehicle. The bigger Dukes have a reputation for being rowdy machines, and the 790 Duke continues in the same manner. You can control it with electronics, but the real excitement comes when you set it free. While it may have slipped in the Duke hierarchy, this Duke still retains the ability to provide you with an adrenaline rush. That is the only thing that is important.

• Maker: KTM
• Type of motorcycle Street/naked
• Engine size of 799 cubic centimeters.
• Max Power reaches 103 horsepower at an unspecified redline.
• 64 LB-FT of maximum torque is produced at 8,000 RPM by Max.
• Maximum horsepower output: 103.

5. Husqvarna Svartpilen 801

The Svartpilen adds a Nordic taste to the market for street bikes. It is simple yet eye-catching as if it was designed with the help of IKEA. It is built on the same foundation as the KTM, its sister brand, and is one of three bikes in this lineup that share the identical engine.

However, we are expressing dissatisfaction because it produces 103 horsepower. Weighing less than 400 pounds when wet and equipped with every electronic safety feature available, it should move swiftly like a speeding arrow. The meaning of the name is 'black arrow', so as Henry Ford once said, you can have it in any color as long as it is black.

• Maker: Husqvarna
• Type of motorcycle: Scrambler.
• 799 cc of displacement
• Maximum power output: 103 hp

6. Triumph Thruxton RS

The biggest motor on display is found in a vintage-inspired café racer which we think is currently the top in its class. The Thruxton RS is the faster iteration of the Speed Twin, and it has the appearance and sound to match. The immense displacement of the engine provides plenty of torque without the need to change gears, simply by twisting your wrist.

Unfortunately, Triumph no longer produces the Thruxton RS with the vintage racer fairing; it was a great way for older individuals to imagine being their racing idols. However, in its present state, it still evokes feelings of nostalgia without the drawbacks of a vintage British motorbike.

• Producer: Triumph
• Type of motorcycle known as Café racer.
• Engine size is 1,200 cc.
• Maximum power output: 104 horses Victory

7. Husqvarna Norden 901

The Norden uses the Svartpilen's approach and adapts it for adventure-touring. The Norden, meaning 'North' in literal terms, generates power like its Svartpilen counterpart but has a slightly larger engine. It aligns with Husqvarna's track record of producing high-powered off-road motorcycles of top-notch quality that beginners are advised to avoid.

The Norden 901 is bound to attract a larger audience and its distinctive appearance sets it apart from other adventure touring motorcycles available for purchase. Based on Husqvarna's track record with their other products, the Norden 901 is expected to be highly capable and thrilling, whether on the road or off-road!

• Manufacturer: Husqvarna
• Adventure touring type of motorcycle.
• Engine size of 889 cubic centimeters.
• Maximum power output of 104 horsepower achieved at 8,000 revolutions per minute.
• 73.7 LB-FT of maximum torque produced at 6,500 RPM by Max.

8. BMW F 900 GS/GS Adventure

This adventure touring motorcycle is powered by BMW's strongest parallel twin engine. This is just as expected as it is irrational. The manufacturer from Bavaria has consistently followed its unique path, whether it involved a boxer twin, an inline six, or a motorcycle designed by Harvey 'Two Face' Dent.

The F 900 GS clearly aims to be recognized as the top-performing midsize ADV motorcycle on the market, achieving this with an engine that is comparable in size and design to the Norden 901. It contains BMW's technology in a more practical and familiar design, making repairs easier than on an R 1300 GS during motorcycle trips.

• Manufacturer: BMW
• Adventure touring motorcycle type
• 895 cc displacement volume
• Maximum power output is 105 horsepower achieved at 8,500 revolutions per minute.
• 105 horsepower Bayerische Motoren Werke

9. KTM 990 Duke

Make way for the new sheriff in town, 990 Duke. The 990 Duke utilizes the LC8c parallel twin engine to its maximum potential, resulting in an impressive 122 horsepower and 76 pound-feet of torque output. Naturally, you must push it to its limits to achieve this incredible number, but that's the essence of powerful Dukes.

As anticipated, it includes a complete set of electronics to prevent you from transitioning from being an extreme troublemaker to becoming an organ donor. Even with these features enabled, full attention is required when riding the 990 Duke. While it may not be a Super Duke, this motorcycle is definitely top-notch if you enjoy constant excitement.

• Manufacturer: KTM
• Type of motorcycle: Street/naked
• Engine size: 947 cubic centimeters.
• Maximum power output: 122 horsepower KTM motorcycle brand

10. KTM RC 8C

KTM is an abbreviation of "Kronreif und Trunkenpolz Mattighofen". KTM previously manufactured and marketed a large sports motorcycle named the RC8 many years ago. Nevertheless, their most extensive supersport model offered to the general public was the RC 390, even after their entry into MotoGP and achieving some success. However, in recent times, they have moved closer to fulfilling the KTM supersport dream with the exclusive track-only RC 8C, produced by KTM in very limited quantities starting in 2022.

Utilizing the LC8C engine allows for high revving to produce nearly 135 horsepower, which is comparable to Moto2 specifications. It is an incredibly impressive tool for the track, with every component receiving top-notch treatment. The list is extremely long, so it would be wise to search for a bike at an auction rather than buying a new one. Alternatively, you can simply hold off on the soon-to-be-released 990 RC R, which has been confirmed for the 2025 model year.

• Maker: KTM
• Supersport motorcycle, designed for the track
• Engine size of 889 cubic centimeters
• Top performance at 135 horsepower achieved at 11,000 revolutions per minute.
• Maximum torque of 72.3 pound-feet achieved at 8,250 revolutions per minute.
• Maximum horsepower limit: 135 hp.