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Motorbike producers are flocking to the parallel-twin engine today, and there are some legitimate causes for that. They’re very versatile and can be utilized in all types of bikes, whether or not it’s a cruiser, an journey machine, or a sportbike.
Parallel twins sacrifice some energy in comparison with four-cylinder engines with the identical displacement, however they’re quickly turning into extra highly effective. Let’s take a look at a number of the strongest parallel-twin bikes you should buy in 2024.
Parallel Universe
We compiled this record by figuring out all 2024–2025 manufacturing bikes with parallel-twin engines producing no less than 80 hp. This contains bare bikes, sportbikes, and journey tourers out there in main world markets (with emphasis on North America and Europe).
We excluded prototypes, discontinued fashions, and any engine layouts that weren’t strictly parallel twins (e.g., V-twins, singles, triples). All efficiency specs have been cross-referenced with official producer knowledge.
Suzuki GSX-8R — 82 Hp
Suzuki’s newest middleweight sportbike, the GSX-8R, is a welcome entry into the parallel-twin market. It makes use of an all-new 776cc DOHC twin that produces 82 hp and 57 lb-ft of torque, placing it simply above the Yamaha R7.
It’s heavier than the competitors, however Suzuki followers will respect its composure, consolation, and long-distance usability. It additionally is available in at a really aggressive worth level, providing top-shelf worth for riders who desire a do-it-all sportbike with out breaking the financial institution.
Honda CB750 Hornet — 90 Hp
Final yr, Honda launched an all-new Hornet, and it might simply be the Japanese bike producer’s most essential bike in a number of years. The CB750 Hornet can be used as a base for a variety of middleweight bikes utilizing the brand new parallel twin engine.
One way or the other, Honda has managed to undercut a lot of the 650–900cc middleweight competitors on worth but destroy them with its 90-hp 755cc engine, nice componentry, and wonderful using dynamics.
BMW F 900 R — 99 Hp
BMW Motorrad is primarily well-known for its GS journey bikes and the S1000RR superbike, but it surely additionally makes different fashions. One of many model’s much less well-known rides is the F 900 R, a roadster or bare bike.
It’s one of many extra fundamental bikes from BMW’s stables, however they provide numerous non-compulsory extras to make it match completely different budgets. Its 895cc parallel-twin engine churns out a really respectable 99 hp and 67 lb-ft of torque, which is respectable for a motorbike on this class.
Triumph Pace Twin — 99 Hp
Triumph’s Pace Twin is one other bike that produces 99 hp however from a a lot bigger 1,200cc mill. Due to its 270-degree crank, it has a pleasant, throaty sound, virtually like a V-twin, not the stitching machine sound you get from parallel twin engines with a 180-degree crank.
It’s not a pace demon, however if you wish to cruise in fashion on some winding roads, the Triumph Pace Twin is the proper instrument for the job.
CFMoto 800NK — 100 Hp
It’s secure to say that CFMoto has taken the bike world by storm these days. Not everybody has warmed as much as the Chinese language model but, however with bikes just like the 450SS/SR and the 800NK, it received’t be lengthy earlier than it dominates the market.
For those who’re out there for a unadorned sportbike, you may do a lot worse than CFMoto’s 800NK. CFMoto has manufactured KTM’s engines for some time now, so it’s no shock that the 800NK makes use of the 799cc KTM LC8 engine, producing 100 hp at this spec.
Aprilia RS 660 — 100 Hp
The Aprilia RS 660 has suffered from some points, however that hasn’t stopped it from turning into the best-selling sports activities bike in Europe, in response to Motorbike.com. Surprisingly, it’s one of many few precise sportbikes on this record, as its competitors, such because the Suzuki GSX-8R and Yamaha R7, are left within the mud.
Aprilia’s middleweight hero has a 659cc parallel-twin mill producing 100 hp at 10,500 rpm and 49 lb-ft at 8,000 rpm. In true sportbike trend, the ability is excessive within the rev vary, but it surely has a broad torque vary, which, mixed with its relaxed rider triangle, makes it very straightforward to trip in site visitors. If you would like an much more snug bike, there’s the Tuono, which makes use of the identical engine however with 4 fewer horses.
Honda Africa Twin — 101 Hp
If you wish to veer off the crushed path and go on an journey, the beefy Honda Africa Twin is the proper bike for the job. It’s a full-size journey tourer, designed to haul a rider, plenty of baggage, and perhaps even a pillion, too, so it wants loads of torque.
Its 1,084cc engine produces 101 hp, however as talked about, energy isn’t as essential as torque right here. With 82 lb-ft at 5,500 rpm, the Africa Twin is an actual workhorse. Each the ability and torque peak at comparatively low revs, making it accessible and usable always.
Triumph Thruxton RS — 104 Hp
The Triumph Thruxton RS is arguably one of the best retro-styled café racer available on the market. It might appear like an old-school bike, but it surely’s packing some top-shelf fashionable componentry and electronics.
Its 1,200cc parallel-twin engine produces 104 hp, which is greater than sufficient to get you in bother with the regulation. There’s additionally 83 lb-ft of torque, giving it greater than sufficient shove when exiting a nook. Now’s the time to get one, as 2024 would be the Thruxton RS’s final manufacturing yr.
Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 — 105 Hp
Like CFMoto, Husqvarna is part of the KTM household, and the Svartpilen 801 additionally makes use of the 799cc KTM parallel twin, however right here it produces 105 hp. KTM’s WP suspension elements have additionally discovered a brand new dwelling right here.
Its title, Svartpilen, actually interprets to the Black Arrow, which is mirrored in the dead of night shade scheme. Design-wise, you may inform it’s a Scandinavian product, because it’s very minimalist but attention-grabbing.
KTM 790 Duke — 105 Hp
Utilizing the identical 799cc engine because the Husqvarna Svartpilen 801, the KTM 790 Duke produces 105 hp. That is KTM’s smallest parallel twin-powered bare bike from KTM, however like all of the Austrian producer’s fashions, it’s a correct road hooligan.
KTM additionally included loads of electronics to maintain the ability in examine, reminiscent of traction management, cornering ABS, completely different trip modes, and many others. Nonetheless, when the time is correct, you may flip off the rider aids and unleash the beast.
Husqvarna Norden 901 — 105 Hp
The Husqvarna Norden is predicated on the KTM 890 Journey platform, however mixes in a number of the Svartpilen’s sense of trend. It makes use of the KTM 889cc parallel twin mill, however doesn’t make extra energy than the smaller Svartpilen.
Being an journey bike, torque is the secret right here, and it produces 73.7 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm. Husqvarna and KTM are recognized for his or her off-road-capable bikes, however surprisingly, the Norden 901 is extra of an journey tourer. It will probably enterprise off-road, however that’s not what it does greatest.
BMW F 900 GS/GS Journey — 105 Hp
For some purpose, BMW’s parallel twin-powered journey bike packs extra energy than the street bike. Maybe the Bavarians need to brag that they’ve essentially the most highly effective middleweight journey bike?
The F 900 GS has an 895cc twin that produces 105 hp and 68.8 lb-ft of torque. It’s additionally jam-packed with BMW electronics. Being smaller than the R 1300 GS, it must be simpler to handle in powerful off-road conditions and virtually as succesful in most different conditions.
KTM 990 Duke — 122 Hp
KTM changed the 890 Duke with the 990, leaving the smaller 790 to duke it out with bikes such because the Yamaha MT-07 and Suzuki GSX-8S. The 990 Duke is a correct supernaked bike and extremely performance-oriented.
With a 947cc LC8C parallel twin unit that churns out a whopping 122 hp and 76 lb-ft of torque, it’s able to maintaining with correct sportbikes whereas being rather more snug and forgiving to trip.
KTM RC 8C — 135 Hp
Years in the past, KTM used to promote the road-legal 1190 RC8 sportbike, however this new RC 8C is a complete completely different beast. It’s a restricted version, track-only superbike constructed utilizing the experience KTM has gained from collaborating in MotoGP.
An 889cc LC8C parallel twin that produces 135 hp is nestled beneath its orange trellis body. That will not sound like a lot in comparison with a number of the four-cylinder liter bikes on the market, however with a no-expense-spared method to elements and tech, the KTM RC 8C is frighteningly quick round a racetrack. Sadly, it additionally prices virtually as a lot as a Ducati Panigale V4 R.
Parallel Twins Are Taking Over
The parallel-twin engine has come a great distance from being a easy resolution for entry-level bikes. Producers at the moment are extracting severe efficiency from this compact, light-weight configuration, making it a official rival to bigger V-twins and inline-fours.
Whether or not it’s the on a regular basis versatility of the Honda CB750 Hornet, the race-bred aggression of the KTM RC 8C, or the stunning energy of newcomers just like the CFMoto 800NK, the fashionable P-twin is now not a compromise; it’s a weapon. For 2025, the variety of highly effective twin-cylinder bikes proves that efficiency now not wants to come back with further cylinders or bulk.
