10 V-Twin Engines That Redefined Performance (2024)

The motorcycling world is full of different engine configurations that have been tried and put to good use - developing them via racing, and adapting these powerplants for use on the road. While there are many kinds of engines out there, a vital contributor to the motorcycle's development has to be the V-twin configuration, marking the first successful attempt to combine two single-cylinder engines with a single crankshaft. Originally conceived and designed by Gottlieb Daimler in 1889, the V-twin has come a long way since then, empowering a vast range of cruisers, ADV's, sport bikes and superbikes alike. We look at ten examples of the V-twin that went above and beyond, innovating and providing a different perspective on engine tech.

10 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead

The Knucklehead V-twin engine (named because of the unique rocker covers that resembled knuckles on a clenched fist) was a big step-up compared to the previous Flathead that Harley used for a good number of years till the 1930s, with moderate success. The problems were mostly related to the valve actuation and with the Flatheads having valves positioned internally along with the engine casing towards the sides of the engine head, resulting in valve distortion and less than ideal oil lubrication. The solution to move the valves to the top of the engine head created a new problem as well, where they had to figure out how to circulate oil to all the internals. This gave birth to dry sump lubrication, where oil was pumped into the crankshaft internals and pistons using a remote tank, and the excess being returned to the tank. After all this, the Knucklehead resulted in twice the power output as compared to the Flathead, along with cooler engine temperatures and better overall efficiency.

Knucklehead V-Twin Engine Specs

9 Aprilia RSV1000R Mille

Aprilia is mostly well-known for their epic RSV4 superbike, that is equipped with a V4 motor. But prior to that, they also had a V-twin engined bike that performed extremely well and was enough for years of service, before being technically trumped by the racing-derived V4. We are talking about the RSV1000 Mille, that was an excellent sport bike with refined dynamics and a V-twin that had a nice mid and top end, and not spoil the fun at high revs like other typical V's. Low-end was torquey and a bit lumpy, but overall, it was well-appreciated by most riders who were fortunate enough to experience one first hand.

Aprilia RSV1000 Mille V-Twin Engine Specs

8 Ducati V-Twin

Ducati is perhaps best known for their version of the V-twin, the "L"-twin, known because of the perpendicular angle of the V. First introduced in 1970 with the 750 Super Sport, it was well received, albeit with some issues along the way that were continually refined and improved upon. Add to that, their already existent and rather complicated sounding "Desmodromic" valve system, was also a unique factor in their engine design, which is nothing but a different arrangement of the double overhead cam design that we commonly see across the motorcycle industry, using two separate cams to open and close the valves, rather than rely on traditional springs to close them - allowing for higher engine speeds and more reliable running at higher RPM's.

Ducati 955 L-Twin Engine Specs

7 Honda VTR1000F

Although it was a relatively short run for Honda with the VTR1000, or also known as the Firestorm/SuperHawk in a few markets, the V-twin engine that came with this bike deserves a special recognition. Pictured above is the race bike (RC51), which produced at least 136 HP and satisfied the craze for the V-twin back in its days that was kickstarted by Ducati. Although the engine was not the most powerful, the road-going bike was a charmer, with swift and neutral handling, and an incredibly satisfying power and torque band - finished off by Honda's venerable reliability. Even then, the VTR was not as exciting as other options for buyers, and was hence overlooked. All in all, a great motor for the road, exemplifying the Japanese engineering approach to the V-twin.

Honda VTR1000F V-Twin Engine Specs

6 Moto Guzzi V-Twin

Moto Guzzi was the first manufacturer in Italy to design their own V-twin, more than decades before Ducati came up with their own legendary V-twin. (Or otherwise called as the L-twin, due to the 90-degree bank angle) The Moto Guzzi V-twin initially came with a 120-degree and later a 90-degree angle, albeit with a longitudinal arrangement. This gave rise to numerous advantages. Firstly, both cylinders received uniform cooling, there was more space for the transmission and other components towards the rear of the motorcycle. It also gave Moto Guzzis a distinct and unique character that has been to their benefit till date - No other manufacturer offers this kind of configuration.

Moto Guzzi California V-Twin Engine Specs

5 Suzuki TL1000S

A genuine Widow-maker, as called by numerous independent journalists and reviewers, the TL1000S was infamously known to be a potent beast with a somewhat schizoid handling behavior, thanks to its unconventional and novel rotary valve rear shock, that was prone to overheating and unpredictable feedback. But it's the engine that powered this bike that was pretty much golden - also doing duty on the VStrom 1000, this motor came with heaps of torque that was available low down in the RPM range, and delivered its peak power with excitement and gusto. Although the fuel economy was not the best, we will forgive that for the engine's enjoyable character. P.S.: Bimota also bought these engines for use in their V-twin superbikes, albeit with significant changes.

Suzuki TL1000S V-Twin Engine Specs

4 Aston Martin Brough Superior AMB001 Pro

A highly desirable, exclusive and ultra-niche racer that is allowed only for track use, the AMB001 Pro is Aston Martin's one-up on its own AMB001. As if the power from its standard model's turbocharged V-twin was not enough, the "Pro" makes 25% more power than the former, at an almost ridiculous 225 HP. Combined with its exotic and alien-like styling, the AMB001 Pro is certainly one of the most extreme examples of motorcycling that we have ever come across - So is its turbo V-twin, which is as groundbreaking.

Aston Martin Brough Superior AMB001 Pro V-Twin Engine Specs

3 Arch Motorcycles 1S - S&S Cycle

S&S Cycle has been making engines since 1958 that work as replacement motors for mostly Harley-Davidsons - And they have been pretty good at it, considering their status as an aftermarket manufacturer; their engine designs are comprehensive and bespoke. Speaking of bespoke, the Arch 1S is a $128,000 muscle cruiser, founded by the likes of Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reeves. Put the two together, and you have a wonderful work of moving art. They also made V-twin engines for Morgan and their three-wheeler, just so you know.

S&S Cycle T124 V-Twin Engine Specs

2 Harley-Davidson Revolution Max

The Revolution engine was a decidedly radical departure from their association with pushrod, OHV twins, to a liquid-cooled and DOHC format. As many may well remember, Porsche was also involved in the design of that motor. The Revolution Max is an updated version, debuting in the Pan America, and comes with astounding power and torque figures, 150 HP and a staggering 94 ft-lbs coming from its 1250cc 60-deg V-twin. Also of notable mention is the low-pressure, three-pump oil circulation system, that allows the engine to rev more freely and reduce unwanted internal drag. The engine has a 90-degree firing order, and a short-stroke configuration. Magnesium is used for the cylinder heads.

Harley-Davidson Revolution Max Engine Specs

1 KTM Super Duke RR - LC8

Derived from racing, the LC8 liquid-cooled DOHC V-twin that powered the RC8, along with the Super Duke later on in upgraded and re-bored guise, has a violent and savage character, barely reined in by electronics. The LC8 was born when KTM decided to work on a light-weight and compact, 75-degree motor, even going as far as hiring Claus Holweg from their rivals at Rotax as a Project Manager for the new engine. The biggest version of the LC8 finds itself in the Super Duke RR and Evo models, displacing over 1,300cc and putting out around 180 horses to the crank, along with a staggering 103 ft-lbs of sheer torque.

KTM LC8 Engine Specs