What Is a Motorcycle Torque?

Are you still struggling with understanding those complex words while buying the motorbike? Are you still searching what motorcycle torque is on the internet? Here’s the answer.

In moto physics, the motorbike torque refers to the measurement of an engine by twisting something, for example, if your motorbike comes with a 50 Nm, it can twist something one meter away when applying 50 Newton force. After applying gear, this torque converts into thrust. 

Let’s see what it means and what you can do about it. 

While writing this post, I leave no stone unturned so you can know everything about motorcycle torque.

What is a Motorcycle Torque? 

Probably motorcycle torque is the complicated word that every rider listens to when buying a motorbike, and that’s why the biggest question arises, what is a motorcycle torque? 

According to some industry experts, torque in the reference to a motorcycle refers to the ability of a motorbike engine to twist something. 

For example, suppose any motorbike comes with a 50 Nm, in that case, it will mean that the motorbike can twist something when applying 50 Newton force. 

This motorbike torque gets converted into the motorbike thrust, which you experience when shifting gear, the motorcycle torque is expressed in force multiplied by a distance in the standard case, and that’s why it’s expressed in NM (N for force and M for meter). 

While in the imperial system, it’s expressed in ft-lb or lb-ft. 

What Motorcycle Torque is For? 

So far, you understand what motorcycle torque is; now the question arises, what motorcycle torque is for? 

Motorcycle torque refers to the bending power of an engine, which means how far away a motorbike engine can push the motorbike when applying force. It’s mainly used for expressing the lifting capacity of your motorbike. For example, if your motorbike is lightweight but has high torque, you’ll feel more power while riding. 

And that’s why experts always recommend going with a high torque motorbike if you carry heavy weight cargo with you. 

What’s the Difference Between Motorcycle Torque and CC? 

So far, you understand what motorbike torque is; now the question arises, what’s the difference between motorcycle torque and CC. 

In non-technical words, the torque of a motorbike refers to your motorbike’s lifting capacity or strength. While CC or cubic centimeter of motorbike refers to the volume covered by your piston. High CC motorbike power comes with an enormous power that a beginner couldn’t handle. 

While there’s no precautionary warning with the motorbike torque. 

Let’s understand this with an easy-to-understand example, if your motorbike comes with less torque, you won’t be able to carry much weight with yourself. 

If your motorbike comes with a high CC, then in most cases, the motorbike will come with an enormous power that you couldn’t handle. 

However, in some exceptional cases, the CC isn’t related to motorbike power. 

For instance, some small motorbike engines have a high compression ratio, which means a small motorbike engine will give much more power than a big motorbike engine.

What’s the Difference Between Motorcycle Torque and HorsePower? 

So far, you understand some differences between motorcycle torque and CC; now the question arises, what’s the difference between motorcycle torque and horsepower. 

Horsepower is the power of your motorbike produced when you accelerate your motorbike engine. Motorcycle torque refers to the bending power of an engine, which means how far away a motorbike engine can push your motorbike when applying force. 

And this is the reason why some famous motorbike manufacturers like Harley only point torque in their motorbikes, not horsepower. 

What’s the Best Motorcycle Torque? 

So far, you understand the difference between motorcycle torque and horsepower, now the question arises, what’s the best motorcycle torque? 

According to some industry experts, there’s no perfect motorcycle torque, it really depends on the motorbike category you want to go with. On average, motorcycle torque around 100 Nm is considered good for the city-to-city rider. 

If you want a powerful motorbike that can lift a lot of weight, you should always go with high torque motorcycles like Harley. 

High Torque or Low Torque Which One Should You Choose? 

So far, you understand the average motorbike torque; now the question arises, should you choose high torque or low torque motorcycles?

Torque refers to the lifting capacity of your motorbike. And according to some industry experts, you should always choose high torque if you want your motorbike to carry heavy weight, you can choose a low torque motorbike if you’re an average city rider.

Touring motorbikes like that Harley come with great horsepower, making you carry some heavyweight along in your journey. 

Things to Consider While Choosing a Motorbike for Beginners: 

Factors to consider while choosing a motorbike:	Details:
Motorbike power.	If you’re a beginner, then it would be worthless to buy high-power or CC motorbikes.
Budget	Don’t spend thousands of dollars on your first motorbike.
Motorbike weight.	Always buy a lighter motorbike that you can handle or lift if it falls.
Seat height.	Focus too much on seat height if you’re a small beginner rider.

Indeed, your first motorbike will be memorable for you, and that’s why I don’t want you to commit the same mistake I made several years ago, and that’s why beginners must know factors to consider while choosing their first motorbike. 

Motorbike Power: 

Throughout this post, you understand why it’s a bad idea to focus too much on power. 

High CC motorbikes come with enormous power, which beginners could handle, and that’s why don’t focus too much on motorbike power if you’re still a beginner. 

Your Budget: 

Not everyone can afford a luxurious motorbike, and it’s perfectly okay to not spend thousands of dollars on your first motorbike, instead, you can go for an affordable motorbike with the same features and buy your favorite motorbike once you can afford it.

Motorbike Weight: 

Motorbike weight is one of the most significant factors when talking about motorbike stability, if you’re a beginner, it would be a mistake to choose a heavy motorbike that you can’t even lift if you ever fall off. 

Seat Height: 

Seat height can be the most crucial factor if you’re a short rider you will definitely drop your motorbike if you can’t reach the ground through both your feet. 

If you’re a beginner who doesn’t know much about riding tall motorbikes, don’t ignore seat height. 

Some High Torque Good Motorcycles? 

Here are some best motorcycles with good torque.

Best Motorbikes	Engine Size	Seat Height
Ducati Scrambler	800 CC	31 inches and can be modified to 30 inches.
Kawasaki Versys X 300	296 CC	32.1 inches.
Kawasaki Ninja 400	399 CC	30.9 inches.
Yamaha YZF-R3	321 CC	30.7 inches
Honda CB 300 R	286 CC	31.5 inches

Ducati Scrambler: 

Ducati Scrambler is the most favorite motorcycle among all types of riders. 

Although the default seat height of a Ducati scrambler is around 31 inches, you can bring it to 30 inches. 

Manufacturers make Ducati Scrambler for those riders who want excellent stability when riding. Thanks to the low center of gravity design, you can take this motorbike at a higher speed without any vibrations. 

The only unfortunate factor with this motorcycle is that it comes with an 800 CC engine, which is not that beginner-friendly. 

Kawasaki Versys X 300: 

Are you an adventure rider? But can’t choose any adventurer motorcycle? Then Kawasaki Versys can be a suitable motorbike for you. 

Generally, Adventure motorcycles come with high seat height which makes it a bit difficult for short riders to ride any of them. 

Fortunately enough, Kawasaki Versys comes with a not-so-high seat height (32.1), making short people ride this motorcycle easily. 

The best thing about this motorbike is that it comes with a 296 CC engine, beginner-friendly and effortlessly balanced.

Additionally, this motorbike is made from robust material, making you go off riding quickly. 

Kawasaki Versys X 300 also comes with built-in luggage storage, which ultimately saves your money for luggage.

If you’re a short and adventurer rider, then this motorbike can be game-changing for you. 

Kawasaki Ninja 400: 

Kawasaki is the one brand that even non-riders know about. Thanks to engine manufacturing, the Kawasaki has a special place in everyone’s heart.

Manufacturers made this beginner-friendly motorcycle for concise people as this motorbike comes with 30.9 inches seat height.  

The manufacturer fitted a 399 CC engine in this motorbike which makes it one of the best motorbikes for city riders. 

Don’t even think about underestimating this motorbike because of its engine size. This motorbike is stylish and looks precisely like 600 CC motorcycles. 

If you’re a beginner short rider, this motorbike can be a game-changer for you. 

Yamaha YZF-R3: 

Yamaha YZF-R3 is probably one of the beginner-friendly yet stylish motorbikes available out there. 

This motorbike has only 368 lbs weight which makes it controlled by any beginner short rider. 

More interestingly, this motorbike comes with 30.7 inches of seat height, which I think is pretty good for any short rider. 

You know what makes this motorbike a good motorbike is its engine size. Yamaha YZF-R3 comes with a 321 CC engine, which is decent for any short beginner rider. 

Honda CB 300 R: 

What makes the Honda CB 300 R a great motorbike? It’s a non-monster look. 

I know there are plenty of riders out there who don’t want a monster-looking motorbike. They just want to have a decent motorbike. 

If you’re that rider, Honda CB 300 R is an excellent motorbike for you. 

This motorbike comes with 31.5 inches seat height and 286 CC engine size, which is decent for short and beginner riders. 

Honda CB 300 R is also lightweight compared to other motorbikes, weighing around 315 lbs. 

Also, read my previous post where I’ve discussed why a beginner should low CC motorbike and what are some things you need to consider most when choosing the motorbike CLICK HERE to read.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Final Verdict: 

What is motorcycle torque? In moto physics, the motorbike torque refers to the measurement of an engine by twisting something. 

For example, if your motorbike comes with a 50 Nm, it can twist something one meter away when applying 50 Newton force, after applying gear, this torque converts into thrust. 

I’ve also mentioned some good motorbikes which you can buy if you’re looking for the best motorcycles with good torque.