The Low Rider S is currently the most powerful Harley-Davidson Softail you can buy. That’s a title it’s earned only recently, thanks to the latest update that brought the Milwaukee-Eight 117 high output powerhouse. This mill features a forward-facing heavy breather intake, a performance-tuned 2-in-1 exhaust, a high-performance SE8-511 camshaft, and an increased redline to achieve 114 horsepower output.
As good as it is, if you’re not a Harley loyalist and want more cruiser performance, we’d suggest looking elsewhere. Japan, Europe, and even the US have some surprisingly powerful cruisers available, all producing more horsepower than a Softail. There’s even a Harley Sportster on the list!
Harley-Davidson Sportster S
Power: 121 HP
The Low Rider S is Harley’s most powerful Softail. But Harley’s most powerful cruiser is the Sportster S. Much of the credit for this goes to its ultra-modern Revolution Max 1250T powerhouse. It is a fully liquid-cooled V-twin with variable valve timing, high compression ratio and two-into-two exhaust. This means an output of 121 horsepower—seven up from the high output Milwaukee-eight.
The Sportser S also beats the Low Rider in terms of refinement. It has a crisp Bluetooth-enabled TFT in the cockpit, adjustable Showa forks in the front-end, and rider aids include wheelie controls. Finally, it sells for $15,999 – which is $4,000 less than the base Low Rider.
Suzuki Boulevard M109R
Power: 123 HP
On paper, a cruiser built nearly two decades ago shouldn’t be able to outperform a modern powerful Softail. Yet, the M109R proves otherwise. Its fully liquid-cooled nearly 1800 cc V-twin engine has the largest motorcycle pistons ever, helping to deliver a promised 123 horsepower and 118 pound-feet. The first is about 10 more than the existing Low Rider S’s high output Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine.
It’s pretty close elsewhere too. Even though it is very old, the boulevard has a fairly modern set of bases. This includes GSX-R-derived upside-down forks, radial Brembo brake callipers and sporty alloy wheels. To sweeten the pot is a massive 240-section rear tire that provides ample grip when powering off. It’s also much cheaper than a Harley!
Ducati Diavel V4
Power: 168 HP
We have the next pair of Ducatis, and things start with the Diavel V4. It is powered by an ultra-reliable GranTurismo V4 engine with a capacity of less than 1,200 cc, which operates at a 14:1 compression ratio. This helps the bike produce 168 horsepower and 93 pound-feet, which is enough to propel it to a top speed of over 165 mph. Thus, you also get a full suite of race-derived electronic aids to keep you safe.
Compared to the Low Rider, the Diavel is way more serious kit. It leans more towards a roadster-type cruiser appeal rather than a foot-forward comfort experience with slow-revving, low-end oomph. Of course, you also have to pay the Ducati tax – a total of $7,996 on the Harley.
Ducati XDiavel V4
Power: 168 HP
If you want the Diavel experience with a more comfortable ergonomics package, the XDiavel is the answer. It moves the footpegs closer to the radiator shrouds, lowers the saddle height, moves the front-end out by three degrees, and brings more swagger for an extra $1,000. We also like the deep red color and diamond-cut alloys – which are on full display at the rear along with the single-sided swingarm.
Mechanically, the package remains the same. The 1,158cc mill still has 168 horsepower and 93 pound-feet, the chassis is a monocoque unit made of aluminum, and the suspension comes with adjustability. However, the XDiavel weighs 12 pounds more than the standard Diavel.
buell super cruiser
Power: 175 HP
The super cruiser may be made in America, but it takes a European cruiser approach. So you get a sports bike-derived package here, the core of which is the 1,190cc V-twin powerhouse. It packs a whopping 175 horsepower and ~95 pound-feet of torque, putting it at the top of the American-made cruiser segment. However, unlike the Low Rider S, you’ll need to turn it around to go faster.
The mechanical components are also sporty. FOX supplies the suspension, and the chassis is constructed of tubular steel, mated to 17-inch wheels front and rear. However, all this comes at a high price of admission. At $25,900, it’s about $6,000 more expensive than the Harley.
Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R
Power: 179.5 HP
There is nothing like the Rocket 3 Storm on the market, and there never will be in the future. That’s because in the world of V-twins, Triumph has designed a triple-cylinder engine. It is the world’s largest motorcycle powerhouse, offering around 180 ponies.
The torque figure is even more absurd at 166 pound-feet – nearly 40 more than the Harley. Oh, and it still has longer service intervals than the Low Rider. Obviously, its price is also the same as that of Giant. The base price is more than $26,500, and the GT version costs about $27,500. We believe the price is somewhat justified considering the overall class-leading experience here.
Ducati Diavel V4 RS
Power: 182 HP
What you are looking at is the most powerful production cruiser bike available today. This has been achieved by planking Panigale’s 1,103 cc Desmosedici Stradale powerhouse with an STM EVO dry clutch in the Diavel package. Add to this the low-slung nature, and the RS can hit 62 mph in just 2.5 seconds. It is the fastest Ducati built today, as claimed by Team Red themselves.
To match the extra oomph, the simple suspension has made way for fancy Ohlins front and rear. The setup is fully adjustable and paired with lightweight wheels. Likewise, all the electronics are derived from the Panigale and are made to keep you upright when you power off. However, all these premium devices will be heavy on your pocket. At $39,995, the price is almost 2 times that of the Low Rider.
Ark KRGT-1
Power: 122 HP (rear wheel)
We’ve saved the coolest thing for last: the Arc KRGT-1. It’s different from anything else on the list, equipped with an S&S crate engine rather than a mass-market powerhouse. This 2,032cc V-twin powerhouse beats the Low Rider S in terms of capacity, producing 122 horsepower and 115 pound-feet. Surprisingly, these are rear-wheel figures, meaning crank output here will exceed 130 ponies.
The rest of the bike is also special. A handcrafted double-cradle chassis serves as the centerpiece, resting on Öhlins USD forks and a monoshock. It is paired with 19/18-inch BST carbon fiber wheels at the front, where there are two 320 mm discs with six-piston ISR calipers. Foot-forward pegs, a great contrast striped saddle, and flat-ish handlebars round out the package.
Source: Various Manufacturers
