10 V-Twins That Deliver More Than Just Nostalgia
Nostalgia is an integral element for most V-twin motorcycles today. It works in favor of brands like Harley-Davidson and Indian, both of which enjoy a rich history as the forefathers of the V-twin engine. However, in these modern times, all bikemakers have realized nostalgia alone isn’t enough. There needs to be more, which has birthed some interesting V-twin machines in recent times. We’ve jotted down 10 such motorcycles, all of which justify the nostalgia aspect while packing something extra. Most of these are available new today, but some of them aren’t.
10
Ducati DesertX V2
Power: 110 HP
For the longest time, Ducati stuck to the adventure-touring world with its Multistrada range. But when the popularity of hardcore ADVs picked up, the brand stepped up its game with the DesertX. Since its debut, one of the bike’s highlights has been its nostalgic design that pays homage to the iconic Cagiva Elefante dakar bike. Dual headlights, white paint, a flat seat, and a sleek tail all prove that well.
Look past the retro charm, though, and you find a hardcore ADV capable of doing some serious off-roading. This is thanks to the inclusion of high-end suspension from KYB with nearly 9 inches of travel at both ends and 21/18-inch spoke wheels. Those things also equate to a ground clearance of nearly 10 inches of ground clearance.
9
Ducati Monster V2
Power: 111 HP
A couple of decades ago, Ducati created the Monster as a parts bin special. Little did the brand know it’d become a lifesaver. Accordingly, the naked bike has been on sale since, with a pinch of the OG nostalgia in every version. That is true for the latest V2 as well, evident from its oval headlight, stripped-back design, minimalistic tail, and dual exhausts.
Underneath, though, this is a thoroughly new machine. It features one of Ducati’s most advanced (and lightest) V-twins yet, complete with modern-day bits like intake variable valve timing, hollow valve stems, a racing-derived lubrication system, thin inner walls, and aluminum cylinder liners. Topping things off is a set of premium rider aids derived from the world of racing.
8
Harley-Davidson Low Rider S
Power: 114 HP
What you’re looking at is the most powerful mass-market V-twin air-cooled cruiser bike on sale right now. Credit for that goes to its new Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output engine, featuring a forward-facing Heavy Breather intake, a performance-tuned 2-into-1 exhaust, a high-performance SE8-511 camshaft, and a raised redline. Adding more modernity are dual disc brakes and a USD fork up top.
Even with all that, the nostalgia remains an integral aspect. The Low Rider S takes heavy inspiration from OG FXLR Low Riders from yesteryear, evident from the stretched-out forks, minimalistic lights, and a slim overall appearance unlike other Softails. There’s even a new Chrome version now for an added retro touch. And it’s cheaper than the blacked-out trim!
7
Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide Limited
Power: 115 HP
The CVO Street Glide Limited is Harley’s flagship full-dresser touring bike right now. It gets the nostalgia aspect right with a batwing fairing like OG Street Glides, along with an overall larger-than-life aesthetic like previous ‘Limited’ models. Look past the nostalgia, though, and you’ll notice the Street Glide spoils you with several technological advancements.
The engine is where it starts. This has the top-drawer Milwaukee-Eight 121 powerhouse, producing 115 horsepower and 139 pound-feet. The party trick here is the VVT system, which spreads the power across the rev range. Then, you have the endless luxury. Right from the chrome floorboards and grips to the heated seats and chrome wheels, every element is flagship here. Rockford Fosgate speakers are standard, too.
6
Harley-Davidson Sportster S
Power: 121 HP
The Sportster S takes design inspiration from Harley-Davidson’s iconic flat-track-dominating machines. The swept-up exhaust, minimalistic fenders, and an angular tank are all reminiscent of the retro flat trackers, while the chunky wheels serve as an homage to the old Forty-Eight. The nostalgia is further amplified with the ‘Blood Orange’ colorway, inspired straight from the XR750.
Besides the nostalgia, you get one of the most advanced cruiser bikes from an American bikemaker. Not only do you get modern equipment as standard (adjustable USD forks with an aluminum triple clamp and six-axis IMU-enabled electronics), but the engine itself is a work of art. The 1,252cc Revolution Max V-twin has full liquid cooling, variable valve timing, dual-downdraft throttle bodies, internal balancers, and forged pistons–all of which are rarities in the American cruiser market.
5
Indian Pursuit PowerPlus 112
Power: 126 HP
The Pursuit is Indian’s flagship full dresser (until a new Elite comes along). It follows the norm of a traditional American touring bike with a large fairing, saddlebags, and a top box. But it tops that off with some never-before-seen bits in the American-made touring segment. The presence of a rear radar is arguably the biggest deal here, which enables collision detection and blind spot monitoring. These can be life-savers on massive American freeways.
In addition, the rear end has electronic preload settings. This helps boost stability with varying loads with a click of a button (rider only, rider and luggage, rider and pillion, or rider, pillion, and luggage). Finally, there’s the fully liquid-cooled V-twin powerhouse that is smaller in size than the CVO’s V-twin but produces around 10 more horsepower.
4
Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST
Power: 127 HP
The Road Glide moniker has always been about comfort and usable performance, packaged in an old-school bagger look. But a couple of years ago, Harley woke up and chose violence to give us the CVO Road Glide ST. While this still had all the nostalgic elements like a sharknose fairing and massive saddlebags, the ST in its name brought heavy influence from the King Of The Bagger class.
Accordingly, the engine here has high-performance internals and a Screamin’ Eagle exhaust to produce 127 horsepower–the highest for any Road Glide (barring the $100,000 RR). This is topped with adjustable USD forks and rear shocks, petal rotors with Brembo monoblocs, and lightweight aluminum wheels. You also get a helping of forged carbon parts for the first time!
3
Arch KRGT-1
Power: ~120 HP (at the wheel)
Arch Motorcycles is a luxury bikemaker that builds non-mass-production bikes well beyond the reach of regular customers. So budget is not a constraint, meaning there’s no shortage of high-end equipment, be it the Ohlins suspension, billet aluminum chassis elements, or an S&S powerhouse. The KRGT-1 has all of that, while featuring old-school cruiser elements for a kick of nostalgia.
A round headlight sits up top, flanked by raked-out forks and a 19-inch front wheel. This is topped with a low-slung saddle and forward-set footpegs to create a laid-back riding triangle. The tank and tail follow the retro theme, too, with indents for the former and a curvy arch for the latter.
2
Buell Super Cruiser
Power: 175 HP
From afar, the Super Cruiser looks like any other regular cruiser. It is low and long, topped with round lights and a teardrop-shaped fuel tank. Plus, the handlebar sits on tall risers, and the saddle is shaped like an old-school chopper for an upright riding triangle. But the closer you look, the more it surprises you.
The biggest surprise is the V-twin engine. This comes from a sports bike and only has a mild detune, promising an impressive 175 horsepower. The underpinnings follow the same brief, featuring Fox suspension, 17-inch wheels, and dual 320 mm petal discs that mimic sports bikes. All of that, along with the high-set pegs, gives the Super Cruiser a cornering clearance of 50 degrees on each side–15 more than the Sportster S above.
1
Special Mention: Indian FTR
Power: 120 HP
Not long ago, Indian pulled the plug on the FTR. But if you want an American roadster with nostalgia and something extra, this still ranks high up the recommendation list. Its exclusivity is a big reason, considering we haven’t had any actual old-school flat-track-inspired roadster from America in several years.
What adds to this is the brilliant package. The V-twin engine has immense power and torque for serious regular riding fun, the trellis chassis means a sub-520-pound weight, and the adjustable suspension is properly sporty with 17-inch wheels. You can also transform this into a proper track tool or actual flat-tracker, as Indian used to race the FTR in both categories not long ago.
Source: Various Manufacturers
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