10 Best Parallel-Twin Engine Motorcycles You Can Buy in 2023

A parallel-twin engine, also known as a straight-twin, inline, or vertical engine, is frequently installed on motorcycles due to having multiple configurations that offer several advantages. It has been designed in three crankshaft configurations: 270°, 360°, and 180°.

Parallel-twin engines have both cylinders positioned together and pointing in the same direction. Both cylinders have a common crankshaft and cylinder head.

Due to having fewer components and a simple build, parallel-twin engines are lightweight, easy to produce, and cheaper. They are mostly used in performance-oriented motorcycles, including naked bikes, adventure bikes, sports bikes, and a few lightweight cruisers. Parallel-twin engines help make motorcycles highly maneuverable, nimble, and fast.

Continue reading this article to learn about the 10 best parallel-twin engine motorcycles you can buy in 2023. 

The 2023 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is a classic motorcycle with a retro look. It has a conventional round headlamp, bulging tail light, chrome round side mirrors, and a single-piece saddle for two-up riding. The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 has a basic frame design with a classic battery cover below the rider’s seat. It has two extended chrome mufflers on both sides of the motorcycle, originating from each cylinder of the parallel-twin engine.

The 648 cc parallel-twin engine is capable of a horsepower of 47 hp and a torque of 51.52 Nm, making it an ideal entry-level bike. Despite being an affordable motorcycle, costing only $6,199, it is a reliable motorcycle with a three-year warranty. The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650’s engine ensures good low-end torque and a top speed of 100 mph.

The 2023 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 has received several upgrades, including new switchgear, alloy wheels, a LED headlight, and tubeless tires.

The 2023 Honda SCL500 is a standard entry-level motorcycle running on an engine based on the Honda Rebel 500’s 471 cc parallel-twin engine. The Honda SCL500 is a scrambler-style motorcycle with a tall seat height of 31.1 inches, a wet weight of 419 lbs, and a single-piece saddle for two-up riding. To ensure safe and reliable performance, it comes with the standard ABS and a slipper & assist clutch.

The 471 cc parallel-twin engine is capable of a horsepower of 46 hp at 8,500 rpm and a torque of 43.38 Nm at 6,250 rpm. The lightweight engine design ensures good handling. The Honda SCL500 is an affordable entry-level motorcycle costing only $6,799.

The Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition is a stylish adventure bike with a classic front-end look. The Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition is powered by the same engine as its base model, the Husqvarna Norden 901. The 889 cc parallel-twin engine ensures smooth and powerful performance both on- and off-road. The 889 cc engine is capable of a horsepower of 103.26 hp at 8,000 rpm and a torque of 100.33 Nm at 6,500 rpm. For high-end off-roading, the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition is fitted with a 48 mm WP XPLOR-USD front suspension and a single WP Xplor PDS rear shock absorber.

The front fork and the rear monoshock have exceptionally long wheel travel of 9.45 inches and a high ground clearance of 10.63 inches, ensuring a smooth off-roading experience. The Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition is also fitted with stock saddlebags, heated grips, heated seat, and windscreen for long-distance adventure rides. The standard cornering ABS also has a separate off-road mode for rough terrain. Being a high-tech adventure bike, the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition costs only $15,799.

Apart from having the same engine as the previous models, the 2023 Aprilia RS 660 Extrema has received several upgrades to ensure a more engaging riding experience. The Aprilia RS 660 Extrema is powered by a 659 cc parallel-twin engine capable of a horsepower of 100 hp at 10,500 rpm and a torque of 67 Nm at 8,500 rpm. Being a powerful intermediate-level sports bike, this motorcycle has a low weight of 180 kg to ensure fast and nimble performance.

The 2023 Aprilia RS 660 Extrema was installed with several carbon parts, including a sporty front fender, lower engine cover, and silencer to lower the overall weight. Despite being an intermediate-level sports bike costing $13,499, it has several standard rider aids, including a cornering ABS, five riding modes, and traction control.

The 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE is powered by the same 776 cc parallel-twin engine found in the Suzuki GSX-8S. Despite their completely different designs and purposes, both the Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE and the Suzuki GSX-8S have similar horsepower and torque. However, due to being an adventure bike with reliable on- and off-road performance, the Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE is slightly heavier, weighing 230 kg, and has a seat height of 33.7 inches. The Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE’s tall seat height ensures a high ground clearance of 8.7 inches for smooth off-roading.

Being a middleweight adventure bike, the Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE ensures better on-road performance. It also comes with several advanced features, including an ABS, low rpm assist system, easy start feature, quick-shifter, and traction control.

The Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE’s off-road performance has been improved by installing coil springs and inverted telescopic front forks that provide long wheel travel of 8.7 inches. The rear coil spring, link-type rear monoshock also has a wheel travel of 8.7 inches. Due to being equipped with several technological features and performance-oriented parts, the Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE is heavier than its competitors.

The Honda Rebel 1100T DCT is one of the lightest bagger-style touring bikes available. It comes with several stock features, including a wide front fairing with a small windshield, hard saddlebags, and a dual-clutch transmission system. The DCT technology eliminates the need to shift gears and engage the clutch. Even when riding in manual mode, the rider can easily shift between gears using the hand controls without engaging the clutch. The Honda Rebel 1100 DCT uses the same engine used for the Honda Africa Twin. This parallel-twin engine with a 270° crank angle provides a slightly sportier stance and a naked bike look.

The 1,083 cc engine is capable of a horsepower of 86 hp at 7,000 rpm and a torque of 4,750 rpm. The Honda Rebel 1100T DCT is an upgraded model of the Honda Rebel 1100 and is only available in a single trim with DCT. It has a low wet weight of 524 lbs thanks to its lightweight chassis, minimalist design, and parallel-twin engine.

The Honda Rebel 1100T DCT tourer has slightly sportier ergonomics with mid-mounted foot controls. For a relaxed cruising and touring experience, it also comes with cruise control.

Suzuki introduced the all-new 776 cc parallel-twin engine installed on the 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S and 2023 Suzuki V-Storm 800 DE. The lightweight and compact engine design ensures nimble handling fit inside a uniquely-shaped chassis. The Suzuki GSX-8S utilizes a 270° crank angle to ensure maximum power output and improve performance. Engine vibrations have been reduced thanks to a uniquely-designed cross counterbalance. The 776 cc parallel-twin engine is capable of producing a horsepower of 82 hp at 8,500 rpm and a torque of 77.96 Nm at 6,800 rpm.

The 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S has amazing handling and maneuverability thanks to its low weight of 202 kg and a comfortable seat height of 31.9 inches. Towards the front, it has inverted, oil-damped, coil spring telescopic forks with a wheel travel of 5.1 inches. The rear suspension is a spring-preload adjustable monoshock with a wheel travel of 5.1 inches.

Dual front floating discs with four-piston Nissin calipers and a single-disc rear brake with a single-piston Nissin Caliper, along with the ABS, ensure reliable braking.

The 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S comes with amazing ride-assist features, including a quick-shift system, clutch-assist system, electronic throttle control, and ride-by-wire technology. It also features an ABS, Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.), traction control, and four riding modes.

The Honda Transalp has been around for more than three decades, gradually receiving upgrades over time. Launched in 2022, the 2023 Honda XL750 Transalp has received several upgrades and modern features. The all-new Honda XL750 Transalp is a medium-sized adventure motorcycle with an engine based on the one installed on the Honda Hornet. Besides the engine, it has a unique frame design and long-wheel travel suspension.

The 2023 Honda XL750 Transalp is powered by a 755 cc 270˚  parallel-twin engine capable of a horsepower of 90.5 hp at 9,500 rpm and a torque of 75 Nm at 7,250 rpm. The engine has short strokes and is fitted with a common crankshaft, making the engine lighter and more compact. Honda has also added counterweights to balance the shaft, ensuring minimal engine vibrations for a smooth off-road experience.

The tubular steel diamond frame helps contribute to the low overall weight. Despite its powerful engine and is equipped with several features, the 2023 Honda XL750 Transalp only weighs 208 kg, making it easy to handle at high and low speeds. It is a tall motorcycle with a seat height of 33.46 inches and a ground clearance of 8.27 inches.

Despite having several modern features, including an ABS, adjustable traction control, power modes, and ride-by-wire throttle, the 2023 Honda XL750 Transalp is an affordable adventure bike.

The Showa 43 mm front fork has a wheel travel of 7.1 inches, while the preload-adjustable rear monoshock has a wheel travel of 7.5 inches to ensure comfortable long-distance adventure rides.

Gaining a lot of recognition worldwide, the Honda XL750 Transalp will soon be launched in the U.S. as confirmed by the California Air Resources Board.

The Yamaha MT-07’s 689 cc parallel-twin engine is capable of producing a horsepower of 72.4 hp at 8,750 rpm and a torque of 67 Nm at 6,500 rpm. Despite its small-displacement engine, the Yamaha MT-07 is fast, and nimble, and has good throttle response, and exceptional fuel mileage, making it a suitable motorcycle for experienced riders.

The Yamaha MT-07 is one of the best-selling naked bikes with high-end maneuverability due to its unique bodywork and engine performance. This motorcycle is highly versatile and suited for almost all riders. The Yamaha MT-07 is also a favourite motorcycle for pulling stunts thanks to its low wet weight of 184 kg.

The 2023 Yamaha MT-07 has not received any major upgrades besides the inclusion of a five-inch TFT screen display with dual display modes. You can connect your smartphone to your motorcycle using the Y-Connect app. The Yamaha MT-07 also comes with a standard ABS for reliable braking.

The KTM 790 Duke is one of the most stylish and highly maneuverable naked motorcycles of all time. It features sharp styling, a bold look, a chiseled fuel tank, and an improved aerodynamic design to ensure fast and nimble performance.

The 2023 KTM 790 Duke features a KTM’s LC8c 799 cc parallel-twin engine capable of a horsepower of 103. 26 hp at 9,000 rpm and a torque of 86.77 Nm at 8,000 rpm. The 799 cc parallel-twin engine was redesigned for the 2023 model, now including twin counterbalancer technology to reduce engine vibrations. The KTM 790 Duke is a lightweight naked bike weighing only 383.6 lbs thanks to its parallel-twin engine configuration and lightweight frame. It has the characteristics and ergonomics of both naked and sports bikes. If you are looking for a naked bike with optimal performance, a lightweight design, superior handling, and agility, the KTM Duke 790 is one of the best options.

The KTM 790 Duke features several modern ride-assist features, including ABS, traction control, assist & slipper clutch, ride-by-wire throttle, and three ride modes (Sport, Street, and Rain).

Parallel-twin engines are one of the most popular engines installed on high-speed motorcycles due to their lightweight and compact designs. They are built with fewer parts, including a single-cylinder head and a common camshaft. Due to their advantageous designs, they are often installed on sports bikes, naked bikes, adventure bikes, lightweight cruisers, and touring bikes. If you are looking for a lightweight, fast maneuverable, and easy-to-handle motorbike, the 10 best parallel-twin engine motorcycles listed in this article are the best options to buy in 2023.

If you want to use these motorcycles for long-distance tours and adventure rides, there are several attachments you can purchase from Viking Bags, including saddlebags, sissy bar bags, tour packs, sissy bars, crash bars, fairings, handlebars, and seats to improve their touring capability. You can go to Viking Bag and find the parts, specially designed for your make and model.