There’s something magnetic about big displacement motorcycles. They are unapologetically large, built for riders who want torque in every gear, presence at every stoplight, and the kind of riding experience that feels closer to piloting a muscle car on two wheels than anything else. In an age where many bikes are slimming down, experimenting with forced induction or relying on electronics to stand out, these giants keep the old school dream alive. They prove that there’s still a place for raw cubic capacity in motorcycling. Here are twenty of the largest displacement motorcycles available today, from American V twins to Japanese cruisers and even outrageous V8 powered machines.
Triumph Rocket 3
At 2458cc, the Triumph Rocket 3 holds the crown as the largest production motorcycle engine in the world. Its inline triple churns out over 160 horsepower and an eye watering 163 pound feet of torque. Despite its sheer size, it’s remarkably refined, with smooth fueling and agile handling for a machine weighing north of 650 pounds. In Canada and the US, it has become the halo bike for riders who want to own the king of displacement while still enjoying modern features like ride modes and advanced electronics.
Indian Chief Dark Horse 116
The Indian Chief Dark Horse combines heritage style with a massive 1890cc Thunderstroke 116 engine. This air cooled V twin is tuned for low end torque, the kind that lets you glide through city streets or conquer endless highways without ever feeling stressed. Riders in Canada love the way it pulls even in high gears and how it blends old school mechanical feel with contemporary build quality. It’s proof that American cruisers don’t just live in Harley’s shadow.
Harley Davidson CVO Road Glide 121
Harley’s Custom Vehicle Operations models represent the pinnacle of Milwaukee design and engineering. The CVO Road Glide is powered by the new Milwaukee Eight 121 cubic inch engine, which equals 1977cc. It delivers Harley’s biggest punch yet with massive torque, improved cooling, and refined electronics. The CVO line is expensive, but for Canadian and American touring riders it represents the ultimate big bore Harley — huge displacement paired with comfort and prestige.
Honda Gold Wing 1833
Honda’s Gold Wing has always been the benchmark for long distance touring, and its flat six engine is the reason. The latest 1833cc unit produces effortless power, running with silky smoothness that few V twins can match. Canadian riders who cross provinces in a single ride praise the Gold Wing for its ability to cruise all day without fatigue. The engine may not sound as raw as a Harley or Indian, but its displacement and refinement make it a true king of the road.
BMW R18
The BMW R18 shocked the market with an 1802cc boxer twin, the largest BMW has ever built. It pays tribute to the brand’s 1930s R5 with its exposed pushrod tubes and vintage styling, but when you fire it up you feel the modern engineering. The R18 shakes, growls, and delivers torque in a way that connects directly to the rider. In Canada, it has gained a niche following among cruiser fans who want something different from American brands but still with serious displacement credibility.
Suzuki Boulevard M109R
The M109R has built a reputation as one of the boldest muscle cruisers from Japan. Its 1783cc liquid cooled V twin is designed not just for cruising but for serious straight line performance. With aggressive styling and a broad torque curve, it appeals to riders who want the presence of an American V twin but with Suzuki reliability. In Canadian markets, the M109R stands out as one of the last true Japanese heavyweights.
Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager
Kawasaki’s Vulcan line has been a staple in the cruiser market, and the 1700 Voyager is its flagship touring model. Its 1700cc V twin is tuned for steady torque and smooth highway performance, making it ideal for long rides across Canada’s vast provinces. While not as flashy as some rivals, its dependability and comfort make it a top choice for riders who want displacement without constant drama.
Indian Challenger 108
The Challenger brings something new to the American cruiser scene with its 1768cc liquid cooled PowerPlus V twin. Unlike the traditional air cooled Thunderstroke, this engine delivers a more modern performance profile with higher rev capability and less heat in traffic. Canadian riders appreciate how it bridges the gap between classic V twin feel and modern practicality. It’s a fresh take on big displacement in a segment that often clings to tradition.
Harley Davidson Road King Special 114
The Road King Special uses Harley’s Milwaukee Eight 114 engine with 1868cc of displacement. It’s a bike that strips things back to essentials — no fairings, no heavy electronics, just a huge engine in a timeless cruiser frame. This combination of simplicity and raw power resonates with riders in Canada and the US who want to feel every thump of the engine without distraction. It’s one of Harley’s purest big displacement offerings.
Yamaha XV1900 Raider
Yamaha’s XV1900 Raider uses an 1854cc air cooled V twin that was one of the largest Japanese production engines ever. Known for its reliability and brute torque, it was marketed as a power cruiser that could go toe to toe with American machines. Though production ended in many markets, used models remain sought after in Canada for their blend of displacement, dependability, and unmistakable cruiser attitude.
Moto Guzzi California 1400 Touring
Moto Guzzi’s California 1400 brought Italian flair to the cruiser market with its 1380cc transverse V twin. While smaller in size than some American competitors, the way it delivers power and character makes it feel special. Its rumbling sideways engine layout gives it a unique ride feel. In Canada, riders who want big displacement with a European twist are drawn to the California.
Victory Vision 106
Though Victory Motorcycles is gone, its Vision 106 remains available on the used and leftover dealer market, and it is still a standout in terms of displacement. The 1731cc Freedom V twin offered strong torque and smooth touring performance, wrapped in futuristic styling that divided opinions. For Canadians, it became an affordable way to enjoy a high displacement American bike without Harley or Indian prices.
Harley Davidson Street Glide ST 117
Harley’s Street Glide ST is equipped with the Milwaukee Eight 117, a 1923cc powerhouse designed for riders who want touring comfort with more muscle. It’s positioned as a performance bagger, blending big displacement with aggressive attitude. On Canadian highways, it gives riders the perfect mix of long distance comfort and stoplight bragging rights.
Triumph Thunderbird Storm 1700
The Thunderbird Storm carried Triumph’s 1699cc parallel twin, offering serious torque in a package that blended British engineering with cruiser style. It stood out from Japanese and American rivals by being both distinctive and muscular. Though no longer in Triumph’s current lineup, it remains available on the used market and offers Canadian riders something unique in the big displacement segment.
Indian Springfield Dark Horse 116
The Springfield Dark Horse uses Indian’s 1890cc Thunderstroke 116 engine, making it one of the most powerful baggers around. Its stripped down style and aggressive looks make it popular with riders who want a heavyweight machine without unnecessary chrome. In Canada, it’s appreciated as a big engine cruiser that feels modern while still connected to Indian’s deep heritage.
Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 (Legacy Model)
The Vulcan 2000 remains legendary as one of the largest production V twins ever, with a staggering 2053cc of displacement. Though discontinued, clean examples still circulate in Canada and the US, and they remain highly respected for their brute torque and presence. It was Kawasaki’s mic drop moment in the displacement wars, and it still turns heads today.
Harley Davidson Fat Boy 114
The Fat Boy is one of Harley’s most iconic models, and the Milwaukee Eight 114 gives it 1868cc of displacement to match its reputation. The engine delivers huge torque and the kind of low end grunt that defines the Harley experience. For Canadian riders, the Fat Boy remains one of the ultimate expressions of Harley muscle, both in size and cultural significance.
Indian Roadmaster 116
The Roadmaster is Indian’s full size touring flagship, equipped with the Thunderstroke 116 engine. With 1890cc of displacement, it delivers massive torque ideal for cross country rides. It blends luxury and comfort with heavyweight American muscle, making it a favorite among Canadian riders who take long tours across provinces.
Boss Hoss V8 Motorcycles
Boss Hoss bikes are the undisputed monsters of displacement. These motorcycles use Chevrolet small block and big block V8s ranging from 5735cc to over 6200cc. They produce more power than most cars and are as much about spectacle as riding. Canadians who’ve seen them on the road know they’re impossible to ignore absurd, impractical, but undeniably legendary.
Why Big Displacement Still Matters
In an age of emissions rules, lightweight sport machines, and efficiency, big displacement motorcycles remain unapologetic reminders of why we ride. They are built for riders who want a visceral connection, who measure joy not in miles per gallon but in the thump of every piston stroke. For Canadian and American riders, these giants offer the perfect match for wide open highways, endless horizons, and the freedom that only comes when you’ve got a mountain of torque under you. These bikes aren’t for everyone but for those who crave presence and power, there’s nothing else like them.
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
Car loans are one of the most common ways people fund car purchases. Like any other kind of loan, car loans can have certain features that can be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage to the borrower. Understanding all essential facts about car loans and how they work to ensure that you get the best deal for your financial situation is essential. Here are 25 shocking facts about car loans that most drivers don’t realize:
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
