10 Fastest American Motorcycles In 2024

Historically, American motorcycle culture hasn’t been about aggressive riding or reaching 60 mph in a couple of seconds. Such craving for speed is more commonly associated with Italian and Japanese manufacturers. However, certain discrete efforts were documented, such as the Harley-Davidson V-R1000, Mission R, and Fischer MRX 650. These vehicles demonstrated some astounding top speeds, but none of them were successful in becoming regular production models. And the two major American manufacturers, Harley-Davidson and Indian, have largely restricted themselves to traditional American-style cruising.

But now, times are changing. The two companies are focusing more on speed and less on typical cruisers to meet the demands of the younger generation. Joining the same speed revolution are American electric motorcycle makers, such as Lightning and Damon. These are not only launching extremely fast vehicles but also demonstrating that EVs can be as fast as their gas-powered equivalents.

Together, all these factors ensure an assortment of fast, American-made motorcycles you can put your money on. And if you’re in the market for one, the below list will make your life a whole lot easier. So allow us to present the 10 fastest motorcycles in America today.

Looking at the data from OEM websites, and authoritative websites like Cycleworld.com and Electrek, we have created this list of fastest American motorcycles with the most authentic and relevant information. Motorcycles on this list are arranged from the lowest top speed to the highest.

10 Indian FTR

Top Speed: 124 MPH

If you ever wondered what the abbreviation FTR stands for, then you should know it is Flat Track Racing. We guess just this much information is sufficient to understand that this bike is totally focused on performance and comes with just the right kinds of fancy components. The design language expresses the same: chiseled, muscular, and powerful. Built around a lightweight trellis frame, the FTR features high handlebars and low foot pegs that allow for an upright riding position, whereas standard cruise control saves you from fatigue during longer rides. Fully adjustable front and rear suspension work in harmony with Brembo brakes to offer responsive handling and an excellent ride feel.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from Indian)

The robust V-twin at its heart produces massive power at low RPM, so there’s ample power throughout the rev range. Indian has added rear-cylinder deactivation technology to this engine, which will save you from engine heat in slow-moving traffic. There are no ride modes or customizable engine power maps to meddle with throttle input response. It’s just you, the road, and the raw power of a sporty V-twin.

9 Zero SR/S

Top Speed: 124 MPH

The captivating Zero SR/S draws inspiration from aerospace design for superb aerodynamics and speed. The fully faired front and sleek overall design improve the range by 13% over the manufacturer’s SR/F and SR models. Plus, the sporty character of the SR/S merges with daily ride practicality because of its high handlebars and low footpegs.

The Z-Force electric motor receives power from a 17.3 kWh battery–Zero’s largest yet. Featured with enhanced thermal efficiency, this motor delivers smooth, torque-rich performance. Power delivery also benefits from the power pivot design, which ensures constant drive-belt tension and maximum torque delivery to the rear wheel.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from Zero)

Claimed by the manufacturer as the world’s first fully ‘smart’ motorcycle, the SR/S stays connected with the help of the Cypher III+ operating system and smartphone application. This app allows you to access the vehicle’s data and control it right from your smartphone. You also get virtually limitless customization options.

8 Indian Scout Rogue

Top Speed: 128 MPH

Indian Scout is the long-standing champion in the sporty cruiser segment, and the Rogue variant adds more aggressiveness with all dark shades and mini-ape handlebars. Featured with a lightweight, cast aluminum frame and low seat, this bike is super easy to handle at any speed. The 19-inch front wheel makes handling even easier, especially in the twisties.

The punchy V-twin at its heart generates 100 horsepower, more than any cruiser in its class. The engine’s 60-degree layout, along with fuel injection, allows for rapid acceleration and strong pull at any given RPM. Unlike its closest competitors, the H-D Nightster and Honda Rebel, the Scout doesn’t have any ride modes, which allows you to enjoy an unadulterated response from the engine all the time.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from Indian)

Style-wise, the Rogue looks sportier than other scouts because of the café racer-style fairing. ABS is standard, and there is a hidden USB charging port in the classically styled instrument cluster. Clean and simple sums things up well.

7 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special

Top Speed: 141 MPH

For 2024, the Pan America 1250 Special is the base model in Harley’s adventure touring category, with a CVO model replacing it as the top-spec. The Pan America is currently the most powerful H-D offering, which makes it one of the fastest too (second only to the Sportster S). This bike is powered by a 1,252cc Revolution Max engine that promises 150 horsepower.

The Revolution Max 1250 engine drives the rear wheel and is a structural component of the bike. This decreases weight and leads to more balanced riding dynamics than the normal layout. You can adjust your preferred traction control and engine braking by changing ride modes, according to the conditions. The modern cockpit includes a 6.8-inch color TFT touchscreen with Bluetooth and H-D app connectivity.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from Harley-Davidson)

Available in six distinct colors, this bike has an incredible suspension setup that doubles the fun of adventure riding. The adaptable ride height function allows you to decrease the seat height when stopped, making this bike more accessible to short riders while also instilling confidence in them. Aside from the preload adjustment setting, the system continuously senses weight inputs and maintains optimal damping during the ride.

6 Harley-Davidson Sportster S

Top Speed: 143 MPH

A Harley cruiser with great speed? This description didn’t fit the character of traditional Harleys until 2021. Then came the Sportster S, which jumped onto the speedy cruiser bandwagon. Eyeing the young generation, the Sportster S is offered with a head-turning design, modern tech features, and sporty performance. The Revolution Max engine–same as the Pan America–produces bursts of power and is equipped with an array of power management technologies. There are three pre-programmed power modes, namely Sport, Road, and Rain, along with customizable power modes to adjust throttle response, traction control, engine mapping, and engine braking as per your preference.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from Harley-Davidson)

The mode selection is super easy with the 4-inch TFT dial on the dash, and the screen is Bluetooth-enabled to connect to a smartphone via the H-D app. A USB-C port is also there for phone charging and system updates. Rider safety features such as a cornering-enhanced anti-lock braking system (C-ABS), a cornering-enhanced traction control system (C-TCS), and a drag-torque slip control system (DSCS) are also standard inclusions. Oh, and before you raise fingers, we haven’t included the new CVO Road Glide ST because it’s yet to be tested in the real-world.

5 Lightning Strike-R

Top Speed: 160 MPH

Using the experience of building the record-breaking LS-218 (see below), Lightning Motorcycles has launched the Strike-R. This bike has a visual similarity to the LS-218 but is equipped with reduced power for regular use. However, the power characteristics are still on par with those of liter-class gas-powered sports bikes; hence, it is best suited for expert riders.

Inside the lightweight frame sits a liquid-cooled 380V electric motor. The power figures are only comparable to bikes like Suzuki’s Hayabusa or the Strike R’s electric competitor from Italy, the Energica Ego+ RS. The standard 20-kWh battery provides a combined range of 293 miles, and, if you wish, a 24-kWh battery pack is also available with a 312-mile range.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from Lightning)

The Strike-R is equipped with a superior aerodynamic design and lightweight forged aluminum wheels, allowing for fast acceleration and superb handling. These, paired with premium suspension and brakes from Ohlins and Brembo (respectively) offer an excellent ride feel and nimble handling. Standard regenerative braking and optional fast charging are other features of this bike.

4 Damon Hyperfighter Colossus

Top Speed: 170 MPH

The Damon HyperFighter Colossus is a futuristic naked electric motorcycle that features never-before-seen technologies. This electric bike boasts a city-highway combined range of 146 miles, thanks to its PMAC liquid-cooled motor. On the technical side, the bike has the world’s first monocoque-constructed HyperDrive power plant, which ensures a low weight, improved balance, and no maintenance.

The shift function of the bike will make you feel like you’re riding a Transformer machine. Simply touching a button changes the riding position from aggressive to relaxed. You can modify the riding posture by shifting the location of the handlebars and footpegs while riding. Super cool, isn’t it?

Engine Specification

(Sourced from Damon)

The second wonderful feature is for safety, called CoPilot. This AI-powered warning system incorporates haptic handlebar input, proximity alert LEDs, front and rear cameras, and long-range scanning radars. All of these work together to provide you with a 360-degree awareness of 64 different types of potential risks. You also get traction control and riding modes, alongside smartphone connectivity and over-the-air upgrades.

3 Buell Hammerhead 1190

Top Speed: 190+ MPH

The Hammerhead 1190 is the latest sports bike from Buell. This is also the first model the company has released after making a comeback in 2021. Following the signature of Buell, the Hammerhead is featured with unique aerodynamic capabilities and advanced tech features.

The Hammerhead gets its power from a liquid-cooled V-twin engine. This engine provides excellent low-end torque and high-revving top end because of its 72-degree orientation and electronic fuel injection with two port injectors and two showerhead injectors. A six-speed transmission with a hydraulically actuated clutch transfers the power to the rear wheel.

Engine Specification

Built for speed, the Hammerhead boasts several tidbits that make it lightweight and easy to handle. For example, a full carbon fiber bodywork allows for a 419-pound weight, which is way less than its competitors. The frame enables balanced weight distribution, and the fully adjustable front and rear shocks allow you to fine-tune your Buell.

2 Damon Hypersport Premier

Top Speed: 200 MPH

The Damon Hypersport Premier is positioned as one of the most advanced motorcycles of modern times. The justification of this claim can be seen in the claimed 200 MPH top speed and 200 miles combined range. Also, like the naked variant Hyperfighter, the Hypersport is equipped with the most advanced safety and rider assistance features.

The 7-inch LCD touchscreen on the deck enhances the premium feel of having a hi-tech bike. Cameras installed at the front and rear provide a 360-degree view of your surroundings on this screen for enhanced safety. And in the meantime, the radar system alerts you about possible dangers via haptic handlebar feedback and windscreen LEDs.

​​​Engine Specification

(Sourced from Damon)

The liquid-cooled electric motor generates enormous power with a high-rev limit of 18,000 RPM. It is coupled with a single-speed transmission, which ensures smooth and linear power delivery at any RPM. You need not worry about the charging time because the onboard charger accepts 120V, 240V, and CCS fast charging. Just add an adapter, and you can also use Tesla Superchargers for a reduced charging time.

1 Lightning LS-218

Top Speed: 218 MPH

Yes, you guessed that right. The name of this superfast electric sports bike comes from the top speed it can achieve. It set this record at Bonneville Salt Flats and was named the fastest electric motorcycle. But that’s not all; the LS-218 beat its gas-powered competitors at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb by over 20 seconds in 2013.

Claimed to be the world’s fastest production electric motorcycle, the LS-218 is powered by an IPM 180 kW+ electric motor, which has a rev limit of 10,500 RPM. The horsepower and torque produced by this motor are way higher than those of many top-end gas-powered sports bikes. The standard 15-kWh battery pack has a range of 188 miles, although you can opt for an optional 20-kWh battery pack or a 28-kWh battery pack as well.

Engine Specification

(Sourced from Lightning)

Developed as a purebred sports bike, the LS-218 is rigorously wind-tunnel-tested to achieve maximum aerodynamic efficiency. The fully faired body design is paired with an Ohlins suspension setup and a Brembo braking system for efficient handling characteristics at its crazy speeds. A regenerative braking technology is also part of the package for increased highway range.