Automobile Desk: Whenever it comes to buying a new motorcycle in the market, buyers often get confused in the technical terminology. Especially 'Torque' and 'BHP' are two such words which are mentioned first in every automobile discussion. Many people assume that both mean the same thing or that they are just scales to measure the overall power of the vehicle. However, the reality is quite different from this. It is important to know the nuances between these two technical aspects to fully understand the performance, speed and everyday utility of a motorcycle, so that you can choose the right two-wheeler as per your requirement.
What is torque and how does it work?
In simple words, torque is the rotational force generated by the engine, which pulls the vehicle forward. It is measured in Newton-meter (Nm). When you twist the throttle (accelerator) of your bike, the engine's torque is what powers the wheels to move the vehicle from rest.
In everyday city traffic, where the vehicle has to be stopped and driven frequently, the good torque available at low and medium RPM comes in handy. Apart from this, when you are climbing a hilly road, carrying heavy luggage on the vehicle or traveling with a passenger in the back, then the torque of the engine helps you move forward without any hindrance. However, how smoothly the bike will run depends not only on the torque but also on the total weight of the vehicle, gear ratio and engine engineering.
Mathematics of BHP and engine speed
The full name of BHP is Brake Horsepower, which directly reflects the power or capacity of the engine. If all other parameters are same in two different bikes, the motorcycle with more BHP will give much faster acceleration and better performance at higher speeds. This means that when you are covering long distances on the highway and need to accelerate quickly, machines with higher BHP prove to be quite effective.
This is why BHP figures are given the highest priority in sports bikes and racing motorcycles. But it would be foolish to assume that the vehicle will remain at the forefront in every situation, just by looking at the high BHP figure. A motor vehicle's overall weight, aerodynamics and gearing system also have an equally profound effect on its actual speed.
City streets or the open highway: what suits your needs better?
The right motorcycle can be chosen only by identifying your driving habits and scope of use. If most of your journey is spent on busy city roads, office commute and daily work, then you should choose a bike that gives excellent torque in the low RPM range. This reduces the hassle of changing gears frequently and makes driving very comfortable even in heavy traffic.
On the contrary, if you like long trips on weekends, want to enjoy exciting riding on open highways, then a bike with higher BHP will prove to be the right choice for you. This engine helps you maintain high speed and deliver excellent performance on long paved roads.
Pay special attention to these things before shopping
Do not take any final decision based only on the torque and BHP figures printed in the showroom brochure. Before finalizing a motorcycle, always check its weight, braking system, seat comfort and riding posture. If you travel with family or often ride with two people, give preference to a vehicle with strong gearing and strong torque. Before buying any two-wheeler, take a long test ride so that you can experience for yourself how well the vehicle meets your daily driving needs and comfort.