Torque is the rotational analogy of force. It is the twisting force that is available at the wheels. BHP is the rate at which this torque is delivered to the wheels.



 To understand and torque in detail, we’ll first need to understand energy. Energy is the capability to do work. This energy can be expended in the form of heat or mechanical energy or can be contained within an object as potential energy. When energy is expended, work is done. The unit of energy is Joule.

  Torque is represented by Newton Meters in the SI system, or by foot-pound in the British Imperial System. Mathematically, torque can be written as T = F * r * sin (θ) 

 In pure automotive engine terms, when the piston moves, after charge detonation, torque is the turning force that pushes down the piston, turns the crankshaft and rotates the flywheel. On the other hand, horsepower is the torque, multiplied by the engine rpm, or the rate of work done. So torque, in essence, is the sheer force produced when the air-fuel mixture combusts, and how fast, or at what frequency (rpm) you can produce that torque is the power.

FOR EXAMPLE

Let’s assume one bike has 50 horsepower and 200 Nm of Torque. The other bike, for assumption’s sake, has 100 horsepower and 100 Nm of torque. This means that the first bike has half the horsepower, but twice the torque of the second bike. Now, the second bike with 100 horsepower should be able to accelerate faster and should be able to achieve a higher top speed owing to its higher power. In the simplest terms, since power is the rate of work done, it should be able to move the motorcycle at a faster rate. However, the second bike won’t have the amount of turning force required to carry heavy loads. Load the second bike up with two heavily built men, with weighty luggage, and the performance of this motorcycle will be adversely affected. On the other hand, the first bike, with a high torque figure, will not sprint as quickly as the second bike and will have a lower top speed as well. With twice the amount of turning force, however, even with a lot of rider load and luggage on it.