Power delivery

Power delivery is the way an engine's torque reaches the rear wheel as you open the throttle. It covers how strongly the engine pulls at low revs, how evenly power builds, whether it surges into a narrow powerband and how direct the throttle response feels.

A smooth, linear delivery gives good traction and control on wet roads, gravel and in technical off-road sections. A peaky delivery feels exciting and suits racing, but is harder to manage. Engine design, exhaust, intake, fuelling, gearing, flywheel weight and electronics such as riding modes and traction control all shape it.

When choosing a bike, a test ride tells you more than peak figures on paper. For off-road and beginners, a broad, predictable delivery is usually worth more than maximum power.