diff --git a/libraries/SITL/SIM_Motor.cpp b/libraries/SITL/SIM_Motor.cpp
index e145d0d823..9c82d1ac0b 100644
--- a/libraries/SITL/SIM_Motor.cpp
+++ b/libraries/SITL/SIM_Motor.cpp
@@ -98,17 +98,17 @@ void Motor::calculate_forces(const struct sitl_input &input,
     }
     last_change_usec = now;
 
-    // calculate torque in newton-meters
-    torque = (position % thrust) + rotor_torque;
-
     // possibly rotate the thrust vector and the rotor torque
     if (!is_zero(roll) || !is_zero(pitch)) {
         Matrix3f rotation;
         rotation.from_euler(radians(roll), radians(pitch), 0);
         thrust = rotation * thrust;
-        torque = rotation * torque;
+        rotor_torque = rotation * rotor_torque;
     }
 
+    // calculate total torque in newton-meters
+    torque = (position % thrust) + rotor_torque;
+
     if (use_drag) {
         // calculate momentum drag per motor
         const float momentum_drag_factor = momentum_drag_coefficient * sqrtf(air_density * true_prop_area);