What are CC on motorcycles and why are they so important?

The cubic centimeters, also known as CC on motorcycles, are a measure that everyone has ever heard.

They are used to indicate the displacement of an engine and are an important indicator of performance and power when we talk about motorcycles.

If you want to know more thoroughly what are the CC, what types are there, how they are calculated and how they affect the performance of two -wheeled vehicles, Keep reading!

Definition of centimeters Cubics of a motorcycle

The cubic centimeters (CC) of a motorcycle refer to the total volume of the engine cylinders expressed in cubic centimeters units. The measure of cubic centimeters is a way to indicate the motor displacement, which is the amount of fuel and air that the engine can process in a single combustion cycle.

Now that you have seen that we know what we are talking about, we tell you what if the CC motorcycles in simpler terms;

Cubic centimeters or CC indicate the "power" of the motorcycle engine, that is, its ability to produce energy and speed. The amount of cubic centimeters (125cc, 250cc, 600cc ...) define what is known as cylindrated from an engine.

In general, motorcycles with greater displacement have more power and speed, while motorcycles with the lowest displacement are cheaper and appropriate for urban or lower demand journeys.

Although cubic centimeters are a determining factor in the performance of an engine, there are many other factors that also influence engine design, transmission, aerodynamics, etc.

What effect have cubic centimeters in the performance of a motorcycle?

As we have said, the cubic centimeters (CC) directly influence how a motorcycle works. Its strength, power, speed and performance is largely marked by the displacement.

And why? Because the amount of fuel and air that the engine can process in a single combustion cycle is marked by the CC of the motorcycles. A more CC, more fuel and more air, so also more power and speed.

But be careful, no more cubic centimeters guarantee a better performance. It will depend on the manufacturer, the model and many other aspects for this general rule to be fulfilled.

On the other hand, it is also important to keep in mind that a greater displacement implies greater fuel consumption, which translates into a higher operating cost and lower energy efficiency. In this sense, the best thing is certainly to opt for an electric motorcycle.

How is the displacement of an engine measured?

The displacement of an engine is measured by calculating the total volume that the pistons displace in the cylinders during a complete cycle of motor operation. For this, a formula that involves the diameter of the cylinder and the piston race is used. The result is expressed in cubic centimeters units (CC), liters (L) or cubic inches (CI).

Do electric motorcycles use cubic centimeters as a measure?

No, electric motorcycles do not use cubic centimeters (CC) as a measure of their performance, since they do not have an internal combustion engine. Instead, they use an electric motor that produces energy from a rechargeable battery.

When we talk about CC Motos, we refer to combustion engines. The performance of an electric motorcycle is measured in terms of the power that can generate its electric motor, which is expressed in kilowatts (kW) or in horses of force (HP).

Although this is so, since many people do not know these last measures, manufacturers and merchants transmit the equivalence of their most widespread power in the world of two wheels, the cubic centimeters.

Therefore, it is very possible that you frequently see that a Electric motorcycle 125 or an electric motorcycle 250, since they are sold as equivalent to 125 cc or 250 cc.

What amounts of CC in motorcycles are the most common?

The most common cubic centimeters (CC) on motorcycles vary according to the type of motorcycle and the market in which they are sold, but as a general rule, and in the Spanish market it is common to find motorcycles with displacements ranging from approximately 50 cc and to 1,200 cc.

However, as we say, this is the most frequent, but not exclusive range. There are also bikes both below 5 cc, and above 1,200 cc.

Next, some of the most common CCs are presented in different types of motorcycles:

• CICLOMOTORES: up to 50cc of power. Generally 49 cc exact. In the current market, an electric motorcycle 49 CC (equivalent) is the choice of increasingly drivers.
• City and scooters motorcycles: It is very common that they have 125 cc, as in the case of the Vespa. There are also 250 cc models, although they are less frequent
• Low displacement sports motorcycles: between 250 and 500 cc. Generally manufacturers opt for 250 cc, 300 cc or 500 cc engines. In the case of field motorcycles, it is very common to find measures of 450 cc.
• High displacement sports motorcycles: between 600 and 1,000 cc. In the fully sports segment, speaking of motorcycles of the Moto GP style, such as the famous Kawasaki Ninja or the Suzuki GSXR, the measures are almost always the same: or 600 cc or 1,000 cc. On occasion, manufacturers try intermediate measures of 750 cc U 800 cc
• Touring and Cruiser motorcycles: Between 1,000 and 2,000 CC. It is about the models that present the greatest motor capacity. We generally talk about motorcycles with 1,000 or 1,200 cc, and that are usually designed for longer journeys, adventures and routes in which it is needed with greater comfort and power and sufficient performance to endure without problems.

In summary, if we talk about scooters, it is most likely to find motorcycles of 49 cc, 125 cc motorcycles, 250 cc motorcycles and 300 cc motorcycles. In the case of sports motorcycles, historically we speak mainly of 600 cc motorcycles and 1,000 cc motorcycles.

As we said, these values ​​are just a reference and a guide. It is possible to find diversity of displacements in the market and when it comes to choosing, it will depend on the individual's individual needs and preferences.

Think Electric, Think NEXT!