Motorcycle Engine Sizes: Which One is Best for You? - Neighbor Blog (2024)

The size of a motorcycle engine isn’t a detail to overlook. It will impact a bike’s safety, fuel efficiency, and maneuverability.

If you are considering purchasing a new motorcycle and want to make sure your motorcycle’s engine reflects your riding style, you’re in the right place.

With engines ranging from 50cc to more than 2000cc, there’s a wide range of information to understand before you officially buy a motorcycle.

Motorcycle Engine Sizes: The Basics

Much like the engines in cars, motorcycle engines also come in a variety of shapes and sizes. These engines are classified based on their cubic centimeters (CC) rating, which measures the engine’s displacement.

The engine capacity is determined by the engine’s cylinder dimensions, and usually, a larger capacity indicates a more powerful engine. But engine size has a say in more than just your bike’s total power. The size of the engine will also inform the following:

• Fuel efficiency
• Weight of the motorcycle
• Handling and maneuverability
• Cost of maintenance and repairs

So when choosing a motorcycle, it’s important to consider both the engine size and how it will affect these other factors.

Engines with larger displacements can process more air and fuel, producing greater horsepower and torque. Overall, the displacement impacts a motorcycle’s performance through the power-to-weight ratio.

Increase your bike’s displacement, and engine power will increase. But is increasing displacement the only way to boost engine power? Not quite.

There are other more efficient methods, too. For instance, improving volumetric efficiency with forced induction systems or enhancing thermal efficiency with better engine components can also boost power.

Common CC Ranges

Motorcycles are generally classified into categories based on their engine sizes. The engine capacity for many motorcycles commonly falls within the 400cc and 1,000cc range, impacting the power and torque level for diverse performance needs.

Understanding motorcycle engine types can help riders make informed decisions when choosing a bike that suits their preferences.

For example, single-cylinder engines usually fall within the 50 to 250cc range, although some models, known as “‘big singles,” can have capacities as large as 700cc. Parallel twin engines have a varied CC range–starting from 471cc in models like the Honda SCL500 and can reach up to 889cc in adventure motorcycles like the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition.

Sport bikes, on the other hand, which require high power outputs and rev limits, typically employ larger engine sizes within this common range.

Types of Motorcycle Engines by Size

The differentiation of motorcycle engines is also based on the number and arrangement of cylinders, as well as the engine type (e.g., a four-stroke engine).

Single Cylinder Engines

Single-cylinder engines, often found in small motorcycles (and not car engines), are the simplest of the lot. These engines typically fall within the 50 – 250cc range, catering to a variety of small motorcycles.

The power produced by a single-cylinder engine may be modest compared to their multi-cylinder counterparts, such as a two-cylinder engine, but they offer an unbeatable blend of simplicity, economy, and rugged reliability.

Still, small displacements don’t dominate the world of single-cylinder engines. There are “big singles” that reach up to 700cc, representing the upper end of the spectrum.

Parallel Twin Engine

The characteristic feature of parallel twin engines is both cylinders pointing in the same direction, sharing a common crankshaft and cylinder head. This design makes them lightweight and inexpensive to produce. They offer a versatile CC range, starting from 471 cc in motorcycles like the Honda SCL500, up to 1,083cc as seen in the Honda Rebel 1100T DCT.

Parallel twin engines (as well as flat twin engines) boast various engine configurations, including 270°, 360°, and 180° crankshaft arrangements, which affect the engine’s power delivery and character.

V-Twin Engines

V-twin engines have become a standard in the realm of cruisers and touring bikes. They feature:

• Cylinders that form a ‘V’ shape
• Each cylinder is located in a separate block, creating a narrow and long design
• Powerful and stable ride compared to parallel twins
• Unique exhaust sound and visual appeal

V-twin engines come in a wide range of sizes, typically between 250cc to 2500cc. Brands like Harley-Davidson offer sizes up to 1917 cc, while cruisers often feature engines ranging from 800cc to 1900cc.

These engines deliver substantial torque at low speeds, which suits the laid-back riding style of cruisers and makes long-distance riding a breeze.

Matching Engine Size to Your Riding Style

The choice of the right motorcycle engine size goes beyond just power and speed. It’s about finding the perfect balance between performance, control, and fuel efficiency. You’ll also need a bike that complements your unique riding style.

Recommended Engine Size for Beginner Riders

As a newcomer to motorcycling, it’s important to begin with one of the motorcycle engine layouts that provides sufficient power without being too overpowering.

For novice motorcyclists, an engine size between 250CC and 400CC is recommended as it offers smooth and controlled acceleration, faster stopping, and is therefore more forgiving for beginners.

Recommended Engine Size for Experienced Riders

Advanced motorcyclists may opt for high-performance motorcycles with engine capacities from 650CC to 1200CC, with an understanding that such bikes require advanced skills to handle safely.

As a general rule of thumb, motorcycles with a higher CC typically offer increased power and enhanced performance capabilities.

For those into dirt bikes, larger engine sizes beyond 1000CC, contribute to quicker acceleration and higher top speeds, which are preferred by advanced riders looking for maximum power and speed.

Recommended Engine Size for Touring and Long-Distance Riders

For long-distance touring, engine sizes starting from 650cc can be adequate, but larger displacements such as 1200cc are often lauded for their ability to maintain consistently high cruising speeds.

It’s not uncommon for touring motorcycles to have engine sizes in the range of 1000cc to 1800cc, providing enough power for long hauls and the capacity to carry extra gear.

Engine Size Considerations for Different Motorcycle Types

Different motorcycle types require specific engine sizes to cater to their intended use. Sport bikes, for instance, typically have higher CC engines that provide the speed and acceleration required for racing and performance-oriented riding.

Sport Bikes

Image Courtesy of Yamaha

The design of sport bikes focuses on speed and performance. They commonly feature engine sizes that start at 600cc and can exceed 1000cc, underlining their emphasis on high performance and speed. The Yamaha YZF-R6 is a popular and fuel efficient sport bike.

Typically, these motorcycles are equipped with four-cylinder engines within the 600cc to 1000cc range to deliver the high power and speed sought after for track and performance riding.

Cruisers

Image Credit: Harley Davidson (Model pictured: Softail Slim)

Cruisers, like the Harley-Davidson Softail Slim, exemplify a laid-back and relaxed riding style. These motorcycles typically feature:

• Larger engine sizes, starting from around 700cc up to 1800cc or beyond, sustain this relaxed riding style and substantial torque.
• V-Twin engines, whose size can vary significantly from 250cc to a hefty 2500cc, are especially favored in cruisers.
• Brands like Harley-Davidson offer V-Twin engines ranging from 750cc to 1917cc, contributing to the segment’s iconic status.

Adventure and Off-Road Bikes

Image Credit Royal Enfield (Model pictured: Himalayan)

Designed for thrill-seekers who love navigating different terrains, adventure and off-road bikes cater to a unique set of riders. These bikes require an engine size that delivers both power and agility, which is essential in meeting the demands of the diverse terrains. For those new to adventure riding, entry-level bikes such as the Royal Enfield Himalayan and Honda CB500X with engine sizes around 400cc to 500cc are generally recommended.

Summary

Shopping for a motorcycle brings a lot of factors to find, from engine size to cost to brand.

But don’t let the buzz of motorcycle shopping distract you from an all-too-important step: motorcycle storage. A traditional garage or storage garage is a good solution to keep mold, mildew, and theft issues at bay. Neighbor, a peer-to-peer storage marketplace, provides safe, nearby, and budget-friendly storage units right in your own neighborhood.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best CC for a Motorcycle?

For beginners, a motorcycle with an engine size of 500cc to 600cc is recommended as it is easier to handle and more forgiving for new riders.

How Big Is a 600CC Engine?

A 600cc engine is considered to be on the larger side for motorcycles, offering more power and performance than smaller engines.

What Engine Size Should I Get?

The best motorcycle engine size is the one that matches your needs when it comes to speed, stability, and maneuverability. Most beginners start with a motorcycle in the 250cc range.

What Size Is a 125CC Engine?

A 125cc engine is a small option, best for those looking for inner-city commutes, moderate speeds, and fuel efficiency. This is also a good option for a beginner.

Is 400CC Too Much for a Beginner?

With the proper training and introduction, a 400cc motorcycle can be manageable for a beginner. However, comfort and controllability need to be considered, as it’s not the smallest engine size available (and therefore not the most comfortable or easy to maneuver).