Cubic Capacity In Bikes

CC in bikes stands for cubic capacity and refers to the power output of your bike's engine. It is based on the volume (cubic centimetre) of your bike's engine chamber and the extent of the air and fuel mixture that can be compressed and utilised in a single combustion cycle. The cubic capacity in bikes can range from 50cc to 1800cc.

CC can be used to determine the engine’s displacement. It represents the volume of every cylinder multiplied by the total number of cylinders present in the engine. For instance, a 150 cc engine means a total volume of 150 cubic centimetres with respect to all the cylinders in the engine.

Permissible limit - Bikes up to 500cc can be purchased and driven in India with the standard or regular licence. And for bikes with a cubic capacity greater than 500cc, you need to apply for and get a separate licence.

Having understood the cc engine full form and its meaning, let us understand its importance in bikes.

- Influence power output - The air and fuel mixture are compressed in the bike's engine chamber to produce power. Therefore, the higher the cubic capacity, the larger the air and fuel mixture that can be compressed to produce power. And a larger compression can lead to increased power output.

- Impact performance - The bike's CC is a significant factor that helps in determining the performance and acceleration. The higher the CC and the more powerful the engine, the better the acceleration compared to bikes with lower CC.

- Higher speed potential and torque - Bikes having higher CC engines will have a higher top speed potential. Also, they have greater torque to accelerate quickly and withstand higher speeds better.

- Suitability based on riding requirements - Bikes with lower CC engines are suitable for daily commutes within the city or in congested areas and offer better mileage. On the other hand, bikes with a higher CC will be preferable for long-distance riding, off-road adventures, etc.

First of all, you may never need to calculate the CC of a bike because the company clearly mentions it. But if you still want to do it, you need to know certain things about engines.

• Bore - Diameter of each cylinder (mm)

• Stroke - Length of the piston stroke (mm)

• Number of cylinders - Total number of cylinders present in the engine

Once you know your way around a bike’s engine, follow these steps to calculate the CC in bikes.

1. Find the bore and stroke specifications of your bike.

2. Multiply the bore diameter against itself and further with the stroke length and 3.14/4. ((3.14/4) x bore x bore x stroke)

3. Divide the result by the number of cylinders.

4. Divide the result by 1000 and round it to the nearest number value

Insurance for two wheeler is one of the most crucial requirements to secure and maintain your bike to the best standards.

The two wheeler insurance premium is affected by many factors, such as the IDV, age, engine cubic capacity, make and model, type of bike insurance policy, geographic location, etc.

And the cubic capacity of bikes is one of the most significant factors, the higher the cubic capacity, the higher the bike insurance premium.

- Third-Party bike insurance is legally mandatory and covers damages incurred to third parties and their vehicles due to your insured bike.

- Stand-alone bike insurance covers damages incurred to your own insured bike.

- Comprehensive bike insurance covers third-party liabilities and own damages incurred to your bike.

At Tata AIG, we offer the above-mentioned types of two wheeler insurance policy solutions with a range of add-on covers to help you decide on the best bike insurance policy based on your requirements.

Furthermore, you can utilise our bike insurance calculator online to help you select the adequate policy, reduce bike insurance premium, and save a lot of time on deciding a suitable policy based on your affordability.

As third-party bike insurance plans are mandatory in India, IRDAI determines the premium rates for the bike insurance plan based on the cubic capacity.

Here is a table detailing the premium rates based on cc in bikes.

Third-party insurance premiums are determined by the IRDAI, but if you want to purchase comprehensive insurance, the premiums may differ from one company to another. Also, there are many factors that influence the comprehensive insurance premium rates.

- Insured Declared Value (IDV) and age - IDV is the approximate current market value of your bike and the maximum amount for which the bike is insured. As the bike gets older, the market value will decrease, and so does the premium.

- Make and model - The bike insurance premium for a basic model will be lower than that of a bike with designer or sports models with enhanced specifications.

- Geographical location - The locality based on the number of vehicles plying on the road, accident rates, etc., affects the bike insurance premium.

- Add-on covers - Add-on covers enhance the coverage to be helpful in specific scenarios, and the added benefit will be available at an extra cost.

- Modifications of the bike - Modified bikes with special features will increase the premium rates, it is more attractive and increases the risk of theft.

• Increased risk of accidents - As bikes with higher CC tend to accelerate better, you will be driven to explore aggressive riding for adventurous experiences, which can increase the risk of accidents.

• Higher replacement cost - Bikes with a higher cubic capacity will be more expensive to purchase or replace. Therefore, the insurers will have to bear a higher cost for total damage or theft.

• Higher repair costs - Bikes with a higher cubic capacity will have specialised parts that incur higher repair costs in the event of damage.

Choosing the right cubic capacity while purchasing a bike ensures a safe and comfortable riding experience. Here are a few pointers to help you make a well-informed decision.

- Purpose - The intention of the usage is an important consideration in deciding the cc in bikes. A low to mid-range cubic capacity will suffice if you purchase it for regular commutes within the city permits. On the other hand, if long-distance touring and off-road adventures are preferred, purchasing a bike with higher cubic capacity for increased power and better comfort will be a good option.

- Riding experience - If you have limited experience riding bikes or are a beginner, buying a bike with a lower cubic capacity is best advised. It will help you get reasonable control of your bike before exploring powerful options.

- Physical condition - Bikes with higher cc are bigger in size and heavier to handle comfortably. Therefore, it is essential to consider your physical condition, strength, and comfort zones to decide on the right cubic capacity for your bike. You can take a test ride on the different bikes to understand better the bike that suits your abilities.

- Budget - Bikes with a higher cubic capacity will be more expensive to purchase initially and manage in the long term considering the fuel consumption, maintenance, insurance, etc.

Cubic capacity, often called CC in bikes, refers to the volume (cubic centimetre) of your bike's engine chamber. It measures the extent of the air and fuel mixture that can be compressed to produce the power output of your bike's engine. It is a significant factor that affects your bike's performance, cost, and insurance.

In addition, it determines the bike’s capabilities and suitability for the riding conditions. Therefore, let the cubic capacity be one of the primary driving forces to help you decide on a bike suitable for your passion or purpose!

1. What is the cc full form in a vehicle?

The engine cc full form is cubic capacity.

2. How does the engine’s cc affect the bike’s speed?

Bikes with higher cubic capacity will produce more power and torque, resulting in higher speeds. However, it is important to note that the overall design, weight, and aerodynamics also contribute to speed.

3. Is a bike with a higher cc the best choice?

Bikes with a higher cc will exhibit better performance. However, the cubic capacity for your bike should be determined based on the purpose, whether daily commute or long-distance driving, physical conditions, etc., to decide on the best choice.

4. What is the advisable cc for a bike for a beginner?

For beginners, purchasing a bike between 150 cc and 250 cc is generally advised for better manoeuvrability and power.

Disclaimer All insurance prices mentioned here are subject to change pertaining to the city, year of purchase, make and model of the bike, and insurance providers. It is advised to enquire about the insurance price before purchasing.