Motorcycle Engine Sizes CC Chart(For All Categories)

Motorcycle engines come in a wide range of displacements, from tiny 50cc commuter bikes to massive 2000cc cruisers.

This guide breaks down what CC means, how engine size impacts performance, and includes a full Motorcycle Engine Sizes CC Chart with common categories and examples.

Motorcycle Engine Sizes CC Chart

Engine Size (CC)	Category Name	Typical Use Case	Power/Speed Range	Popular Examples
50cc – 125cc	Ultra-Light / Beginner	City riding, learners	4–15 hp, 40–65 mph	Honda Grom 125, Yamaha Jog
150cc – 200cc	Lightweight Commuter	Short trips, low-cost travel	12–20 hp, 55–75 mph	KTM Duke 200, Honda CBR150R
220cc – 300cc	Starter Sport / Dual Sport	Entry-level sport + adventure	20–35 hp, 70–90 mph	Yamaha R3 (321cc), Honda CRF300L
350cc – 400cc	Light Sport / Advanced Beginner	Highway-capable commuting	30–50 hp, 85–105 mph	Kawasaki Ninja 400, Royal Enfield 350 series
450cc – 500cc	Mid-Light Street	Balanced city + highway	40–55 hp, 90–110 mph	Honda Rebel 500, KTM EXC 450
550cc – 650cc	Middleweight / All-Rounder	Touring, commuting	45–70 hp, 100–120 mph	Kawasaki Ninja 650, Suzuki SV650
700cc – 800cc	Mid-Upper Performance	Sport + adventure touring	60–85 hp, 110–130 mph	Yamaha MT-07, BMW F750GS
850cc – 1000cc	Liter-Class / High Performance	Superbikes, sport touring	100–200 hp, 150–180 mph	Yamaha R1, Kawasaki ZX-10R
1100cc – 1400cc	Power Cruisers / Big Touring	Long trips, two-up comfort	70–120 hp, massive torque	Honda Africa Twin 1100, Suzuki Hayabusa 1340
1500cc – 1800cc	Heavy Touring / Luxury	Cross-country rides	80–120 hp, high torque	Harley-Davidson 1746cc, Honda Gold Wing 1800
2000cc – 2500cc	Mega Cruisers	Maximum torque, premium touring	100–140 hp, extreme torque	Triumph Rocket 3 (2500cc)

Understanding Each Engine Size Category

1. 50cc – 125cc: Best for Absolute Beginners

These are the lightest and most fuel-efficient motorcycles. Ideal for:

Short trips
Low-speed city riding
New riders learning clutch control
Affordable commuting

They offer great mileage (often 100+ mpg) but limited highway capability.

2. 150cc – 200cc: Efficient Small Bikes

These motorcycles add more power and stability while remaining economical.

Perfect for:

Students
Budget commuters
Urban riders needing slightly more speed

3. 250cc Motorcycles: Entry Sport + Lightweight Dual Sports

A sweet spot for new riders who want versatility:

Good for city + light touring
Enough power for highways
Easy handling

4. 300cc – 400cc: Popular Beginner-Intermediate Class

This category offers:

Great power-to-weight ratio
Exceptional fuel economy
Manageable for beginners, exciting for experienced riders

These bikes are widely recommended as the first “real” motorcycles.

5. 500cc – 650cc: Balanced, Powerful, and Versatile

Mid-sized engines are perfect for:

Daily commuting
Highway rides
Touring
Moderate two-up riding

They strike the best balance between power and practicality.

6. 700cc – 900cc: High Performance, Still Manageable

Ideal for riders wanting more thrill:

Strong acceleration
Capable on highways and twisty roads
Good for sport-touring

Popular among intermediate riders upgrading from a smaller bike.

7. 1000cc Superbikes: Maximum Speed

These bikes are built for:

Track use
High-speed open road riding
Experienced riders only

Expect aggressive throttle response and advanced electronics for stability.

8. 1200cc – 1500cc Cruisers: Heavy Torque Machines

Designed for comfort and long trips:

High torque at low RPM
Comfortable for long-distance touring
Perfect for relaxed riding rather than racing

9. 1600cc – 2000cc+ Heavy Cruisers and Touring Bikes

These are the giants of the motorcycle world:

Extremely powerful
Comfortable for multi-day touring
Feature-rich (GPS, audio, heated grips, etc.)

They require experience due to their size and weight.

How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Engine Size

Here’s a quick guide:

Best for Beginners:

125cc – 300cc
Lightweight, easy to learn, inexpensive.

Best for City Commuting:

125cc – 400cc
Fuel-efficient and nimble.

Best for Highway Commutes:

500cc – 650cc
Stable at high speeds.

Best for Long-Distance Touring:

700cc – 2000cc+
Comfortable and powerful.

Best for Racing or Track:

600cc supersport or 1000cc superbike

FAQs

What is the CC size of a motorcycle?

The CC size of a motorcycle refers to its engine displacement measured in cubic centimeters (cc). It indicates how much air and fuel the engine can process. Motorcycle engines can range from 50cc scooters to 2500cc mega cruisers, depending on power and purpose.

What cc is a 1.2 engine?

A 1.2 engine equals 1200cc.

“1.2” represents the engine displacement in liters. Since 1 liter = 1000cc, a 1.2L engine is 1200 cubic centimeters.

What is 2.0 engine size in cc?

A 2.0 engine equals 2000cc.

This is a common engine size in cars, but some large cruisers and touring bikes (like the Triumph Rocket or some Harley models) also reach 1800cc–2500cc.

What size engines do motorcycles have?

Motorcycles come in a wide range of engine sizes, typically:

50cc–125cc – scooters and beginner bikes
150cc–250cc – light commuters
300cc–500cc – beginner/intermediate street bikes
600cc–800cc – performance street & sport touring
900cc–1200cc – big twins and adventure bikes
1500cc–2500cc – heavy touring and cruisers

Some specialty bikes (drag or custom) may exceed these limits.

Does 2 litre engine mean 2000cc?

Yes. A 2.0-liter engine is equal to 2000cc.

Engine size in liters and in CC both refer to total displacement, just expressed differently.

Is a 400cc motorcycle considered powerful?

A 400cc motorcycle is moderately powerful, especially for beginners or city riders.

Plenty for commuting
Can handle highways
Strong acceleration compared to 125cc–250cc bikes

Modern 400cc bikes like the Ninja 400 or KTM 390 offer an excellent power-to-weight ratio, making them quick and fun without being overwhelming.