What is CC in Bike: Meaning and Impact - A Complete Guide

Learn what is CC in bike and how engine displacement influences your motorcycle's capabilities and riding experience, and see its impact on insurance premiums.

What is CC in Bike? Know the Engine Displacement

When shopping for a new motorcycle or discussing bikes with fellow enthusiasts, you’ve likely heard the term 'CC'. Have you ever wondered what is CC in bike? Often mentioned in discussions about engine size and power, CC is a crucial factor in understanding a bike’s capabilities.

In this blog, we’ll break down the term and answer the question "What CC means in motorcycle?" and explore what CC represents, how it impacts your ride, and why it’s an essential consideration when choosing a bike.

What is CC in Bike?

CC stands for cubic centimetres, which measures the volume of the engine’s cylinders where the combustion of air and fuel occurs. Specifically, it refers to the total volume of all the cylinders combined, where the air-fuel mixture is burned to produce power. For example, a 250cc engine has a cylinder volume of 250 cubic centimetres. This measurement is crucial because it gives you a general idea of the engine's power potential.

Generally, the higher the CC, the more air and fuel the engine can mix and burn, leading to more power and performance. It is closely related to the concept of engine displacement and directly impacts the bike's performance characteristics.

What CC Means in Motorcycle - Understanding Engine Displacement

Now that you know what CC means in motorcycle, it is important to understand another term – engine displacement, which is often used interchangeably with CC. Engine Displacement refers to the total volume swept by the pistons inside the engine cylinders during one complete cycle. It’s the amount of space available inside the cylinders for air and fuel to be mixed and ignited.

The displacement is calculated based on the bore (diameter of the cylinder) and the stroke (distance the piston travels within the cylinder).

Why does CC Matter?

CC is a critical measure in motorcycles that can significantly impact the bike's performance, fuel consumption, and overall riding experience. Here’s why it matters:

1. Power Output – In general, a higher CC means more power. This is because a larger engine can burn more fuel and air, resulting in more power generation during combustion.
2. Performance – Bikes with higher CC typically offer better acceleration and can reach higher speeds, which is helpful for highway riding or longer trips. On the other hand, bikes with lower CC are fuel efficient and easier to handle, making them ideal for city commuting or beginners.
3. Fuel Efficiency – Engine size also influences fuel consumption. Lower CC engines are more fuel efficient and require less fuel to operate. This makes them an economical choice for daily commuting or long-distance travel.
4. Usage Suitability – The type of riding you plan to do should influence your choice of CC. Different CC ranges cater to different types of riders and riding styles.
   • For daily commutes, a bike with 100-200cc is typically sufficient.
   • If you're into touring or long-distance riding, you might prefer something in the 300-650cc range for a more comfortable and powerful ride.
   • Experienced riders or those interested in touring, sports, or adventure riding need bikes with 700cc and above.

How to Calculate the Cubic Capacity of Your Bike?

Calculating the cubic capacity of your bike involves measuring or obtaining the bore, stroke, and number of cylinders and applying these values in a standard formula. Here's how to calculate it:

Engine Displacement= π/4 × Bore2 × Stroke × Number of Cylinders

Where,

1. Bore: The diameter of each cylinder
2. Stroke: The distance the piston travels up and down within the cylinder
3. Number of Cylinders: The total number of cylinders in the engine

Once you have all the measurements, plug the measurements into the formula to get the displacement in cubic centimetres (cc).

Note: If you have measurements in millimetres, convert them to centimetres (1 cm = 10 mm) before applying the formula. Also, you can check the motorcycle’s manual or manufacturer’s specifications for the engine displacement rather than calculating it manually.

How Does Cubic Capacity Affect Bike Insurance Premiums?

Besides knowing what is CC in bike, you must be aware of how it affects the insurance premium.

• Bikes with higher CCs generally have higher insurance premiums because larger engines are associated with higher power and speed, which increases the risk of accidents and the potential cost of claims.
• Larger capacity bikes typically have more expensive parts and repairs. These higher costs lead to increased rates of high CC motorcycles.
• High CC bikes are often more attractive to thieves due to their value and performance. Hence, they have higher insurance premiums.
• High CC bikes might require higher coverage limits due to their higher value and repair costs.

As of 2024, the IRDAI determines the insurance premium rates based on the bike’s cubic capacity. Here are the 3rd party bike insurance rates that the IRDAI provides.

CC in bikes	Insurance Premium (Third-party)
Up to 75	₹482
Between 75 and 150	₹752
Between 150 and 350	Between 150 and 350 ₹1193
More than 350	₹2323

Source: IRDA Document

How Does Cubic Capacity Affect Bike Insurance Premiums?

Knowing the answer to "What does CC stand for in bikes?" is crucial to making an informed choice, whether you are a newbie or an experienced rider. It’s more than just a number — it’s a reflection of the engine’s capacity, power potential, and suitability for different riding styles. Knowing the right information is important to make choices that align with your needs, preferences, and budget.

So, next time you hear someone wondering, you’ll know exactly what to answer and why it matters.

No matter the CC of your bike, having the right insurance coverage is essential for financial safeguard and peace of mind. At Royal Sundaram, we offer tailored bike insurance plans that provide comprehensive protection for your motorcycle. So, get your bike insured now and ride safely with Royal Sundaram.