What Does CC Mean in a Motorcycle? | Timber Town Harley-Davidson

What Does CC Mean in a Motorcycle?

The cc meaning for engines refers to the size of the compression chamber. The larger the chamber, the more room there is for air and fuel to be compressed. Thus, a higher-cc engine generates more power and speed than a lower-cc engine.

What is a “good” cc for a motorcycle? It depends on what you’re looking for. Different types of Harley-Davidson bikes are made for different types of riding, and the various engine sizes have their own unique advantages. Bikes with higher-cc engines—like cruiser and touring models—are larger, have more features, and are designed for long-distance riding. On the other hand, a bike with a smaller engine capacity will be better on gas and agile enough for the more crowded parts of Portland and Albany.

What is a Good CC for a First Motorcycle?

Shopping for your first bike and feeling confused about the cc meaning? Engine size ranges from around 300cc on the low end to upwards of 1000cc for high-powered cruiser and touring models. For first-time buyers and new riders, it’s a bit easier to narrow down what is “good” cc for a motorcycle. 

You’ll want something that delivers the full experience—so we recommend looking for bikes with at least 300cc. That said, a bike with more than 600cc may be difficult for new riders to handle. This means you should be looking mainly at lighter models like sport bikes and entry-level models, and not cruiser, touring, or adventure touring models.

CC Meaning for Engines, Explained

As you know, cc meaning and engine size are directly related. Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Lightweight— 50cc to 250cc. Although they won’t deliver the classic Harley experience, super-small and light bikes can be a great choice for commuters.
  • Entry-Level — 300cc to 400cc. These affordable, middleweight base-level models are great for new riders.
  • Intermediate — 600cc to 900cc. These models are all-around performers with the versatility to handle both urban settings and long distances.
  • Heavy — 1000cc and up. Heavy cruising, touring, and adventure touring models need more power to move their larger, feature-packed frames and deliver a smooth ride.

Browse New Bikes Online at Timber Town Harley-Davidson

If you have further questions about cc meaning, engine types, and bike categories, our dedicated staff is happy to answer them in detail either over the phone or in person. We’re here to make sure you ride home to Salem on a bike that fits your preferences, experience level, and budget. Our showroom is easy to reach from anywhere in Lebanon, so stop by today!

Harley-Davidson Test Ride Days

Join us for H-D® Test Ride Days Friday, May 10 through Saturday, May 18. Don’t miss your chance to experience the entire 2024 lineup, including the all-new reimagined Road Glide® and Street Glide®.

  • Take a test ride on any new Harley-Davidson® motorcycle, get an exclusive t-shirt and gift*
  • Try on new apparel and riding gear for all your on and off road adventures
  • Check out the latest parts and accessories to customize your motorcycle, including seats, color-matched Tour-Pak® luggage carriers, windshields, Harley-Davidson® Audio Powered by Rockford Fosgate®, lighting, accessory collections and so much more

While supplies last. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY, void where prohibited. U.S. and Canada residents only; 18+. Eligible participant must visit a participating Harley-Davidson® dealer and test ride a new Harley-Davidson® motorcycle between May 10, 2024 and May 19, 2024 to obtain a special edition t-shirt and gift. Offer ends on May 19, 2024 or when supply of 10,000 t-shirts and 10,000 gifts expires, whichever occurs first. T-shirts will be mailed to the H-D® dealer of test ride record four to six weeks after the promotional period. Offer is non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash or cash equivalent. Offer is subject to change without notice. See participating Harley-Davidson® dealers for full terms and conditions, including test ride requirements. Sponsor: Harley-Davidson Motor Co., 3700 W. Juneau Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53208.

 

Harley-Davidson® 2024 Street Glide®

Register For Your Chance To Win An All-New 2024 Street Glide®**

Riders and non-riders can participate, a test ride is not required to enter. Ask us how to earn additional and daily entries.

**Sweepstakes entry period May 10, 2024, 9am EST through May 19, 2024, 11:59pm EST. No purchase necessary. Purchase does not increase odds of winning. Open only to legal residents of the continental United States, including D.C. and Alaska and excluding Hawaii who are 21 years or older, and legal residents of Canada, who have reached the age of majority in their state, province, or territory of residence at time of entry. Void where prohibited. Need not be present to win. See official rules at TestRideDays.com.