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!

Race Into Summer Open House

Harley-Davidson Open House

Get Revved Up

Racing has been part of the Harley-Davidson experience since the very beginning. From the Hillclimbers to the flat trackers to today’s King of the Baggers™ led by our H-D® Factory Racing team. Join us to honor our roots with the Race Into Summer Open House on Saturday, June 22. Summer has arrived. It’s time to roll.

  • Be among the first 55 to RSVP below and claim your exclusive H-D® Racing Pin*
  • Earn additional Prizes & Giveaways*
  • Celebrate the power and performance that only Harley-Davidson® motorcycles can deliver – from the 2024 motorcycle lineup to custom P&A packages and all-new riding gear

 

H-D® Membership event Special***

  • Paid H-D® Members, earn up to 2,000 Bonus Points with a $100+ in-store purchase ($20 Value)
  • Free H-D® Members, earn up to 500 Bonus Points with a $100+ in-store purchase ($5 Value)

 

Harley-Davidson® 2024 CVO™ Road Glide® ST

Register For Your Chance To Win An All-New 2024 CVO™ Road Glide® ST**

Stop in to register for your chance to win** a 2024 CVO™ Road Glide® ST, a 2025 King of the Baggers VIP Race Experience and a Trip to Daytona for 2 OR 2 VIP Tickets to a King of the Baggers Race, plus other great prizes. Ask us how to earn additional entries.

Harley-Davidson® Event Pin

RSVP to get a special gift**

Be one of the first 55 to RSVP AND attend our event for an exclusive racing pin. Just fill out the form below and show us your confirmation email when you arrive at our Race Into Summer Open House.

* While supplies last. Offer limited to the first 55 attendees.

 

* While supplies last.

** Sweepstakes entry period June 21, 2024, 9am EST through June 23, 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 participating H-D® dealerships for details or visit official rules at HD-SummerOpenHouse.com.

*** H-D® Members earn up to 2,000 bonus points ($20 value) on a purchase of $100+ between 6/21/24 9:00 am EST through 6/23/2024 11:59 pm EST participating Dealers only; H-D® Membership must be activated at the time of sale. Points apply to a single transaction for eligible purchases of $100+ before tax and after any sales discounts are applied. Promotion good for genuine H-D® and H-D® licensed products only. Usual point restrictions apply. Please allow up to 72 hours for points to appear in your account. Visit bit.ly/HD_points for details.