Displacement (Engine Capacity, cc)

Displacement, or engine capacity, is the volume the pistons sweep as they move from bottom dead centre to top dead centre, added up for all cylinders. It is calculated from bore and stroke and given in cubic centimetres (cc); 1000 cc is one litre. US brands sometimes quote cubic inches.

A larger engine usually makes more torque, but power also depends on revs, number of cylinders, two- or four-stroke design and tuning. A 450 cc motocross four-stroke can make more power than a much larger cruiser engine.

In Europe, capacity matters for licences: 50 cc mopeds (AM), up to 125 cc and 11 kW light motorcycles (A1), and A2 limited to 35 kW. Check your licence category before buying.