The Different Cubic Capacity (CC) Motorcycles You Can Buy

The cubic capacity of a bike is one of the most important factors during the purchase decision. Let’s look at everything you need to know about cubic capacity and its impact on two-wheeler insurance in India. Let’s understand the meaning of CC in bike is and how it affects the bike's performance and fuel efficiency, along with different cubic capacities available in India, their characteristics, and which one is suitable for your needs. Finally, we'll look at how cubic capacity impacts the insurance premium and what you can do to ensure you have adequate coverage for your bike.

What is Cubic Capacity (CC) in a Bike?

The meaning of CC in bikes involves the measurement of the engine's total volume. It represents the amount of air and fuel mixture the engine can combust in a single cycle. The higher the CC, the more power the engine can produce, and the faster the bike can go. The relationship between CC and fuel efficiency is complex. Generally, higher CC engines consume more fuel, but modern engines with advanced technology can balance power and fuel efficiency.

Different CC Motorcycles Available in India

In India, motorcycles are available in a wide range of cubic capacities, ranging from 100cc to over 1000cc. Here are the most common CC categories and their characteristics:

1. 100-125 CC

These bikes are ideal for daily commuting and offer excellent fuel efficiency. They are easy to handle and maintain, making them popular among beginners and budget-conscious riders. However, they are not suitable for high-speed riding or long-distance travel.

2. 150-180 CC

This category of bikes balances power and fuel efficiency, making them suitable for both city and highway riding. They offer a good balance of speed, acceleration, and handling, making them a popular choice for everyday use.

3. 200-250 CC

These bikes are more powerful and suitable for highway cruising. They offer better acceleration, speed, and handling than lower CC bikes, but they require more maintenance and consume more fuel.

4. 300+ CC

These bikes are the most powerful and expensive, suitable for experienced riders who want the ultimate thrill of riding. They offer exceptional speed, acceleration, and handling, making them ideal for racing and touring. However, they require more maintenance, consume more fuel, and have higher insurance premiums.

Impact of CC on Two-wheeler Insurance

Usually, the higher the CC of the bike, the higher the premium. The reason for this is that repairs for a higher CC bike would cost more. Here's how cubic capacity impacts different components of :

1. Third-party Liability Insurance

Third-Party Liability Insurance covers the damages caused to third-party property or person due to an accident involving your bike. The premium for third-party liability insurance depends on the category of cubic capacity your bike belongs to. The higher the CC, the higher the premium.

2. Comprehensive Insurance

Comprehensive insurance covers third-party liability as well as damages to your bike due to accidents, theft, natural calamities, and more. The premium for comprehensive insurance is determined using the cubic capacity of the bike among other factors. Hence, a higher CC bike would have high premium.

3. Add-on Covers

Add-on covers enhance the coverage of your bike. These add-ons cover specific damages such as engine protection, pillion rider cover, zero depreciation cover, and more. A higher CC bike could require additional coverage. This, in turn, could raise the premium for your two-wheeler insurance coverage.

4. Insured Declared Value (IDV)

Insured Declared Value (IDV) is the maximum amount the insurance company will pay in case of a total loss or theft of your bike. The IDV is calculated based on the cubic capacity of the bike, among other factors. A higher IDV often means a higher premium. In the case of bike insurance, the premium for comprehensive bike insurance can vary across different insurance providers. However, the premium for third-party two-wheeler insurance is set by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). *Standard T&C apply The table below shows the premium values of third-party bike insurance for 2022-2023 applicable to bikes with varying cubic capacities:

Cubic Capacity of Bike	Third-party Bike Insurance Premium
<75 cc	₹538
75cc to 150 cc	₹714
150cc to 350 cc	₹1,366
>350 cc	₹2,804

Wrapping it Up

In conclusion, the cubic capacity of a motorcycle is a crucial factor determining its performance and fuel efficiency of the bike, along with the insurance premium of a policy bought for it. Therefore, It's essential to consider your riding needs and preferences before choosing the right CC bike. Higher CC bikes offer more power, speed, and acceleration, but they consume more fuel and require more maintenance. Moreover, they have higher insurance premiums, which may make it essential to choose comprehensive insurance coverage. You use a two-wheeler insurance premium calculator to estimate your insurance premium and choose the right policy that suits your needs and budget.   *Standard T&C apply Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.