Every individual planning to purchase a bike focuses their attention on the most important characteristic, the bike’s engine cubic capacity. It is a prominent factor that affects the performance of the bike and the premium of the bike insurance policy. What does it mean, and why is it so important?
Here is a detail to help you out in this regard. Good knowledge about the bike’s engine cubic capacity will help you decide on the choice of bike based on your requirements and understand its relevance while purchasing the two-wheeler insurance. So, let us get started right away.
What is the Cubic Capacity of an Engine?
Cubic capacity, often called ‘cc’, is the metric unit representing the bike engine’s volume. To be more precise, it is the capacity of the combustion cylinder present in the engine and measured in cubic centimetres. You can also measure it in litres corresponding to the cubic centimetres. Therefore, if the engine has a capacity of 800cc or 800 cubic centimetres, then the engine’s capacity is 0.8L.
How is it Calculated?
The calculation of the engine’s capacity is simple and based on the following formula.
V = π/4 x (D)² x H x N
Where V is the volume, D is the bore diameter of the piston, H is the stroke length, and N is the number of cylinders.
And, it is the combined volume of all the cylinders present in the engine while it completes a cycle. So, for instance, if your bike has a four-cylinder engine and has a capacity of 0.5L or 500cc, all four cylinders can accommodate 0.5L of the air-fuel mixture in them. And, if the bike is made of one cylinder, it means the one cylinder will accommodate the entire 0.5L air-fuel mixture in it.
How Does Cubic Capacity Affect Engine’s Performance?
The engine’s capacity is crucial while understanding the engine’s power output. As the capacity determines the space within the engine to hold the air-fuel mixture, it determines the extent of burning for the required output.
A higher capacity of the engine can accommodate more air inside the cylinder. With the increase in the air entering the system, there is an increase in the fuel intake. And, as the fuel within the system increases, the relative burning enhances, producing more power. Hence, power output is directly proportional to the engine’s capacity. However, it eventually reduces the mileage. Therefore, it is important to strike the right balance between power and mileage. Engines between 110 cc to 150 cc provide better mileage.
How Does Cubic Capacity Impact Bike Insurance Premium?
As we have seen, engine capacity is an important factor determining the bike’s performance. So, damage to your bike is a huge risk borne by the insurer while you purchase two-wheeler insurance. Therefore, you have to pay a higher insurance premium for a bike with a larger engine capacity due to increasing repair costs.
Also, the cubic capacity of a bike is an important consideration for the Insurance Regulator and Development Authority(IRDA) to declare the premium for third-party bike insurance, which is legally mandatory in India. It provides the necessary coverage for third party death or injury and other damages to their property caused due to your vehicle.
The third-party bike insurance premium cost based on the engine cubic capacity declared by the IRDA is as follows:
| Engine Cubic Capacity | Third Party Insurance Cost |
| Up to 75 cc | ₹482 |
| Between 75 cc and 150 cc | ₹752 |
| Between 150 cc and 350 cc | ₹1193 |
| Above 350 cc | ₹2323 |
While third-party bike insurance provides the basic two-wheeler insurance cover fulfilling the legal and financial liabilities in case of third party damage, comprehensive bike insurance provides all-around protection. It covers financial losses that affect you, your vehicle and any other third party.
Therefore, it is important to stay protected and reduce the possibility of a financial loss in case of unprecedented events with bike insurance. Furthermore, it will ensure you maintain your bike to the right standards. Therefore, renew bike insurance every year or purchase long term two wheeler insurance for two or three years to ascertain maximum protection.
With the advent of technology and development, you can look for options to purchase online bike insurance in India at your convenience. For instance, Tata AIG has a committed team of 650 claim experts to assist you in online purchasing and the claim process. You can view the products, navigate through the policy features, compare and purchase them online. The process is simple, quick and cost-effective.
Conclusion
Cubic capacity is a measure of the engine’s volume. The importance of cc in bikes represents the quantum of air-fuel mixture that the cylinder within the engines can accommodate. With the increase in volume, there is a larger space for the air-fuel mixture for combustion that enhances the power output of your bike.
it is also a crucial factor determining the premium of two-wheeler insurance. The reason is that the cost of repair rises with the increase in the engine’s capacity. However, you must decide on the bike’s engine capacity based on your requirements and purchase a bike insurance policy to stay protected against financial losses. Be aware and stay protected!
