What Displacement Motorcycles Can Be Licensed?
3 Answers
Currently, the maximum displacement allowed for motorcycles in China is above 250cc. Theoretically, any domestically produced motorcycle with a certificate of conformity can be licensed. According to regulations, any motor vehicle weighing over 40KG or with a maximum speed exceeding 20KM/h is classified as a motor vehicle and must be licensed before it can be driven on the road. Introduction to Displacement: Displacement, a specialized term in hydraulic transmission, refers to the volume of fluid inhaled or expelled per stroke or cycle. The space volume through which the piston moves from the top dead center to the bottom dead center is called the cylinder displacement; if the engine has multiple cylinders, the sum of the working volumes of all cylinders is called the engine displacement. It is generally expressed in liters (L). The Importance of Engine Displacement: Engine displacement is one of the most important structural parameters, more representative of the engine's size than cylinder bore and number. Many engine indicators are closely related to displacement. Generally, a larger displacement means the engine releases more energy per unit time (converting the chemical energy of fuel into mechanical energy), which translates to better "power performance." This is similar to comparing a teenage boy to a healthy adult—the adult is naturally more efficient at physical labor. Therefore, off-road vehicles and sports cars usually have relatively larger displacements.
I've been riding motorcycles for over a decade and have encountered many friends asking about displacement and licensing. Generally, mopeds with 50cc or below can get blue license plates, which are particularly suitable for short urban commutes, with scooters being the most common. Motorcycles with displacements between 50cc and 250cc usually get yellow plates, including popular models like 125cc and 150cc, which are beginner-friendly. For motorcycles exceeding 250cc, big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Shenzhen impose restrictions due to strict noise and emission policies, making licensing difficult. However, smaller cities or rural areas have fewer regulations. To register, you'll need the vehicle's certificate, invoice, and ID at the local DMV, and the emission standard must meet at least China III or IV. I recommend beginners start with a 125cc bike—safe, easy to handle, and reasonably priced. Don't forget to get an E-class license and wear a helmet—safety first. Big-displacement bikes may sound cool, but they're prone to accidents for beginners and have high fuel costs, making them less practical.
I'm just getting into motorcycles and looked up a lot of license plate rules. Found out that in most places, bikes under 50cc can easily get a blue plate, while those between 50cc and 250cc, like the popular 150cc models, can get a yellow plate. But anything over 250cc is tricky—big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou basically don’t allow registration. I went to the DMV to ask, and they said besides displacement, the bike needs an official certificate of conformity and invoice, plus it has to meet emission standards before they’ll process the paperwork. For beginners, 125cc or 150cc bikes are the best choice—brands like Honda are reliable, affordable, and easy to ride. Don’t impulsively buy a big-displacement bike, like a 300cc one—they’re harder to handle and more likely to get you in trouble. Policies vary by location, so check local rules first to avoid wasting money. Safety-wise, newbies on big bikes are more prone to accidents, so it’s best to take training and get a license to ensure smooth riding.
