What Do the Numbers on the Back of a Motorcycle Represent?

[MacKeira]

The numbers on the back of a motorcycle indicate the engine displacement. For example, 125CC means a total displacement of 125 milliliters. The larger the displacement, the bigger the engine and the higher the fuel consumption. Motorcycle displacement refers to the cylinder volume of the engine, measured in milliliters. The numbers in a motorcycle's model name represent this displacement. Motorcycle displacements can be categorized into five types: 1. Ultra-lightweight: Below 100cc, including 50, 70, 80, and 90cc displacements. 2. Lightweight: Small displacement—100-150cc, including 100, 110, 125, and 150cc displacements. 3. Medium-small displacement: 200-400cc, including 200, 250, 300, and 400cc displacements. 4. Large displacement: 500-900cc, including 500, 600, 750, and 900cc displacements. 5. Liter-class large displacement: Above 1000cc, including 1000, 1100, 1250, and 1300cc displacements.

[DeLucille]

As a young person who frequently rides motorcycles, let me explain the meaning of those numbers on the back of motorcycles. They are usually an important part of the license plate number, telling you where the vehicle is registered and its serial number. For example, in China, the combination of numbers and letters on the license plate can identify the province and city, like 'Jing' at the beginning means Beijing, and the following numbers are sequential or year markers. Some countries also use them to indicate the registration year, so others can tell at a glance what era your motorcycle is from. A friend of mine has a license plate starting with 2023, which basically means it was registered last year—pretty convenient. Understanding these numbers is important when buying or selling used motorcycles, as it helps you check the history and avoid problematic purchases. When riding, taking a closer look at your neighbors' numbers can also give you a clue about the origins of their beloved bikes.

[StChloe]

I've been riding motorcycles for years, and those numbers at the back are basically part of the license plate, representing registration information and serial identification. In mainland China, the Chinese characters or letters at the front indicate the province and city, like 'Yue' for Guangdong, while the combination of numbers at the back is a unique serial code. Don't underestimate them—license plate numbers help traffic police identify a vehicle's location or whether it has a violation history. Some regions even allocate different series for different types of motorcycles. I think understanding this is quite practical, as it helps quickly recognize fellow riders from the same city when parking or communicating. Keeping the license plate well-maintained with clear numbers also ensures safety.

[MargaretLee]

From a technical perspective, the numbers at the rear of a motorcycle primarily serve as registration identifiers on the license plate. They include regional codes and serial numbers, facilitating the tracking of a vehicle's origin and jurisdiction. The specific numbering system varies by region, but serves similar purposes. Clear numbering ensures orderly management.