What Engine Displacement Motorcycles Are Allowed on Highways?

[FernandoLee]

Motorcycles with an engine displacement exceeding 50cc (including 50cc) are permitted on highways, but this depends on specific road sections. Currently, some highways in China allow motorcycles (including large-displacement motorcycles) to enter, while others prohibit motorcycles from accessing highways. Regulations vary by region, so it is essential to comply with the requirements of the respective highway. When riding a motorcycle on the highway, it must be driven within the designated lane. The National Road Safety Law clearly stipulates that motorcycles on highways can only ride in the far-right lane. When encountering slow-moving vehicles obstructing traffic, the rider may use the left lane for overtaking under safe conditions and must return to the far-right lane after completing the maneuver. According to Article 83, Section 5 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," the cargo compartment of trucks traveling on highways must not carry passengers, and two-wheeled motorcycles are not allowed to carry passengers while riding on highways.

[LaHazel]

When it comes to the displacement requirements for motorcycles on highways, the national regulation mandates a minimum of 125cc. Small-displacement bikes are genuinely unstable on highways—they wobble in strong winds and struggle with overtaking. I once tried taking my 110cc scooter on the highway; as soon as I accelerated to 70 km/h, the handlebars felt shaky, and when a big truck came roaring up behind me, I got so scared that I quickly exited at the next ramp. Now, riding a 500cc street bike on the highway is a completely different experience—a slight twist of the throttle brings up the speed effortlessly, and lane changes and overtaking are rock steady. Remember, besides displacement, you must wear a helmet and protective gear, and never carry a passenger.

[MargaretDella]

The displacement standards for motorcycles on highways vary slightly by region, but most set the threshold at 125cc. After studying traffic regulations, I’ve concluded that anything below this displacement is too dangerous for highways—the engine screams like it’s about to fall apart just as you hit 80 km/h, and crosswinds can make the bike wobble dangerously. Last month at a service area, I met a rider on a 150cc bike who said he only dared to stay in the far-right lane, keeping his speed at 70 km/h. For long-distance travel, I’d recommend choosing a bike with at least 250cc—better tire grip and a heavier frame mean stability even on windy days. Oh, and don’t forget to adjust your mirrors properly; on the highway, you need to constantly monitor traffic behind you.

[LaDavid]

People often ask me what engine displacement is needed for motorcycles to ride on highways. Honestly, 125cc is just the passing line; to ride comfortably, you need at least 250cc. I have a 190cc commuter bike that's very nimble for city riding, but the last time I took it on the highway, it almost cost me my life—I had to twist the throttle to the limit just to barely maintain 80 km/h. When overtaking a truck, a gust of wind from the opposite direction made the bike wobble violently, and my arm muscles ached from straining to keep control. Larger-displacement bikes have obvious advantages: ample power reserves, better stability, and quicker emergency acceleration. Never force a small scooter onto the highway—it's hard to even enter service areas, and those small tires can bounce over speed bumps.