It's really NOT all about the CC's...

by Darcy
(Sacramento, CA, USA)

I'm a new rider and just got my first bike a month ago; a Ducati SS 750... yep, a BIG bike. Never thought I'd get one that big or powerful, and had fully intended on getting something much smaller, but I am absolutely thrilled with it (after the initial fear wore off, of course!) and have been absolutely shocked and thrilled to find it to be far easier to handle than the Kawi 250's we rode in class.

The thing is, most of us are stuck in the mindset that more cc's = more danger, or harder to handle. This is NOT the case. You can pop the clutch on a 250 and get bounced off (as I did in my MSC!), or be just fine on a 900.

What matters is:
-How you handle the clutch and throttle; smoothness is key and is something that only comes with practice - yanking on either one is a bad thing.

-How the bike fits you - be able to comfortably reach the ground and handlebars. A too-small bike can cause as much problems as a too-big one as you won't be able to comfortably and safely operate the bike if you are contorted to fit on it.

-How the bike handles. Some bikes are just way too sensitive for new riders and some respond more gently. To a degree, these things can be adjusted, but low cc's or high, do your research and make sure it responds in a way that is comfortable for YOU.

-Center of gravity. Some bikes are top heavy and will be harder to hold up while others have a lower center of gravity and won't fight you as much. Either way, it's easier once you're moving. My bike, though a sport bike, has surprisingly low center of gravity and is also relatively light at 400 pounds. I notice a lot of women automatically going for the big, low, heavy cruisers; nothing wrong with that, but they are much tougher to control in slow maneuvers. Sport bikes are light because it helps them go faster. But keep in mind: riding a bike that CAN go fast, does not mean you MUST go fast!

There is nothing wrong at all with getting a bike with lower cc's if that's what you really want. Just know that it does NOT mean you are safer! Not having enough power to get out of the way of danger is just as bad as 'too much' power. It's all in how you and the bike work together.