If you’re a bike enthusiast, you must have thought of tweaking your bike in order to enhance its performance by increasing the cc. Understanding how to make these improvements in your bike is the key to an elevated riding experience for all motorbike riders. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the different ways to boost motorcycle engine performance, provide maintenance tips to keep your bike running smoothly and discuss a range of upgrades and modifications that can enhance your bike’s cc.
Understanding Motorcycle Engine Performance
Before you make any tweaks or enhancements to your motorbike, it is essential for you to understand how the bike’s engine works. Most motorcycle engines operate on a four-stroke combustion cycle, which includes four phases: intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust. During the intake stroke, the piston moves downward, drawing a mixture of air and fuel into the combustion chamber through the intake valves. Next, in the compression stroke, the piston moves upward, compressing this mixture to enhance its explosiveness. During the combustion stroke, the spark plug ignites the compressed mixture, causing an explosion that drives the piston downward. Finally, in the exhaust stroke, the piston moves upward again, pushing the burned gases out through the exhaust valves.
Several factors affect the performance of your motorcycle engine. The engine’s performance is measured in terms of power output, typically expressed in horsepower (HP) or kilowatts (kW), and torque, measured in Newton meters (Nm).
- Engine Size (CC): The engine size, also known as cubic capacity (CC), measures the total volume of all the cylinders in an engine. It is an important factor in determining the engine’s power potential. A bigger engine can produce more power because it can burn more fuel and air.
- Fuel-Air Mixture: A motorcycle engine’s power and efficiency are affected by the mix of fuel and air in it. Getting the mix right ensures complete combustion, which helps power and fuel efficiency.
- Compression Ratio: This ratio compares the cylinder’s volume when the piston is at the bottom of its stroke to the volume when it’s at the top. A higher compression ratio can boost power but needs higher octane fuel to avoid knocking.
- Exhaust Efficiency: A well-designed exhaust system can greatly improve performance.
- Engine Condition: Regular maintenance keeps all engine parts working well. Worn-out parts or poor lubrication can reduce performance.
Routine Maintenance for Optimal Performance
In order for your motorbike’s power and efficiency to increase, regular maintenance is key. Here are some maintenance tips that ensure your bike engine functions at optimum level.
- Air Filter Replacement: A dirty air filter can hurt performance. Change it every 5,000 to 8,000 miles to maintain good airflow and efficient combustion.
- Oil Changes: Regularly change your oil to keep the engine healthy. Use high-quality synthetic oil and replace it every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.
- Chain Lubrication: Lubricate your chain often to prevent wear and tear. This also helps keep the chain properly tensioned and reduces the risk of breaking.
- Spark Plug Replacement: Replace spark plugs every 10,000 to 15,000 miles to ensure proper ignition and combustion.
Upgrades and Modifications for Increased CC
A well-maintained bike engine will ensure top-notch performance. However, there are several upgrades and modifications you can consider if you wish to upgrade the CC of your bike even more.
- Fuel Injection System
Switching to a fuel injection system can make a big difference in how your motorcycle performs. This system injects fuel directly into the engine’s combustion chamber, which helps the fuel burn more quickly and efficiently. This upgrade can lead to better acceleration and a higher top speed. If your bike still uses a carburettor, upgrading to fuel injection can be a game-changer.
- Exhaust System
A high-quality exhaust system can significantly increase your motorcycle’s power. By reducing backpressure and allowing exhaust gases to escape more efficiently, an upgraded exhaust system improves combustion. You can opt for a full exhaust system upgrade or simply install a performance muffler. Both options can help your engine breathe better and produce more power.
- Jet Kit
A jet kit is a worthwhile upgrade for motorcycles with carburettors. This kit includes new jets that fine-tune the carburettor to enhance performance. When combined with other modifications, a jet kit ensures your engine gets the right amount of fuel, leading to smoother and more powerful performance.
- ECU Reflashing
If your bike is equipped with an Engine Control Unit (ECU), reflashing it can boost its performance. This involves reprogramming the ECU with a more efficient tune, which optimizes fuel injection and ignition timing. This upgrade can result in better throttle response, increased power, and improved overall efficiency.
Custom Parts
Adding custom parts is a great option to enhance your motorcycle’s performance further. Here are a few components to consider:
- High-Performance Air Filters: These filters allow more air to flow into the engine, which improves combustion and power output.
- Spark Plugs: High-performance spark plugs can ensure a stronger and more reliable ignition, which boosts performance.
- Ignition Coils: Better ignition coils can provide a more consistent spark, enhancing combustion efficiency.
- High-Compression Pistons: These pistons increase the engine’s compression ratio, which results in more power.
- Camshafts: Performance camshafts can alter the timing and duration of valve opening, allowing the engine to breathe better and produce more power.
- Big Bore Kits: These kits increase the engine’s displacement by replacing the pistons and cylinders with larger ones, resulting in significant power gains.
