250cc

250cc refers to engine displacement measured in cubic centimeters (cc). It indicates the total swept volume of all engine cylinders and is equivalent to about 0.25 liters. In motorcycles and other engines, 250cc is a mid-range displacement category used for street, dirt, and sport bikes. Modern 250cc engines are predominantly four-stroke in street motorcycles and dirt bikes; two-stroke 250cc engines are historically common in earlier designs and in some markets for off-road competition.

Power and performance vary widely by configuration, tuning, and aerodynamics. Four-stroke 250cc street bikes typically produce roughly 20–30 kW (about 30–40 hp) and achieve top speeds in the range of around 140 km/h (85 mph) in tuned packages, though practical speeds depend on gearing and rider weight. Two-stroke 250cc engines can produce higher peak power for light weight but have higher fuel consumption and emissions, with typical outputs in the 40–60 hp range and potentially higher top speeds.

In motor sport, the 250cc class was a premier category in the Grand Prix motorcycle world championships from the 1960s through 2011, when it was replaced by Moto2, which uses 600cc four-stroke engines.

Regulatory treatment of 250cc engines varies by country and affects vehicle licensing, insurance, and taxation. The term 250cc remains a standard way to indicate engine size and class for consumer and competition motorcycles; it serves as a reference point for comparing performance and pricing within mid-range propulsion.