Question: Engine durability 150cc

[clyffcarlock]

I have read throughout the forum that 250cc scooters are good for long distance /interstate riding, but it would not be advisable for 150cc scooters because the engines were not that durable or could not handle that type of stress or demand on the engine.

What makes these engines less superior to a 250cc engine? Are the components at fault. Example: piston rings would wear down quicker, cylinder walls too thin, crank , bearings, valves too fragile at high speeds... etc.

Could pistons be fitted with performance piston rings, crank, valves, bearings be upgraded to performance /industrial strength? components , cylinder walls fitted with sleeves?

What keeps the 150cc engines from traveling relatively long distances and what can be done to extend the travel distance? Thank you.

[wilds]

I would say the cooling. I believe 250cc is water cooled and 150cc is air cooled.
But If you fit an good oil cooler to a 150cc engine it would be a lot durable...

[Deleted]

It has to do with power limits, the 150cc is stretched to the very top in short order.

What would happen to a car if you were to drive it always pedal to the floorboard?
Same thing happens to the 150cc engine.

You want durability, you need to have something that when cruising, is at the least 20 percent below full out.
Your engine needs that margin so it's not peaking the redline.
No engine lasts long when it's ran 100% all the time.

As for long distance cruising, I wouldn't want to do it with less than a 500cc motorcycle with 14" rims.

[ltdhpp]

If any engine is tuned and cooled properly, it should be able to run at an ideal RPM under an ideal load 24/7 with no problems and live out its expected life span (with service intervals of course)...
A vehicle sees a wide range of rpm and load, and for a 150cc to even have a chance of keeping up at interstate speeds, it would be pushing the limits of its comfortable rpm from being heavily modified, and the limits of what the wheels/bearings/breaks can handle. 250cc + are made to run those speeds. I have a 150 on a 250 frame, and i don't even feel comfortable on it over 55. people go 65+ in the 55 zone, so that for me is just like being back on the 50cc around town again. No thanks. I keep to 45mph roads and keep ahead of normal traffic just fine.

[prodigit]

That, and the 150cc engine performs 60MPH peak usually.
If you would be able to ride 50MPH on the highway, the 150 would be more than good enough for the job.