[New Standards] Motorcycle Engine Displacement Categories: Maintenance Costs, Traffic Rules, and Licenses for Each Displacement

List of Motorcycle Engine Displacement Categories (Types)

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/b3-3781800/
Due to exhaust gas regulations, the classification of moped licenses will change from April 1, 2025, and a new "New Moped Standard" will be introduced for Class 1 mopeds.

Motorcycle Categories (from April 1, 2025)

Category Name	Engine Displacement	Common Name
Class 1 Moped	～50cc	Moped
Class 1 Moped (New Standard Moped)	～125cc (with output limit)	Class 1 Moped (New Standard Moped)
Class 2 Moped	～125cc (no output limit)	Class 2 Moped
Light Motorcycle	126～250cc	250cc class
Standard Motorcycle	251cc～400cc	400cc class
Heavy Motorcycle	401cc and above	Large motorcycle

Previously, a Class 1 moped license allowed riding motorcycles with a total engine displacement of up to 50cc, but with the introduction of new standards in April 2025, it is now possible to ride motorcycles up to 125cc with a maximum output of 4.0kW (5.4ps) or less.

However, even if the engine displacement is 125cc or less, you cannot ride motorcycles with a maximum output exceeding 4.0kW (conventional 125cc class). Therefore, if you only have a moped license, you need to be careful when choosing a motorcycle.

To ride a 125cc class motorcycle with a maximum output exceeding 4.0kW, you need a Limited Small Motorcycle License (including AT Limited Small), a Standard Motorcycle License, or a Heavy Motorcycle License.

About the "New Standard Moped" Introduced from 2025

The background to the establishment of the new Class 1 moped category (New Standard Moped) from April 1, 2025, lies in the "Euro" environmental standards stipulated in Europe.

Euro refers to environmental standards that progressively tighten the limits on emissions such as CO and NOx. Since it is difficult for conventional moped specifications to comply with Euro, a new moped standard has been established.

With the New Standard Moped, the engine displacement of Class 1 moped motorcycles sold in the future will increase, but the traffic rules applicable to conventional Class 1 mopeds (50cc class) will still apply. Therefore, the maximum speed is 30km/h, a two-step right turn is required, and tandem riding is not permitted.

Reference: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism "About Mopeds"
https://www.mlit.go.jp/jidosha/jidosha_fr7_000092.html

License Plates and Taxes for New Standard Mopeds

For New Standard Mopeds, the license plate is the same as for conventional mopeds (Class 1 mopeds), with a smaller size than 250cc or heavy motorcycles, a white color, and a rectangular or trapezoidal shape depending on the municipality.

The annual amount of tax (light vehicle tax) is also ¥2,000, the same as for conventional Class 1 mopeds, and the premium for compulsory insurance (compulsory automobile liability insurance) is also the same as for conventional Class 1 mopeds.

Therefore, the costs for taxes and insurance premiums remain unchanged from conventional Class 1 mopeds.

Laws and Traffic Rules for Each Motorcycle Engine Displacement

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/98-634941/
Depending on the engine displacement, traffic rules for motorcycles change, such as the necessity of a two-step right turn and whether tandem riding is allowed, as follows:

Engine Displacement	Expressway	Two-step Right Turn	Tandem Riding	Main Use
～50cc (including New Standard Moped)	×	Required	×	Short distance
51～125cc	×	Not required	◯	Commuting
126～250cc	◯	Not required	◯	Versatile
251～400cc	◯	Not required	◯	Long distance
401cc～	◯	Not required	◯	Hobby

Let's take a closer look at the laws and traffic rules for each motorcycle engine displacement.

Class 1 Moped (up to 125cc New Standard Moped)

Traffic rules for the New Standard Moped, newly established from April 1, 2025, are the same as those applied to conventional Class 1 mopeds (up to 50cc).

Under the new standards, a Class 1 moped license allows riding up to 125cc (with an output limit of up to 4.0kW/5.4ps maximum output), but legal speed limits and the necessity of a two-step right turn remain unchanged from 50cc class mopeds.

Laws and Traffic Rules</h4>
The legal maximum output for Class 1 mopeds is 30km/h, the same as for conventional Class 1 mopeds (up to 50cc). Riding at the same pace as other classes of motorcycles or passenger cars would result in a speeding violation.

When turning right at intersections with three or more lanes on one side, or where a two-step right turn sign is present, a two-step right turn is mandatory.

Riding on expressways and exclusive motor vehicle roads is not permitted, and tandem riding is also prohibited. Therefore, even motorcycles with a design that includes a rear seat cannot be ridden tandem.

Permitted Riding Areas

Class 1 mopeds (including conventional 50cc mopeds and New Standard Mopeds) can only be ridden on general roads, and can be ridden on national roads whether there is one lane or two lanes on one side.

However, riding on expressways, exclusive motor vehicle roads, and roads with a "Mopeds Prohibited" sign is forbidden. Entering a road with a blue car symbol on the sign will immediately result in a violation.

Even if the road sign indicates 50km/h, the maximum speed for a Class 1 moped is 30km/h. On main roads such as national routes, there is a speed difference from other traffic, making it difficult to keep up with the flow.

Riding Location for Class 1 Moped

When riding on large roads with two or more lanes, Class 1 mopeds are obligated to ride on the left side of the leftmost lane (first lane of traffic), except when avoiding stopped vehicles or making a right turn (if not a two-step right turn).

Always staying on the left is also known as "Keep Left". Continuously riding in the right lane may result in a lane violation, incurring 1 point and a fine of ¥5,000, so it is important to pay attention to your riding location.

Class 2 Moped (51〜125cc)

A Class 2 moped is a two-wheeled motorcycle equipped with an engine of 51cc to 125cc engine displacement. Electric motorcycles with a rated motor output of over 0.6kW to 1.0kW or less also fall under Class 2 mopeds.

The difference from the New Standard Moped (Class 1 Moped) is whether there is a limit on the maximum engine output; motorcycles that can be ridden with a Class 1 Moped license have a maximum output of 4.0kW/5.4ps or less.

Although it is still called a moped, the legal speed limit is the same as for cars and medium-sized or larger motorcycles, and a two-step right turn is not required, allowing it to be ridden similarly to other traffic.

Laws and Traffic Rules

The legal speed limit for Class 2 mopeds on general roads is 60km/h, the same as for medium-sized or larger motorcycles and cars.

On larger roads, the two-step right turn that is mandatory for Class 1 mopeds is not required, and tandem riding is permitted if more than one year has passed since obtaining the license.

However, riding on expressways and exclusive motor vehicle roads, which are only for automobiles, is not permitted. Class 2 mopeds, which fall under motorized bicycles, are treated as bicycles under the Road Transport Vehicle Act and therefore cannot be ridden on these roads.

Permitted Riding Areas

Class 2 mopeds can be ridden on almost all general roads, and since the engine power is greater compared to Class 1 mopeds, there are no problems on main roads with fast traffic flow.

On large roads with two or more lanes, Class 1 mopeds are obligated to ride on the left side of the leftmost lane (first lane of traffic), but Class 2 mopeds can always ride closer to the center of the lane (second lane of traffic, etc.).

Within the legal speed limit, it is possible to overtake from the right lane, but expressways and exclusive motor vehicle roads cannot be ridden on, so be careful not to mistakenly ride on them.

Light Motorcycle (126〜250cc)

A light motorcycle is a two-wheeled motorcycle with a total engine displacement of 126cc to 250cc. Due to its greater engine power compared to Class 1 and 2 mopeds, it can be ridden with more ease than a moped.

Riding on expressways and exclusive motor vehicle roads is also possible, making this class versatile for commuting, long-distance travel, and even multi-day touring.

Laws and Traffic Rules

Light motorcycles are subject to the same traffic rules as cars (passenger cars), with a speed limit of 60km/h on general roads. Similar to Class 2 mopeds, a two-step right turn at intersections is not required.

Riding on expressways and exclusive motor vehicle roads is also possible, and tandem riding is permitted if more than one year has passed since obtaining the license.

For tandem riding on expressways, the driver must be at least 20 years old and have held a standard motorcycle license for at least 3 years. However, some sections of the Metropolitan Expressway prohibit tandem riding, so it is necessary to check before riding.

Light motorcycles do not require vehicle inspections, so maintenance costs tend to be lower compared to standard motorcycles (251cc-400cc) and heavy motorcycles (over 401cc).

Permitted Riding Areas

Light motorcycles can be ridden on almost all roads, including general roads, expressways, and exclusive motor vehicle roads, but cannot be ridden in sections where motorcycle traffic is prohibited.

You can also ride on urban bypasses, ring roads, and expressways, so you can ride relying on your navigation system.

There are no lane restrictions like with Class 1 mopeds, so there's no need to keep left, making for a less stressful ride.

Standard Motorcycle (251〜400cc)

A standard motorcycle is a motorcycle equipped with an engine displacement of 251cc to 400cc, and it is a class that can be ridden with the same standard motorcycle license as light motorcycles (126cc to 250cc).

The traffic rules, such as the roads that can be ridden on, are the same as for light motorcycles, but the biggest difference is that this class requires vehicle inspection, so maintenance costs will be slightly higher.

Laws and Traffic Rules

The legal speed limit for standard motorcycles is 60km/h, and they can be ridden on almost all roads, including expressways and exclusive motor vehicle roads.

Tandem riding is also possible if more than one year has passed since obtaining the license. To ride tandem on an expressway, the driver must be at least 20 years old and have held a motorcycle license for at least 3 years.

Since vehicle inspections are required, a vehicle inspection is needed 3 years after new registration, and every 2 years thereafter. The estimated cost for a vehicle inspection is about ¥50,000 to ¥80,000 (for basic maintenance only), which is a necessary maintenance cost.

Permitted Riding Areas

Standard motorcycles can be ridden on almost all roads in Japan, except for sections where motorcycle traffic is prohibited.

They can be ridden on both general roads and expressways, making this a versatile class for long-distance travel and touring using expressways, as well as for everyday transportation.

Heavy Motorcycle (401cc and above)

Heavy motorcycles are all bikes with an engine displacement exceeding 401cc. With no displacement limit, ranging from 500cc class bikes to those exceeding 1,800cc like a Harley-Davidson, they offer ample power and stable riding thanks to their large displacement.

Vehicle inspections are required, and due to their heavier weight compared to other classes, fuel efficiency is not as high, resulting in the highest maintenance costs among motorcycles.

Laws and Traffic Rules

Basic rules, such as traffic laws and permissible roads, are the same as for standard motorcycles, so riding on expressways and exclusive motor vehicle roads is also possible.

Tandem riding is also possible, and even with two adults riding tandem, the large displacement and power provide a sense of余裕 that other classes lack.

Vehicle inspections are required after 3 years for a new purchase, and every 2 years thereafter. Fuel efficiency is also worse than other classes, so higher maintenance costs are needed.

Permitted Riding Areas

Heavy motorcycles can be ridden on all roads in Japan, except for certain sections where motorcycle traffic is prohibited.

They can be ridden on expressways and exclusive motor vehicle roads, offering ample power and a consistently relaxed ride due to their large displacement. Furthermore, their heavy weight provides excellent stability during riding, reducing fatigue on long-distance journeys.

Summary of Licenses Required for Each Motorcycle Engine Displacement

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/85-6703378/
Motorcycles require licenses according to their class (engine displacement), as follows:

Category	Motorcycle Engine Displacement	Required License	License Plate Color
Class 1 Moped	～50cc or less	Moped License / Standard Car License	White (smaller than light motorcycles)
Class 1 Moped	～125cc (New Standard Moped)	Moped License / Standard Car License	White (smaller than light motorcycles)
Class 2 Moped	51～125cc	Limited Small Motorcycle License (including AT Limited Small)	Pink
Light Motorcycle	126cc～250cc	Standard Motorcycle License	White (larger than Class 1 mopeds)
Standard Motorcycle	251cc～400cc	Standard Motorcycle License	White with green border line
Heavy Motorcycle	401cc and above	Heavy Motorcycle License	White with green border line

From April 2025, the conventional Class 1 moped has become the New Standard Moped, allowing Class 1 moped license holders, who previously could only ride up to 50cc, to now ride up to 125cc.

However, Class 1 moped licenses only permit riding 125cc models with an output limit (maximum output of 4.0kW/5.4ps or less). To ride 125cc class motorcycles exceeding this output limit, a Limited Small Motorcycle License or higher is required.

Class 1 Moped (up to 50cc / including New Standard Moped)

The license required to ride a Class 1 moped, including the New Standard Moped, is a "Class 1 Moped License". Individuals with a standard car license can also ride Class 1 mopeds.

To obtain a Class 1 moped license, you must be at least 16 years old. After passing the aptitude test and written exam at a driver's license test center, and completing a 3-hour moped training course, you can obtain the license.

Details of Class 1 Moped License

The aptitude test is a simple examination that includes a vision test (0.5 or higher with both eyes, glasses or contact lenses allowed), a color discrimination test, a hearing test (able to hear a 90dB warning sound from 10m, hearing aids allowed), and a motor skills test (suitability for moped driving).

The written exam consists of 48 questions in total: 46 text questions and 2 illustration questions. These are multiple-choice questions where you determine the correctness. The passing rate for the written exam is approximately 50%.

If you do not pass the aptitude test, you cannot take the written exam. However, if you fail the written exam, the aptitude test will be waived for re-examination, so you only retake the written exam.

Class 2 Moped (51〜125cc)

To ride a Class 2 moped (51-125cc) class motorcycle, a "Limited Small Motorcycle License" is required.

The Limited Small Motorcycle License is divided into AT (automatic) limited and standard (MT). The AT limited license only allows riding motorcycles like scooters that do not require clutch operation, while the standard license allows riding all 125cc class motorcycles regardless of clutch operation.

With an unrestricted license, you can ride both MT (manual transmission) motorcycles and scooters that don't require clutch operation, but an AT limited license does not permit riding MT motorcycles.

Motorcycles such as the Super Cub C125 and Cross Cub 110 require gear shifting but no clutch operation, so they can be ridden with an AT limited license.

Process to Obtain a Class 2 Moped License

There are two routes to obtaining a Class 2 moped license: "using a driving school" and "direct examination". At a driving school, after passing an aptitude test, you attend theoretical (26 hours) and practical (12 hours) training courses.

After completing all training, if you pass the practical test, you can take the written test at the license examination center. If you pass that, you then take the post-licensing course and first aid course, and then you can obtain your Class 2 moped license.

Direct examination is a method of obtaining a license by directly taking the practical and written examinations at a license examination center. For the practical examination, you must ride on the course announced on the day of the examination and pass it.

Light Motorcycle (126〜250cc)

The license required to operate a light motorcycle (126-250cc) is a "Standard Motorcycle License," which allows you to ride motorcycles up to 400cc.

There is an "MT" license that allows riding regardless of transmission type, and an "AT limited" license that only allows riding motorcycles that do not require clutch operation. There are two ways to obtain these: through a driving school or by taking a direct examination (one-shot test).

The eligibility requirement is being at least 16 years old. There are two methods for obtaining the license: by taking lessons at a driving school or by taking a direct examination at a license examination center.

Process to Obtain a Standard Motorcycle License

When obtaining a standard motorcycle license at a driving school, a simple aptitude test, including vision and hearing tests, is first conducted. Then, you attend theoretical training (26 hours total for stage one and two) and practical training (19 hours total for stage one and two).

After completing all training, you take the graduation examination. If you pass, you then take the written examination at the license examination center, and upon passing, you can obtain your standard motorcycle license.

Those with a standard car license are exempt from the theoretical training at the driving school. After completing the practical training and passing the graduation examination, only a license conversion is performed at the license examination center (no written examination).

Standard Motorcycle (251〜400cc)

Motorcycles with an engine displacement of 251cc to 400cc fall into the standard motorcycle class, and riding them requires the same "Standard Motorcycle License" as light motorcycles.

With a Standard Motorcycle License, you can ride motorcycles up to 400cc. However, the difference from light motorcycles is that this class requires vehicle inspections, resulting in higher post-purchase maintenance costs compared to light motorcycles.

Heavy Motorcycle (401cc and above)

Heavy motorcycles encompass all bikes with an engine displacement of over 401cc. With a heavy motorcycle license, you can ride any motorcycle regardless of engine displacement, from 500cc class bikes to those with engines exceeding 1,800cc, like the Triumph Rocket 3 series, which has a larger displacement than typical passenger cars. This allows you to ride the motorcycle you desire.

Vehicle inspection is required, and compared to other classes, the heavy weight results in lower fuel efficiency, making maintenance costs the highest among motorcycles.

The eligibility requirement for a heavy motorcycle license is being at least 18 years old. There are two methods to obtain it: through a driving school or by taking a one-shot examination at a license examination center.

Process to Obtain a Heavy Motorcycle License

There are two ways to obtain a heavy motorcycle license: through a driving school or by taking a one-shot examination at a license examination center. You must be at least 18 years old at the time of license issuance.

The training involves theoretical lessons (36 hours) and practical lessons (26 hours). After completing all lessons, you take the graduation examination. If you pass, you then take and pass the written examination at the license examination center to obtain your heavy motorcycle license.

If you already have a standard motorcycle license, theoretical training is waived. You only need to complete 12 hours of practical training, and then you can obtain the heavy motorcycle license by simply having your license rewritten at the license examination center. This is the fastest way to obtain a heavy motorcycle license.

Estimated Maintenance Costs for Each Motorcycle Engine Displacement

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Motorcycle maintenance costs include light vehicle tax and compulsory automobile liability insurance, which are mandatory annual payments, as well as optional insurance premiums chosen by individuals.

Motorcycle Engine Displacement	Light Vehicle Tax/year	Compulsory Auto Liability Insurance/year	Optional Insurance Premium/year	Annual Maintenance Cost/year
～50cc or less	¥2,000	¥6,910	¥0～30,000	Approx. ¥20,000～50,000
51～125cc (New Standard Moped)	¥2,000	¥6,910	¥0～30,000	Approx. ¥20,000～50,000
51～125cc	¥2,400	¥6,910	¥10,000～50,000	Approx. ¥30,000～70,000
126cc～250cc	¥3,600	¥7,100	¥20,000～60,000	Approx. ¥50,000～100,000
251cc～400cc	¥6,000	¥7,010	¥30,000～80,000	Approx. ¥90,000～120,000
401cc and above	¥6,000	¥7,010	¥50,000～120,000	Approx. ¥130,000～200,000

Generally, costs increase with engine displacement. Compared to a Class 1 moped and a heavy motorcycle of 401cc or more, the annual maintenance cost differs by over ¥100,000.

Class 1 Moped (up to 50cc / including New Standard Moped)

Class 1 mopeds have the lowest light vehicle tax among all motorcycles and high fuel efficiency, resulting in low annual maintenance costs.

Main Maintenance Costs

The main maintenance costs and fuel efficiency for Class 1 mopeds are as follows:

• Light vehicle tax: ¥2,000/year
• Compulsory automobile liability insurance: ¥6,910/year
• Optional insurance: ¥0-20,000 (many people don't subscribe)
• Vehicle inspection: None
• Fuel efficiency: 40-60km/L

Voluntary insurance is a type of insurance that individuals voluntarily take out to prepare for accidents that may occur, damaging other people or property. Many people who own Class I mopeds tend not to join voluntary insurance.

However, damages caused by accidents can often be high, and compulsory automobile liability insurance may not be enough to cover them, so it's not an exaggeration to say that joining voluntary insurance is essential.

Many people who have voluntary car insurance can add the Family Bike rider (moped rider), which can reduce their voluntary insurance premiums.

Estimated Annual Maintenance Costs for Class I Mopeds (including new standard mopeds)

The estimated annual maintenance cost for a Class I moped is approximately 10,000 to 40,000 yen, and the cost varies greatly depending on whether you have voluntary insurance.

Accidents can happen unexpectedly, so being covered by voluntary insurance for unforeseen circumstances often ends up being more cost-effective in the long run.

Class II Mopeds (51-125cc)

For Class II mopeds, the light vehicle tax is slightly higher than for Class I mopeds, but the annual maintenance costs, including compulsory automobile liability insurance and voluntary insurance, are generally the same as for Class I mopeds.

Main Maintenance Costs

The main maintenance costs required to ride a Class II moped are as follows:

• Light vehicle tax: 2,400 yen/year
• Compulsory automobile liability insurance: 6,910 yen/year
• Voluntary insurance: 10,000 to 40,000 yen
• Vehicle inspection: Not required
• Fuel efficiency: 35-55 km/L

Similar to Class I mopeds, no vehicle inspection is required, and the fuel efficiency is 35-55 km per liter of gasoline, making the maintenance costs as low as those of Class I mopeds.

Estimated Annual Maintenance Costs for Class II Mopeds

The estimated annual maintenance cost for a Class II moped is approximately 30,000 to 70,000 yen, with voluntary insurance premiums accounting for the largest portion.

Those who have voluntary car insurance can often use the family bike rider, which can reduce the most expensive part of the insurance premium.

Light Motorcycles (126-250cc)

Light motorcycles have slightly higher light vehicle tax and compulsory automobile liability insurance than mopeds, but the difference is not significant.

Main Maintenance Costs

Compared to standard motorcycles (251cc-400cc) which can be ridden with the same regular motorcycle license, this class does not require a vehicle inspection, which makes maintenance costs lower.

• Light vehicle tax: 3,600 yen/year
• Compulsory automobile liability insurance: 7,100 yen/year
• Voluntary insurance: 20,000 to 60,000 yen
• Vehicle inspection: Not required
• Fuel efficiency: 25-40 km/L

Estimated Annual Maintenance Costs for Light Motorcycles

The estimated maintenance cost for a light motorcycle is approximately 50,000 to 100,000 yen, and in this class, the annual maintenance cost also varies significantly depending on the voluntary insurance premium.

Fuel efficiency is 25-40 km per liter of gasoline, so if you travel 5,000 km annually, the annual fuel cost will be around 25,000 to 30,000 yen.

Standard Motorcycles (251-400cc)

Standard motorcycles are a displacement class that can be ridden with a regular motorcycle license, and from this class onwards, a vehicle inspection is required every two years (the first time is three years after purchase, then every two years thereafter).

Therefore, the annual maintenance costs are higher than for light motorcycles (126cc-250cc).

Main Maintenance Costs

The main costs required to maintain a light motorcycle are as follows:

• Light vehicle tax: 6,000 yen/year
• Compulsory automobile liability insurance: 7,010 yen/year
• Voluntary insurance: 30,000 to 80,000 yen
• Vehicle inspection: Required (every 2 years/approx. 40,000 to 80,000 yen)
• Fuel efficiency: 20-30 km/L

Estimated Annual Maintenance Costs for Standard Motorcycles

The estimated annual maintenance cost for a standard motorcycle is approximately 80,000 to 150,000 yen, which is higher than for light motorcycles due to the vehicle inspection requirement.

Vehicle inspection costs range from about 40,000 to 60,000 yen if you do it cheaply, and 50,000 to 80,000 yen if you leave it to a shop. Since inspections are required every two years, the annual cost is about 20,000 to 40,000 yen.

Also, the light vehicle tax is 6,000 yen annually, which is slightly higher than the 3,600 yen per year for light motorcycles.

Heavy Motorcycles (401cc and above)

Heavy motorcycles require vehicle inspections, and their fuel efficiency is 15-25 km/L, so they require the highest maintenance costs, including gasoline expenses.

Main Maintenance Costs

The main maintenance costs required to maintain a heavy motorcycle are as follows:

• Light vehicle tax: 6,000 yen/year
• Compulsory automobile liability insurance: 7,010 yen/year
• Voluntary insurance: 50,000 to 100,000 yen or more
• Vehicle inspection: Required (approx. 60,000 to 80,000 yen)
• Fuel efficiency: 15-25 km/L

Fuel efficiency is around 15-25 km (varies depending on the model and riding style), and it consumes more fuel than any other class of motorcycle, so gasoline costs will also be higher.

Estimated Annual Maintenance Costs for Heavy Motorcycles

The estimated annual maintenance cost for a heavy motorcycle is approximately 120,000 to 230,000 yen, and imported bikes tend to have higher vehicle inspection and parts replacement costs.

Vehicle inspection costs generally range from 60,000 to 80,000 yen if kept as low as possible, or around 30,000 yen if you handle the inspection yourself. However, this requires preparing the bike beforehand according to inspection requirements, making it a high hurdle for beginners.

The light vehicle tax is 6,000 yen, regardless of whether the displacement is 500cc or over 2,000cc, which is the same amount as for standard motorcycles.