When was cc introduced as a measure of engine capacity?

Question

I read a description of a 500cc BSA Motorcycle being used during the first World War. Can this be true?

Answer 1

Countries that use the metric system will measure engine displacement in cc or Litres rather than cubic inches. (1 L = 1000 cc)

The metric system was introduced by the French during their revolution. They chopped off the king's head and decided not have a king any more, so they had to choose a different measure.

1 metre is 1/10,000 the distance from the equator to the pole, although it has a different more precise measure today. A cc is just that, a centimetre cubed. A litre is a kilogram of water, which at STP is 1000cc and 1000 grams. Easier than your feet, yards, pints, quarts, gills and pecks, etc.

Since Napoleon conquered much of Europe for about 15 years, the metric system kinda stuck there and migrated to their colonies eventually. A more precise measurement was needed for international trade anyway, since each country's king tended to have a different-sized foot.

North America, Britain and its colonies - Canada, Australia, India, etc. kept the British measure (although the Americans were confused about gallons and pints...). In the last 30 years, much of the British world has gone metric.

Metric measurements would be normal for non-British foreign engine makers from the beginning. As the Japanese and other foreign car makers became common in the USA, the metric system for engine sizes, bolts, and other pieces has become mor common over here.

Now that American ally with foreign manufacturers (i.e. Dailmer-Chrysler) they have moved toward using the same measurement. Besides, 3000cc sounds bigger than 3Litres; and sounds more impressive than 302 inches, unless you know the comparison factor.

Answer 2

Cubic centimeters were around before the internal combustion engine. I'm not familiar with BSA's products, but that certainly sounds possible.

Answer 3

Most european countrys except UK were already using the metric system way before first world war.

Answer 4

CC's where first used when the europeans built there first motocycle, its the metric system, they dont measure in inches.

Answer 5

the cc stands for the cubic potential of the engine the cubic potential of engine relies upon on the quantity of cylinder better the quantity, larger the size &/or no of cylinders. larger ought to be the output of engine in words of torque, please be conscious: larger cylinder dimensions skill better gas intake & subsequintly decrease mileage