(And good volumetric efficiency).
The critical thing with respect to detonation in a spark ignition engine is peak pressure in the cylinders.
With a large cylinder at low rpm (compared to a small cylinder at high rpm), there is a relatively longer period of burning taking place. This leads to higher peak cylinder pressures, which are more prone to causing detonation in the remaining mixture, ahead of the flame front.
This same phenomenon can occur in car engines, albeit less often these days due to better engine design and the use of ECUs with knock sensors. If it happens, it is more likely to be in a high gear at low rpm.