10 Tips on How to Get the Best Gas Mileage Out Of Your Motorcycle

On average, a motorcycle will get between 35 and 40 miles per gallon. There are a few bikes that get an impressive 60 miles per gallon or more, depending on the fuel type and engine. Motorcycle gas mileage is certainly better than most vehicles on the market.

You might be surprised to learn you can increase the gas mileage of your motorcycle. You don’t have to settle for just average. Use these 12 great tips to increase your bike gas mileage and maximize it!

1. Take the highway when you can. Flat stretches of road at a constant speed mean better fuel economy than when you are driving on the countryside’s curvy roads or the city’s stop-and-go traffic. If your state allows lane splitting, you can also save a lot of commuting time if there is traffic. Traffic always decreases fuel economy & the fun factor.

2. Don’t drive aggressively. Yes, it can be a great deal of fun riding your bike aggressively, but it’s going to cost you at the pump. When you brake quickly and accelerate hastily, it decreases your fuel economy.

3. Keep your engine clean by doing regular maintenance. A clean engine runs more efficiently and that translates to better gas mileage. Servicing your motorcycle regular can help to maintain your gas mileage. Regular maintenance is important for a number of reasons, but gas mileage is one of those benefits you see!

4. Inflate your tires to the correct pressure following manufacturer’s specifications. Check the air pressure frequently to make sure that it is maintained. Maintaining properly inflated tires prevents friction of your tires on the road. This mean the power used to accelerate is reduced and that means you have increased gas mileage and a longer tire life.

5. If you use your motorcycle mostly in the city, think about investing in a lighter bike. A lighter bike means better fuel economy, generally. You don’t have to trade comfort or fun either. There are many lighter bikes that fit all riding styles including cruiser, sport, and scooters. Shop around.

6. Be more aerodynamic when riding at higher speeds. For example, choose a full face helmet, because it is more aerodynamic than other helmet types. Your jacket can also improve your aerodynamics. By minimizing your wind resistance you will be increasing your gas mileage. Did you know if you are going 70 miles per hour, your wind resistance doubles that of 50 miles per hour?

7. Reduce your motorcycle accessories. Adding bling you don’t need will decrease your gas mileage by adding weight and increasing drag. A pair of saddlebags look great but they do increase your bike’s profile. Look into getting a quick disconnect system on your saddlebags so that you can have them on your bike when you need them and take them off when you don’t.

8. When you use high quality fuel, you increase your gas mileage. Most of us tend to look at the price of gas and pick the cheapest fuel being offered. Don’t do it! When you use low quality fuel it will result in a sludge build up in the fuel injectors and that will decrease your fuel mileage over time. Not to mention, the higher the octane level your fuel is, the better performance you’ll get out of your bike.

9. Don’t run your motorcycle engine cold, as it will burn more fuel than a fully warm engine.

10. While it is important to let your motorcycle come up to temperature before going on a ride. Do not let your motorcycle idle needlessly once it’s up to temperature either. Idling also burns fuel minus all the fun.