Some individuals purchase a motorcycle to ride back and forth to work, as they want to save money on their commute. Other people choose to invest in a bike so they can get out on the open road with friends and have a great time.

 

Regardless of why a person buys a bike, they want to get the most from their ride. The fuel efficiency of the motorcycle plays a role in how often they can ride the bike and how much it will cost to own and operate.

 

Fortunately, there are ways to get better gas mileage out of a motorcycle. The following tips are of great help in achieving this goal. However, ask a mechanic for other suggestions, as they may have one or more ideas you overlooked.

 

Consider Aerodynamics

 

Whether a person is looking into new bikes or pre-owned motorcycles, consider the aerodynamics of each bike. In addition, always use the proper riding position and wear the appropriate gear.

 

For example, today’s helmets create little drag. This means there is less wind resistance. Any wind resistance decreases fuel economy, so choose the bike, clothing, and accessories carefully to maximize fuel.

 

Highway Driving

 

Taking the highway reduces the amount of gas the motorcycle uses. The bike maintains a consistent speed and the RPMs are lower. This helps to improve gas mileage.

 

According to the United States Department of Energy, the average motorcycle gets over 40 miles per gallon. Its closest competitor is a ridesharing vehicle, which gets approximately 26 miles per gallon. With highway driving, a biker can ensure they get close to the average.

 

Motorcycles are like cars in that driving in the city increases gas consumption. When a person slows down and speeds up at intersections or when they are stuck in traffic, the fuel efficiency of the motorcycle decreases significantly.

 

The frequent braking and acceleration required in the city leads to the low gas mileage seen with any vehicle. As a person doesn’t brake and speed up regularly while on the highway, gas mileage increases.

 

Fill the Gas Tank

 

Riders debate on whether to fill the gas tank before a ride. Some people say doing so decreases fuel economy because the rider must account for the additional weight the fuel adds to the bike.

 

However, a full tank reduces fuel evaporation. This means there are benefits and drawbacks to each option. When traveling with other riders, it is best to fill up. Nobody wants to wait on a rider who must stop for fuel regularly.

 

Tire Maintenance

 

The tires on a bike have a significant impact on the fuel efficiency of the motorcycle. Keep the tires at the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Aftermarket sellers often recommend a different pressure, but it is best to stick to the pressure found in the motorcycle owner’s manual.

 

When the air pressure in the tires is low, this causes drag. The motorcycle requires more fuel to move. In addition, underinflated tires increase the risk of an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a person’s risk of an accident increases threefold when they don’t properly maintain the tires.

 

The tread depth on the tires also affects the bike’s fuel efficiency. Insufficient tread leads to the bike slipping on the road. This forces the engine to work harder and reduces fuel efficiency.

 

Deeper treads, however, also negatively impact fuel efficiency. Work with the manufacturer to find the right tread depth for the bike.

 

However, take care when inflating the tires. A rider can have too much of a good thing. Overinflating the tires actually wears them down quickly. This means the rider will need new tires in less time.

 

Ease Off the Throttle

 

It is fun and exciting to take off when the light turns green. However, doing so uses a significant amount of fuel. Very few things provide a driver with the power they have while on a bike. However, rapid acceleration can leave the biker spending more time at the gas station than on the open road.

 

The higher the RPMs, the more fuel the bike will use. Ease off the throttle and watch the fuel efficiency of the bike increase.

 

Obey the speed limit. This will also help to keep fuel costs down, as fuel consumption increases at higher speeds. Furthermore, wind resistance increases as the bike’s speed increases, which leads to a loss in fuel efficiency.

 

Choose the Right Fuel

 

Motorcycle manufacturers engineer their bikes to run on different blends and qualities of fuel. However, the manufacturer recommends a particular type of fuel for each motorcycle today.

 

The octane rating of gas provides information about fuel stability. The rating tells the rider how much pressure the engine needs for the fuel to combust spontaneously.

 

A higher octane number indicates the fuel is more stable. A motorcycle has a high compression engine, and it needs a high octane fuel.

 

However, this doesn’t mean a rider should choose a higher octane gas than the manufacturer recommends. Doing so creates higher cylinder pressure and temperatures. This could bring about knocking in the engine.

 

Most vehicles today can use gasoline with ethanol added. While it's not the best option for motorcycles, the government is encouraging manufacturers to produce more of this fuel because of its lower chemical energy. It burns cleaner and comes from sustainable resources. Vehicles built after 2001 can safely use this gas.

 

Remove Excess Weight

 

Excess weight decreases the fuel efficiency of any vehicle, including a motorcycle. Consider this when deciding which accessories to invest in. Only choose those that are necessary for the ride.

 

In addition, consider what to carry during a ride. Although extra clothing and equipment can be beneficial on certain rides, remove these items between trips. This will help to keep the weight down and increase fuel efficiency.

 

What riders may not realize is excess weight affects a motorcycle differently than it does a vehicle. Small changes in weight are of significant benefit when riding a motorcycle, even if they wouldn’t have any noticeable impact on a passenger vehicle’s performance.

 

This means the rider should also lose weight if they are carrying excess pounds. Nobody wants to hear they need to go on a diet, but losing weight is beneficial to more than a person’s health. It can also impact their wallet by increasing the fuel efficiency of the bike and decreasing fuel costs.

 

Plan accordingly if you will carry a passenger. Doing so can make the trip more enjoyable. However, it will also lead to the need for more frequent fuel stops, particularly on long trips. Account for this in the travel time and the trip budget.

 

Stay Current With Maintenance

 

Regular maintenance is critical to a bike’s overall performance. Change the oil regularly or have a mechanic complete this task. Replace the oil filter regularly, and every bike owner should adhere to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.

 

With regular maintenance, a bike runs better, uses less gas, and lasts longer. In addition, regular maintenance ensures the bike is safe to operate. This is of great importance because a rider and their passengers have little to protect them when there is an accident.

 

Remove the paper filter the bike comes with and replace it with a quality air filter. Check this air filter regularly and change as needed.

 

A clogged filter significantly reduces the bike’s fuel efficiency. Many bikers opt for a renewable air filter to ensure the bike can breathe fully and expend fuel properly.

 

Avoid Free-Flowing Intake and Exhaust Systems

 

Countless people believe they will benefit from installing a freer flowing intake and exhaust system. They are under the misconception that installing this system and properly tuning it will increase the MPG. It actually does the exact opposite. The added air flow must be countered by an increase in fuel.

 

Consider Moving to an Electric Bike

 

Countless individuals today rely on an electric car to get them from place to place. Bikers now have the option of owning an electric bike, so they no longer need to worry about heading to the gas station to fill up. They can charge the bike and head out on the open road.

 

However, the rider must then determine how to maximize the charge on their bike. Many factors that affect the fuel efficiency of the bike also determine how far a full charge will take them when riding. Keep this in mind when considering whether a move to an electric bike is the right option.

 

While any one of these tips by itself won’t lead to a significant jump in fuel efficiency, every bit helps. Over time, a rider will find they spend less time at the gas station and less money at the pump when these tips are used.

 

In addition, when the bike doesn’t need to work as hard, the rider will find the motorcycle lasts longer. They get more enjoyment from the bike because they aren’t constantly making repairs. This benefit alone is enough for many people to implement these tips today.