Improve your motorcycle gas mileage

"Ouch! I'm sure you've felt 'Pain at the Pump' recently. Gas Prices have soared across the US and Puget Sound.  Take a Look:"

In 2013 fuel prices were close to then-record highs. The EPA was lobbying to have 75% of all motorcycles run on clean diesel and get 100 mpg by 2017. (We've even wrote an article on motorcycle fuel efficiency.) Today average fuel costs are skyrocketing again, without any relief in sight. In LA fuel prices are over $6.00 per gallon.

So, it is the perfect time to provide you with tips to maximize your fuel efficiency in 2022. As a bonus here is a list of the top fuel-efficient motorcycles on the market currently. We have left out electric motorcycles from the list because their ratings are typically Miles Per Charge (MPC).

NOW! On to the tips.

Fill your tank
There is common controversy to this and the idea that lighter weight means more fuel efficiency, but a gallon of gas weighs only 6.3 pounds, and keeping the tank full reduces fuel evaporation. Besides, nobody likes waiting on the person who must stop for gas because they did not fill up before the ride.

Keep your tires inflated
Tires with low air pressure have more friction which means the bike needs more fuel to move. As a result, it is good to check your tire pressure each time you fill up to maximize your fuel efficiency.

Maintain your bike
Changing out a paper filter for a renewable air filter will keep your bike expanding the fuel properly. While Oil and filter changes, and keeping your bike tuned up will keep your bike running at premium efficiency and save your fuel mileage.

Minimize the extra weight
Space on a motorcycle is a premium, and weight will affect gas mileage. The more weight the more fuel it takes to move the bike, the less weight the less fuel it takes. When was the last time you needed full saddlebags, Sissybar bag, and tank bag just to ride over to your friends and back? Having different setups for your travel needs can save you money on fuel over time.

Avoid aggressive driving
Idling, getting up to speed, and riding at high speeds will increase your fuel consumption. While it might not be as exciting, accelerating normally and riding at a consistent speed will increase your fuel efficiency.

When possible, take highways
Stop and go traffic and intersections can kill gas mileage. So, taking the highways will increase your gas mileage. It allows you to ride at a consistent speed, prevents idling, and no acceleration from a stop to eat up your gas mileage.

Be Aerodynamic
There are a lot of ways to do this, but one that applies to many riders is the helmet. On average a full-face helmets have the best aerodynamics, because of the testing done to improve race performance.

Most fuel-efficient motorcycles in 2022.

1,000cc+ Adventure:

• Honda Africa Twin 42-46 mpg
• Kawasaki Versys 1000 LT 42-44 mpg
• BMS R 1250 GS 41-45 mpg
• Yamaha Super Ténéré ES 41-44 mpg
• Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 46 mpg

 750–1,000cc Cruisers:

• Yamaha Bolt R-Spec (942cc) 52-54 mpg
• Honda Shadow Phantom (745cc) 48-53 mpg
• Suzuki Boulevard C50 (805cc) 46–48 mpg
• Harley-Davidson XL883 (883cc) 43–50 mpg
• Indian Scout Sixty (999cc) & Kawasaki Vulcan (903cc) 44–47 mpg

 1,000cc Sport bike

• Ducati Panigale V2 42-50 mpg
• Suzuki GSX-R1000 38–41 mpg
• Yamaha YZF-R1 37–41 mpg
• Honda CBR1000RR 36–40 mpg
• BMW S 1000 R 36–38 mpg

 Singles & Twins, 300cc

• Honda Rebel 300 78 mpg
• Honda CBR300R 71 mpg
• BMW G 310 GS 64–66 mpg
• Kawasaki Versys-X 300 60 mpg
• Kawasaki Ninja 400 55–59 mpg

"NOTE:  You can avoid the increasing costs of gas by going with an electric motorcycle.  The newer models have absolutely upped their game when it comes to performance.  Remember, however, that you still can't escape rising energy prices forever - they'll get you one way or another." 

Know of any tips we missed or any bikes you believe should be on the list? Leave a comment and let us know!