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Motorcycles are a great way to save on gas.
They get much better gas mileage than cars.
In fact, motorcycles can get up to three times the gas mileage of a car.
This is because motorcycles are far more efficient with their use of fuel.
Understanding more about motorcycle gas mileage will help you decide on what bike to purchase or can help you determine if your bike isn’t working as efficiently as it should.
Keep reading to learn all about motorcycle gas mileage.
What Gas Mileage Does the Average Motorcycle Get?
The average motorcycle will get somewhere between 20 and 70 miles per gallon, depending on the size of the engine and type of fuel used.
Smaller engines with higher compression ratios tend to get better gas mileage than larger engines with lower compression ratios.
Bikes with the Best Fuel Economy
Some of the best motorcycles for fuel economy are those with smaller engines.
These include scooters, mopeds and smaller displacement cruisers.
Scooters and mopeds tend to get around 30-60 miles per gallon, while some cruisers can get up to 70 miles per gallon or more.
Reasons for Bad Gas Mileage for Your Motorcycle
If your motorcycle is not getting the gas mileage you expect, there could be a few reasons why.
Tire Pressure
First, the easiest thing is to make sure your tires are properly inflated.
Low tire pressure can cause poor fuel efficiency.
Carbs and Air Filters
It is also important to ensure that all of your bike’s parts are in good working order and that nothing is leaking or broken.
If your bike’s air filter or carbs are dirty or clogged with debris, it can cause decreased fuel efficiency.
Learn more about about cleaning your motorcycle carbs and air filter.
Riding Style
If you ride your bike too hard and fast, it will use more gas than normal.
Smooth acceleration and shifting will give you the best fuel economy.
Rich Running Condition
If you’re getting poor gas mileage, your motorcycle engine may be running rich.
This means that the mixture of air and fuel in your bike’s cylinders is not right, resulting in too much fuel being used.
If this is the case, you’ll need to tune your bike or may want to get your bike serviced by a professional to get it running efficiently again.
Learn more about running lean vs. rich.
Brakes
If your brakes are tight, that can also cause poor gas mileage.
Make sure to regularly check the brakes and make any necessary adjustments or repairs.
How to Improve Your Motorcycle’s Fuel Economy
If you want to improve your motorcycle’s gas mileage, there are a few simple things you can do.
First, be sure to keep up with regular motorcycle maintenance, like oil changes and tune-ups.
This will ensure that all of your bike’s parts are in good working order and not causing any unnecessary drag or wear on the engine.
You can also adjust your riding style to be more fuel efficient.
Ride at a constant speed, avoid quick starts and stops, and use the right gears for acceleration and braking.
Additionally, you’ll want to keep your bike clean. This will help reduce drag on the engine and improve overall performance.
Also, get the right tires for your bike.
Low-resistance tires will help reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency.
Finally, consider adding a more efficient fuel-injection system or other performance parts to your bike.
These can help boost the engine’s efficiency and get more miles per gallon out of your motorcycle.
By understanding more about motorcycle gas mileage, you can make sure that your bike is running as efficiently as possible.
Taking steps to improve your bike’s fuel economy can help you save money on gas and get more out of your ride.