Regan Brown
Motorcycles are known to be more fuel-efficient than cars, with some bikes travelling further on a single tank of fuel. Fuel efficiency in motorcycles is measured in miles per gallon (MPG) and varies depending on the type of riding, rider behaviour, and engine efficiency. The type of fuel used also impacts the fuel efficiency of a motorcycle, with pure unleaded fuel providing the best performance and efficiency. The Honda CB125F, for example, is designed with fuel efficiency in mind, making it a great choice for city commutes. While it can be challenging to calculate fuel efficiency for motorcycles, websites like Fuelly and Spritmonitor provide valuable resources for riders to compare fuel consumption and costs for various motorcycle models.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel efficiency | Motorcycles generally use less fuel than cars |
| Fuel efficiency compared to cars | Motorcycles use between 2.8 and 5.7 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres with an average of 4.4 l/100km. Diesel cars use between 4.9 and 6.6 l/100km with an average of 5.6 l/100km, and petrol cars use between 6.5 and 9.1 l/100km with an average of 7.6 l/100km. |
| Factors affecting fuel efficiency | Accessories, riding style, type and formulation of gas, engine efficiency, rider behaviour, type of riding, environment, and vehicle build |
| Examples of fuel-efficient motorcycles | Honda CB125F, CB300R, Deauville, BMW F800-series, Honda NC-series |
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What You'll Learn
Fuel efficiency of motorcycles vs cars
Motorcycles generally consume less fuel than cars. This is due to their smaller size, weight, and engine capacity. However, it is important to compare like with like—for example, a large motorcycle may use more fuel than a small car.
According to the German website www.spritmonitor.de, which collates user-submitted data on fuel consumption, motorcycles use between 2.8 and 5.7 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, with an average of 4.4 l/100km. In comparison, petrol cars use between 6.5 and 9.1 l/100km, with an average of 7.6 l/100km, while diesel cars use between 4.9 and 6.6 l/100km, averaging 5.6 l/100km. This means that, in real-world terms, motorcycles use over 1 litre of fuel less per 100 kilometres than diesel cars and over 3 litres less than petrol cars.
However, it is worth noting that motorcycles may not always be the most fuel-efficient option, especially when compared to cars with innovative fuel-saving features. For example, modern cars may have features such as auto-engine shut-off when stopped, cylinder shut-off during certain power modes, and hybrid engines, which can significantly reduce fuel consumption. Additionally, some motorcycles may have high revs, which can impact their fuel economy.
The fuel consumption of vehicles is an important consideration, not only for economic reasons but also for environmental ones. As fuel consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are directly related, reducing fuel consumption can help mitigate climate change. Additionally, motorcycles generally produce fewer CO2 emissions than cars but higher emissions of other gases, such as carbon monoxide (CO).
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Fuel efficiency based on riding style
Motorcycles generally consume less fuel than cars. However, the fuel efficiency of motorcycles depends on several factors, including the rider's style of riding.
Riding style plays a significant role in determining a motorcycle's fuel efficiency. Maintaining a steady speed is crucial for optimizing fuel efficiency. Riders are advised to "ride at the economy speed of their bike." This practice, known as "hypermiling," involves careful use of acceleration and deceleration, avoiding high speeds, and minimizing frequent gear changes and abrupt accelerations. Riding at the economy speed can significantly enhance fuel efficiency.
Additionally, the surface condition and traffic congestion also influence fuel efficiency. While these factors are beyond the rider's control, understanding their impact is essential. Poor road quality and heavy traffic can lead to sporadic riding, resulting in increased fuel consumption.
Another critical aspect of riding style is avoiding idling. When a motorcycle is idle, especially at red traffic signals for extended periods, it consumes fuel unnecessarily. By switching off the engine at red lights or when stopped for more than a minute, riders can save a considerable amount of fuel over time.
Regular servicing of the motorcycle is also essential for maintaining fuel efficiency. By keeping the vehicle well-maintained, riders can ensure that any malfunctioning or broken parts are fixed promptly, allowing the motorcycle to run smoothly and efficiently. This proactive approach can extend the life of the motorcycle while improving fuel efficiency.
Lastly, the choice of fuel can impact fuel efficiency. High-quality fuel can lead to better performance and more efficient fuel utilization. Riders should opt for reputable gas stations offering clean gasoline without ethanol blends, as ethanol can decrease miles per gallon (MPG). Understanding the specific fuel requirements of their motorcycle model can help riders make informed refueling decisions.
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Fuel efficiency based on motorcycle type
Motorcycles are generally more fuel-efficient than cars. While cars use between 4.9 and 9.1 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, motorcycles consume between 2.8 and 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres.
However, fuel efficiency varies depending on the type of motorcycle. For instance, Honda's miniMOTO line-up, which includes the Navi and the Monkey, can return over 100 miles per gallon. Honda's Grom model is also fuel-efficient, with real-world usage delivering around 110 miles per gallon. Yamaha's R7 offers claimed mileage of 58 miles per gallon, while its MT-09 combines performance with value.
Honda's CB, introduced in 2021, is a class leader in fuel efficiency, although it does not match the economy of its predecessor, the CBF125. The Honda NC750X, another efficient model, has a 3.7-gallon tank and a fuel economy of 65 miles per gallon. The CBR300R from Honda is expected to achieve 71 miles per gallon.
Ducati's V4 Multistrada provides an average of 36 miles per gallon, while KTM's 1290 Super Adventure achieves 50.1 miles per gallon. Suzuki's V-Strom 1050 is relatively low-tech, offering 53.5 miles per gallon. BMW's R1250GS, with its 'ShiftCam' technology, delivers 54.6 miles per gallon, while its newer R1300GS model is expected to be even more fuel-efficient, with a claimed mileage of 59 miles per gallon.
Factors such as tyre pressure, rider weight, cargo, riding posture, modifications, and the motorcycle's overall state of tune can influence its fuel economy. Regular maintenance and smooth throttle control when setting off can also improve fuel efficiency.
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Fuel efficiency based on engine size
Motorcycles are generally more fuel-efficient than cars. They consume less fuel because they are smaller, weigh less, and have smaller engines. However, it is important to compare motorcycles with cars based on similar criteria, such as size, engine capacity, price, weight, and type of vehicle.
When it comes to fuel efficiency based on engine size, motorcycles with smaller engines tend to be more fuel-efficient. This is because smaller engines typically burn less fuel. For example, the Honda PCX150 is a scooter with a 149cc engine known for its smooth and responsive performance, offering both convenience and great fuel economy. Similarly, the KTM 390 Duke, with its 373cc engine, delivers competitive fuel economy, especially when not ridden at full throttle continuously.
In contrast, larger engines in motorcycles may result in higher fuel consumption. The Suzuki SV650, a mid-size motorcycle with a 645cc V-twin engine, offers solid fuel economy for its class. However, it is essential to consider other factors besides engine size, such as riding behaviour and vehicle usage. Smooth acceleration and maintaining consistent speeds can help improve fuel economy, regardless of engine size.
Additionally, the type of riding and terrain can impact fuel efficiency. Motorcycles built for city riding or beginner riders tend to be more fuel-efficient because they are designed for reliability and steady performance rather than high speeds or aggressive riding. Comparatively, a high-performance motorcycle with a larger engine may consume more fuel, especially when ridden aggressively or at high speeds.
It is worth noting that advancements in technology have led to innovations in both cars and motorcycles to improve fuel efficiency. While cars have seen more significant advancements, some motorcycles, like the Honda NC series, stand out for their fuel economy without compromising performance.
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Fuel type for motorcycles
Motorcycles typically use gasoline as their fuel, with some motorcycles also using ethanol-blended fuels. The type of fuel used depends on the motorcycle's engine and specifications.
Most motorcycle manufacturers recommend using pure gasoline in their motorcycles. Unleaded fuel provides the best performance and efficiency in all motorcycle ratings. Once you ride with unleaded fuel, you will not want to put any other type of fuel in your motorcycle again. Gasoline is a stable and consistent source of energy for your engine, ensuring reliable ignition and smooth operation.
The octane rating of the fuel is an important consideration. The octane rating indicates the fuel's resistance to "knocking" or "pinging" during combustion, which can occur when the air-fuel mixture ignites prematurely. The octane rating of the fuel you use should be specified in your motorcycle's owner's manual. The octane number does not add power to your motorcycle but indicates how resistant the fuel is to detonation. The higher the octane number, the more resistant the fuel is to detonation, and the fuel will only ignite under higher temperatures and pressures. Motorcycles typically require gasoline with octane ratings ranging from 87 to 91 or 94, depending on the engine's compression ratio and design.
In recent years, ethanol-blended fuels, such as E10 (10% ethanol) and E85 (up to 85% ethanol), have gained popularity as a more environmentally friendly choice. However, ethanol fuel has been shown to have a negative effect on a motorcycle's performance, increases fuel cost, and increases maintenance expenses. Ethanol fuel has a shorter shelf life, and motorcycle engines running on ethanol can suffer severe engine damage. If you use ethanol fuel, it is recommended that you add an additive to help your engine deal with the effects of ethanol fuel.
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Frequently asked questions
On average, motorcycles use 4.4 l/100km of fuel. This number can vary depending on the motorcycle's make and model, as well as the rider's behaviour and environment.
A motorcycle's fuel consumption is influenced by its engine efficiency, rider behaviour, and environment. Engine efficiency is impacted by the engine size and type, with smaller engines typically burning less fuel. Rider behaviour, such as smooth acceleration and consistent speeds, can help improve fuel economy. The environment in which the motorcycle is ridden, such as city traffic or highway, can also affect fuel consumption.
Motorcycles generally use less fuel than cars. On average, motorcycles use between 2.8 and 5.7 l/100km, while petrol cars use between 6.5 and 9.1 l/100km, and diesel cars use between 4.9 and 6.6 l/100km. However, it is important to compare similar types of vehicles and consider real-world fuel consumption rather than just test cycle figures.
Some fuel-efficient motorcycles include the Honda CB125F, Honda NC-series, BMW F800-series, and Suzuki SV650S. These motorcycles are designed to be efficient and offer good fuel economy without sacrificing performance or handling.
