6 Tips for Fuel Efficiency when Riding Your Motorcycle
No matter where you are located, fuel costs are likely higher than you’d care to pay. Maybe that’s one of the reasons you’ve chosen to take to two wheels to get around instead of four, and that’s not a bad idea. Why not have fun and save some bucks at the same time, right? The good news is that due to their smaller size and weight, motorcycles generally are more fuel efficient than their automotive counterparts. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule where ultra-high-performance machines, or those with huge displacement engines, are going to chug back the go-juice quicker than, say, a Prius.
If saving some fuel on your bike is of interest to you, here are 6 tips from Cycle Trader to help maintain fuel efficiency when riding your motorcycle.
1. Slow it Down
A big part of the thrill of riding is pushing the tachometer to the redline and hearing the engine roar. However, basic physics proves that it takes more energy to move you and your bike through the air at higher speeds than lower ones. While a bike’s frontal area weighs less than most cars, anyone who rides a naked bike knows how much stronger the wind feels at 90 miles per hour versus 70. If you slow down, even a bit, and your bike has less air resistance to overcome, meaning you’re going to save fuel.
2. Streamline Yourself
Aerodynamics can be a factor in efficiency, too. Even a small fairing and windscreen can reduce wind blast on the rider and help the air flow over and around them, instead of treating them like a giant sail. The clothes you wear can impact the aerodynamics, too, especially at freeway speeds– where bulky clothing or helmets are less efficient than snugger-fitting attire. And if you’re not using those panniers on this trip, why not reduce the load by leaving them at home?
3. Smooth it Out
Bikes are quick enough compared to most traffic that even moderate throttle acceleration will easily keep you ahead of the pack. This applies to braking, too. Riding hard and fast, then grabbing a glove-full of brakes before entering a corner is usually followed by a harder crank on the throttle. However, smoother inputs with less braking allows you to carry more speed through a corner without significantly slowing down and can reduce your motorcycle’s fuel consumption. Plus, as a bonus, you’ll likely extend the life of your brakes.
4. Find the Sweet Spot
Slowing down and riding smoothly doesn’t mean you have to chug along like a Mississippi paddle wheeler. Too few revs can keep the engine out of optimal range, requiring you to keep the throttle open wider for longer periods of time. This can be less efficient than riding at higher revs, where the engine only needs a little extra throttle to accelerate or maintain speed. Most engines have a sweet spot somewhere in the middle rev range–that’s where you’ll find the most efficiency.
5. Keep it Tuned
A healthy engine is a happy (and efficient) one, too. Keep it tuned properly, and you’ll not only get better performance, but better efficiency as well. To help it breathe properly, ensure the air filter is clean. Likewise, if the fuel injectors or carburetor are flowing fuel effectively, it means less is getting wasted. Good spark plugs will burn that fuel at its greatest efficiency.
6. Roll On
Ensuring your tire pressure is set to the bike’s specification will help maximize efficiency, as properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance and improve fuel economy. However, you can further enhance efficiency by choosing tires designed for lower rolling resistance. Regularly checking and maintaining your tire pressure, along with selecting the right tires, can contribute to better handling and longer tire life.
Riding efficiently doesn’t have to mean all the fun is sapped from motorcycling. These small changes to your riding style can result in real savings at the pump. It could also make the difference between reaching your destination under power versus pushing your bike the last mile or two. Best of all, you can save all that money on fuel to upgrade your motorcycle !
Ready to upgrade your ride? Browse new and used motorcycles on Cycle Trader to find the perfect bike that meets your needs.
Jeff Wilson
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