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Long story short – Timely servicing of the motorcycle is the vital thing to do as far as to improve mileage figures.
Surging petrol prices
With soaring petrol prices month by month and even exceeding the Rs 100 mark, we as two-wheeler customers need to ramp up our motorcycle’s mileage figures, don’t we? Everyone owns a two-wheeler to get things done fast and keep daily fuel expenses in check. So, what are the proven ways to save each drop of fuel? We will list the best methods by considering feedback and user experience from long-term users. Let’s detail each of these proven tips one by one.
Ten proven bike/motorcycle mileage tips to save fuel
1. Get regular service on time – the crucial fuel economy tip
General service is the most important thing to be done as the engine oil and air filter must be changed and cleaned on time. Also, the initial 1000kms of the two-wheeler is vital and needs utmost care. Always complete all recommended free and paid services, and continue servicing in the same intervals even after the warranty period.
2. Maintain correct tire pressure
Tyre pressure monitoring every month if you are filling nitrogen in tyres. If the air is in place of nitrogen, weekly monitoring is necessary. Nitrogen is the best for tubeless tires, while air works well for tube tires. Among tube and tubeless tires, the latter is the best. Always follow manufacturer-mentioned tire pressure figures. Nitrogen is recommended for tires with longer life as it does not heat the air inside the tire. Also, filling nitrogen in tube tires is irrelevant and offers an added advantage.
3. Always park the vehicle in the shade
They are keeping a motorcycle under sunlight for prolonged hours, resulting in some fuel evaporating. It’s not a crucial factor, yet every drop is precious. But nowadays, companies are coming up with solutions to this issue by changing the fuel tank’s materials.
4. Motorcycle chain maintenance is vital
Regular lubing and chain slack must be checked according to your area, depending on environmental conditions. In dusty and urban conditions, lubing is needed more frequently. Also, chain slack should be tight enough because it affects power delivery from the engine to the rear wheel.
5. Do modification with utmost care
Custom motorcycle accessories like silencers, air filters, and extra-wide tires impact mileage and must be enquired with the dealer before modifying. Try to use manufacturer-approved accessories as much as possible.
6. Use clutch wisely
Try to minimize clutch use as much as possible, and tight clutch settings are far more suitable to the overall vehicle than a loose clutch. The clutch use is higher in cities than highways, affecting mileage directly.
7. Try to hit sweet spot rpm
Every engine has a sweet spot rpm range where the engine provides maximum fuel efficiency and lesser load. Try to hit that and ride in that range. Most of the best mileage bikes have markings on the tachometer to assist the rider. Usually, fuel efficiency is at best between 40-60km/l in most bikes but varies when the displacement of the engine changes.
8. Don’t be harsh on the accelerator and brakes
Excessive acceleration and hard braking affect mileage figures seriously. So calm and disciplined riding is the way to avoid huge holes in the wallet. Also, opt for routes with less traffic, even if the route is lengthy.
9. Turn off the engine while idle
Turn off the engine whenever possible in traffic signals, roadblocks, etc. Keep in mind that the engine needs fuel even when it is idling.
10. Try to use higher gears
Try to reach and maintain fourth and above gears and avoid riding with a higher gear at low speed. Correct gear at the right speed is a vital thing. Avoid roads with high traffic and opt for good roads with less traffic.
Myths related to fuel efficiency
1. Filling up fuel in the morning or colder environments prevents fuel evaporation
Myth number one and the biggest one. Fuel is continuously pumped from underground storage tanks insulated from gas stations’ temperature fluctuations.
2. Premium fuel makes your non-premium motorcycle run better
Premium fuel is generally less combustible, which benefits powerful performance engines. It will benefit only some vehicles as all fuel types must meet the same standards.
3. As a motorcycle age, its fuel economy decreases significantly
What is relevant here is how we maintain and service the bike. Even 5-10-year-old motorcycles still have superior mileage figures.
4. It takes more fuel to start a two-wheeler than it does to let it idle.
Not applicable to modern and fuel-injected engines. For other sorts of engines, too, idling draws more fuel.
5. A full tank fuel nearly full prevents fuel evaporation
It’s the biggest joke of recent times.
6. Driving in lower gears improves fuel efficiency
Driving in lower gears can actually decrease fuel efficiency. Lower gears consume more fuel than higher gears, so it is best to stay in the highest gear possible without lugging the engine.
7. Riding with a pillion passenger always decreases fuel efficiency
The impact of riding with a pillion passenger on fuel efficiency depends on the weight of the passenger and the type of two-wheeler. In some cases, the extra weight may not significantly affect fuel efficiency.
8. Adding fuel additives improves fuel efficiency
Most fuel additives do not improve fuel efficiency. In fact, some additives may damage the engine or void the warranty.
9. Riding in neutral when coasting saves fuel
Riding in neutral when coasting does not save fuel. In fact, it can be dangerous as it takes away your engine braking ability. It is best to stay in gear when coasting to maintain control and allow the engine to slow you down.
How to calculate motorcycle mileage?
There are two main methods for calculating motorcycle mileage:
Full-tank-to-full-tank method
This is the most common and accurate method for calculating motorcycle mileage. To use this method, you will need to:
- Fill your motorcycle’s fuel tank to the brim.
- Reset your trip meter to zero.
- Ride your motorcycle for a specified distance, such as 100 kilometers or miles.
- Fill your motorcycle’s fuel tank to the brim again.
- Note the amount of fuel you added to the tank.
- Divide the distance you traveled by the amount of fuel you added to the tank.
For example, if you rode your motorcycle for 100 kilometers and added 5 liters of fuel to the tank, your motorcycle’s mileage is 20 kilometers per liter (km/L) or 50 miles per gallon (MPG).
Bottle method
The bottle method is a less accurate method for calculating motorcycle mileage, but it is simpler to do. To use this method, you will need to:
- Attach a clear bottle to your motorcycle’s carburetor.
- Fill the bottle with a known amount of fuel, such as 1 liter or 1 quart.
- Set your trip meter to zero.
- Ride your motorcycle until the bottle is empty.
- Note the distance you traveled.
- Divide the distance you traveled by the amount of fuel you used.
For example, if you rode your motorcycle for 50 kilometers and used 1 liter of fuel, your motorcycle’s mileage is 50 kilometers per liter (km/L).
FAQ about motorcycle mileage
Which motorcycle is best for mileage?
Commuter bikes or low-level displacement motorcycles in the category of 100-125cc provide the most mileage.
Which motorcycle gives more mileage?
Commuter bikes or low-level displacement motorcycles in the category of 100-125cc provide the most mileage.
Conclusion
Some extra tips are there to improve fuel efficiency, like riding in higher gears, checking carburetor settings, etc. Those still need to be proven, making it difficult for riders to make it practical. Motorcycle companies even recommend most tips on their official website and social media handles. So here are ten proven tips in brief.
- Get regular service on time
- Maintain correct tyre pressure
- Always park the vehicle in the shade
- Lubricate and maintain motorcycle chain regularly
- Do modification with utmost care
- Use clutch wisely
- Try to hit sweet spot rpm
- Don’t be harsh on the accelerator and brakes
- Turn off the engine while idle
- Try to use higher gears
If you have any other doubts or queries, email us at bikeleague2017@gmail.com. We are always eager to help and assist you. Also, here are several social media platforms of Bikeleague India to raise your suspicions.
