Motorcyclists need mileage numbers, too
Motorcyclists probably never worry about fuel economy unless they're cruising across country. Bikes get significantly better mileage than cars, even the high-performance models. So it was interesting that LA Times motorcycle columnist Susan Carpenter received a question about MPG ratings for 2-wheelers. She answered that there is no EPA guide and the manufacturers aren't required to test for mileage. The only alternatives are the media, which doesn't review every bike, and the manufacturers if they so choose to publish numbers. An enthusiast Web site called totalmotorcycle.com has a forum for members to list their bikes and mileage reports. Many manufacturers also contribute their in-house fuel-economy numbers to the site. So far manufacturer and rider numbers are pretty close.
[Source: Susan Carpenter / LA Times]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Bill Maher is an Idiot 6:46PM (12/07/2006)
If only more people rode motorbikes, then we'd have a quick reduction in fuel consumption.
Reply
MikeW 12:53AM (12/08/2006)
Motorcycles are not transportation appliances, they are a conveyance for the soul.
They get crap mileage. The aerodrag is very high [relatively], if not in the tuck position. The noise exposure is high, and is higher when a helmet is worn [wear those earplugs]
How many motorcycles have provisions for exhaust gas recirculation, albeit internal via variable valve timing, or external pre/post catalytic converter, or no cat.
Honda annouced work on cylinder shutoff, and special dual spark low friction motorcycle engine.
I doubt BMW will be putting ValveTronic in the K1200LT anytime soon.
Maybe having 8 forward gears will give sport bikes 'supercruise' abilities.
Cue Zeroshift
Maybe that triumph [pictured] will get direct injection [dead center in the cylinder], it already had dual plug ignition.
Reply
Mark 4:32PM (12/08/2006)
Geez MikeW relax , my 95 Suzuki Intruder gets about 40-45 mpg if I don't beat it. I saved a ton of money driving my bike during the "warm" months, now if we only had global warming I could ride all year !
Reply
Peter 11:20AM (12/08/2006)
I ride a motor cycle in the Vancouver area of BC Canada. This means of transportation has become more popular over the years as for 8 months of the year riding is quite practical from the comfort aspect.
My bike is a Suzuki DL 650 K6, a good all round bike that is comfortable, economical and peppy enough.
Cycle World has rated it as probably the best all round bike available today!
Last yr I averaged 4.7 litres of fuel used for every 100 kms over 9,000 kms of riding. Usually I use 4.2 -4.3 L per 100 kms. Riding at 130 - 160 kms. per hour will reduce that figure to 5.5 L
For comparison a new Golf with a 2.5L engine uses between 7.2 and 10 .7 L per 100 km
Reply
Schneegz 11:47AM (12/08/2006)
The major motorcycle magazines, like Cycle World or Motorcyclist, test every motorcycle sold in the US by major manufacturers, from Aprilia to Yamaha. And every test includes average fuel mileage.
The only motorcycles you won't find in those magazines are ones sold in such small numbers as to be inconsequential.
Reply
Gerfried 8:22AM (12/09/2006)
The most effcient two wheeler remains the bicycle....
Please help us figure out your needs regarding assisted two wheelers - of course we focus on bicycles but this may be ramped up to real fast bikes...
http://www.hyperbike.cc/Vorlage.phtml?id=716&sprache=en
many thanks for your time.
Reply
MikeW 10:48AM (12/11/2006)
I am all for motorcycles. I was riding in that 'heat' wave in last January when it 50F.
Reply