If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint and save some money on
gas, a motorcycle can be a great way to go. Most are more fuel
efficient than cars and they cost less to fill. It’s a win-win from the
very start. But some motorcycles are better than others when it comes to
mpg.
So we’ve selected five of the best fuel-efficient
motorcycles currently on the market. This is by no means an exhaustive
list, but if good mileage is one of your top reasons for getting a bike,
this list provides some notable starting points in your search.
You'll notice that all are on the entry-level side of the coin, equipped with single- and twin-cylinder engines, representing the cruiser, touring, and standard segments.
Smaller
single- and twin-cylinder engines typically sip gas more judiciously
than larger mills, but the general demographics these bikes target also
impacts the average mileage. Rider input plays a huge role in how
efficient a motorcycle will be. These lower-power, entry-level,
travel-friendly motorcycles are aimed at riders who may not be looking
to twist the throttle as hard, as often, as they might be on bikes
designed to provide more of a thrill. No doubt, that has had an effect
on reported mpg.
Also, these figures are a combination of
manufacturer claims, reported averages from real riders, and figures
gleaned from our own tests. Actual results are bound to vary, especially
if you’re riding aggressively.
Honda Rebel 300: More than 70 mpg claimed
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| © Provided by Bonnier Corporation Motorcyclist |
Honda's little single-cylinder cruiser
is a fantastically fuel-efficient motorcycle. Riders report getting
more than 70 mpg on the bike, making it an enticing commuter. Plus, the
engine itself can be found in a number of Honda's models, so if you're
not feeling the aesthetic, check out a CB300F or CB300R and you'll
likely get numbers very close to those achieved on the Rebel.
BMW G 310 GS: More than 70 mpg claimed
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| © BMW Motorcyclist |
The BMW G 310 GS
is another small-bore single, but dressed for a bit more adventure. BMW
claims the bike yields a little over 70 mpg, and riders with a softer
touch have confirmed that number isn't an overstatement.
Yamaha SR400: More than 60 mpg claimed
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| © Yamaha Motorcyclist |
You may need to find a used version of the SR400,
since a 2019 version was not produced, but if you find a well-cared-for
2018 model, you can look forward to more than 60 mpg. This air-cooled
single is definitely aimed at the retro crowd and is a fantastic bike to
have when cruising around town on the weekend.
Kawasaki Versys-X 300: More than 60 mpg claimed
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| © Kawasaki Motorcyclist |
The Kawasaki Versys-X 300
yields more than 60 mpg as well, utilizing Kawasaki's 296cc parallel
twin (same as in the Ninja 300). This bike is utilitarian and
surprisingly adept on and off road. Coupled with the admirable mileage,
the Versys-X 300 could serve you very well on longer weekend trips.
Suzuki V-Strom 650: More than 50 mpg claimed
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| © Suzuki Motorcyclist |
The V-twin-powered Suzuki V-Strom 650
regularly gets more than 50 mpg, has a long track record for being a
reliable and capable adventurer, but can still function perfectly as a
commuter or around-town machine. This is a great bike if you're looking
for a little more performance, without too much sacrifice in terms of
fuel economy.
