Motorbike riders are always looking for ways to save fuel and money.
There are many strategies you can use when riding your bike that will not only help you save petrol, but also make the experience more enjoyable.
If you're new to riding a motorbike, or you've just bought your first one and want to learn how to save money on fuel in the long run, then you'll certainly find this article helpful.
Here is a list of 10 tips that every motorbike rider should be using:
With petrol prices on the increase, saving fuel is becoming more important. Even though the prices are rising, saving fuel can still make a big impact on your finances.
Maintain Speed
By riding at a steady speed, you will save fuel and make your ride more enjoyable.
Going too fast uses up a lot of petrol, so it's better to maintain the speed limit in order to avoid wasting petrol.
We often find that when you are accelerating and decelerating, the amount of fuel you use increases and it also puts a lot of pressure on the engine.
This in turn puts even more pressure on the brakes, which means they wear down quicker.
When you are riding in traffic and need to stop frequently for lights or other vehicles, make sure that you accelerate away lightly as this will also save fuel.
What is the best speed to drive at to save fuel?
The Energy Saving Trust recommends that motorcyclists drive at a speed between 55 and 65 miles per hour for the best fuel economy.
Faster speeds will reduce your fuel efficiency.; for example, if you drive at 85mph it will use 40% more than driving slower.
Does speeding consume more fuel?
It's a fact that speeding will use more fuel than riding at a steady pace. It's worth looking into the cost of petrol and how much you spend per mile, then ask yourself if it is really worth speeding to make up time on your journey.
For example, you may only need to travel an extra 15 miles in order to save enough money so that it compensates.
Does holding the clutch save fuel?
Holding the clutch on your bike will put less strain on your engine, and so will use less fuel.; for example, if you don't hold in the clutch at all it can increase the amount of fuel used by up to 30%.
Check Tyre Pressure
One of the easiest ways to save fuel is to keep your tyre pressure at the right level.
If you are struggling with a Tyre Pressure Gauge, purchase an inflated inner tube and measure its circumference using a string or something similar.
You will then be able to use this as a gauge for how much air should go in each of your tyres.
We recommend checking your tyre pressure every month to make sure it doesn't drop below the recommended level.
Adjust Your Chain
A slack chain can cause premature wear to the sprocket and gear, as well as strain on the wheel and drive shaft bearings.
The increased drag will affect your MPG negatively; so be sure you check with your owner's manual when adjusting it.
A dry chain is also a no-no since that means more fuel consumption due to snapping or dragging.
It's important for this part of motorbike maintenance not only because it affects how long the bike lasts, but also how much money you spend on petrol.
Keep Filter Clear and Clean
By simply replacing the filter, you can improve your bike's fuel mileage by up to five per cent.
If it doesn't have a replaceable element, that only means more money spent on petrol in order for dirt and debris to be filtered out - Simply make sure the air intake is not blocked off with dust or leaves.
This is actually quite common in a lot of bikes, so be sure to clean the element regularly.
Gearing
If you're tempted to constantly rev your engine to go up hills, you are only drawing more fuel and causing unnecessary wear.
Where possible, shift gears to a lower gear.
If the terrain is very steep, it may be necessary to use your engine power for momentum and then shift up later on in order to keep going at an acceptable speed with as little fuel as possible.
This will allow you to go faster without using more petrol than required.
Acceleration
Sudden and hard use of the throttle is a really common thing that people do - but it is also the worst for your fuel consumption.
Whenever possible, accelerate gently and smoothly in order to get up to speed with as little petrol used as possible.
This will save you money on petrol whilst still allowing you enough power to make progress quickly when necessary.
Carry Less Weight on The Bike
This probably sounds pretty obvious, but it's worth mentioning that the heavier your bike is, the more fuel you will use.
Whenever possible, take items off of your bike to reduce its weight and help save on petrol usage.
If you're travelling with luggage then this might not be an option for saving fuel - so just make sure to pack light.
Should I FULL TANK my bike?
We would recommend filling the fuel tank to the top instead of just a quarter or halfway.
This is to ensure that you are able to get as many miles out of one tank and not have to fill up halfway through your journey, saving time and petrol in the process.
It's also worth noting that filling it close to full will help maintain its balance much better.
Which petrol is best for a bike?
We recommend a 98 octane petrol for your bike.
Use a fuel stabiliser
Did you know that you can actually help to save fuel by using a stabiliser?
Fuel stabilisers work by breaking down the molecules in your petrol which means that you need less of it.
It also helps prevent corrosion and can even get rid of any bad odours from your engine too.
This is great for saving money on petrol without sacrificing performance.
These stabilisers are relatively easy to fit on your motorbike and best of all they're really cheap too.
When should I use fuel stabiliser?
We recommend using a stabiliser when the bike is not being used for a few months.
Otherwise, we recommend using it every three to six months depending on how often you use your motorbike.
If you're wondering if they'll work in different weather conditions then don't worry because stabilisers are designed to be effective no matter what climate there is.
What happens if you don't use fuel stabilizer?
In essence, if you don't use a stabilizer then the fuel will start to degrade and this means that your engine won't work as well.
Additionally, it can cause the petrol tank to oxidise too which leads to corrosion and other problems such as bad odours from your engine.
The result is an underperforming motorbike with higher running costs.
Replace Spark Plugs
By replacing your spark plugs with a new set, you could save yourself money on fuel.
Engine performance is improved and it reduces the chance of misfires which means that you use less petrol in the process.
The best time to replace them is around every 9,000 miles or 12 months - whichever comes first.
Does changing spark plugs improve performance?
Yes, by changing your spark plugs you will see a significant improvement in your bikes performance which can help to improve fuel efficiency.
This is because it reduces the chance of misfires meaning that less petrol needs to be burnt per mile travelled.
As well as this, engine performance is also improved with reduced carbon emissions and increased torque output from the bike's engine.
What are the symptoms of bad spark plugs on a motorcycle?
What normally happens is that your bike will run rough with a lack of power, so if you notice this happening to your motorcycle then it is time for new spark plugs.
It can also mean that the bike starts misfiring due to an increase in carbon build-up from all of the unburnt fuel being released in the engine - which means more petrol. A double whammy.
How do I know if my spark plugs need changing?
You'll know if your spark plugs need changing as it is a sign of less power and the bike can start misfiring.
What should I do if my motorcycle starts running rough?
If your bike starts to run rough, then you'll know that it's time for new spark plugs. Motorcycles work on both electricity and petrol so if you're having problems with the electricity, then it's time for new spark plugs.
If your bike is struggling to start or is misfiring when on its journey, replace the spark plugs and fuel filter before considering other more costly options - there are many cheaper alternatives out there.
Avoid idling or driving with low RPMs
Lastly, a really good way to save fuel on your motorbike is to avoid idling or driving with low RPMs.
This means that you're saving fuel and also prolonging the lifespan of your engine.
Driving around in a higher gear can make it easier for you to use less petrol while still maintaining a decent speed too.
What RPM is most fuel efficient?
By pressing the accelerator pedal gently and getting your bike going at a reasonable speed, you should be able to keep the RPMs around 2500.
This is generally regarded as being really fuel-efficient and will help to give your engine more longevity too.
It's also worth noting that these tips are not just for motorbikes - they can work on any vehicle with an internal combustion engine.
Wrapping Up
If you want to save money and fuel on your motorbike, it's important that you maintain speed while driving as much as possible.
This will ensure that the engine operates efficiently at all times.
Don't forget to check your tyre pressure regularly and adjust your chain so there is no slack in the system when riding.
Another great way to save fuel is to keep your filter clear and clean. This will ensure that your engine runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
It also helps to use the correct gear for the situation and to ride at a speed that is appropriate for conditions.
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