Tips For Improving Your Motorcycle’s Fuel Efficiency
You can count on your motorcycle to help you conquer the open road, but all that riding around can sure guzzle up fuel. With gas prices getting higher and higher, more riders are asking us how they can improve their motorcycle’s fuel efficiency. There are some things you can do to make your bike more fuel-efficient, so we’ve compiled some of our favorite tips into this list. Read on to learn more or visit Loewer Powersports & Equipment at our location in Alexandria, LA, for personalized advice or to check out some quality motorcycles for sale. We also whip old bikes into great shape so try us out if you’ve got a motorcycle you don’t want to give up on! We welcome all our patrons from Rapides Parish, as well as those coming to us from Lafayette.
Track the Numbers
You should track the fuel mileage of your bike from day one so you can spot any trends. If there’s a sudden dip, it could hint at a maintenance issue. A simple trip to the mechanic can get your motorcycle running like new, as well as improve the fuel efficiency. It can also clue you in to how your riding habits are affecting your numbers. You may tweak your riding style and notice an increase or decrease in how long that tank of gas lasts. The more you track the numbers, the better you’ll understand your bike and how your riding style affects it.
Air Filter Care
It’s part of most people’s car maintenance to take care of the air filter; unfortunately, not many people pay the same courtesy to their motorcycle. If you’re running your bike on a dirty air filter, it has to work much harder to do the same job. This will negatively affect your motorcycle’s fuel efficiency. Keep the filter clean and replace it when needed.
Engine Maintenance
This is an obvious step for those who want to improve their motorcycle’s fuel efficiency. When your bike experiences engine problems, it hikes up its fuel consumption. If you face any performance issues, vibrations, or odd sounds, make sure to nip the problem in the bud. If you’re not sure how to fix it, bring your motorcycle down to Loewer Powersports & Equipment and we’ll take a look for you!
Tires Check
When your tires aren't inflated enough, this hurts your fuel efficiency. Low tire pressure makes your tires flatter and less capable of holding up the weight of your bike. The increased contact with the road also increases their resistance to rolling, so your bike has to expel more effort to move, which translates into wasted fuel. All you need to do is use a tire pressure gauge for a quick check. Make sure your numbers match up with the recommendations in the owner's manual for your model before you hit the road.
No Excess Baggage
When you overburden your bike with a whole lot of weight you don’t really need, you’re increasing the fuel consumption for no good reason. The heavier the motorcycle, the more fuel it takes to make it go. Don’t carry anything that’s non-essential or “just in case.” Try to only bring what you need and leave the rest at home.
Ride On The Highways
You're better off riding in a straight line than tackling the hills or winding curves found on other types of roads. When you ride on highways, it reduces the chances of running into traffic jams, where idling can significantly lower your fuel efficiency. Try to ride in straight, constant lines for the best fuel economy on your motorcycle.
We hope these tips help you improve your bike’s fuel efficiency. If you notice anything wrong with your motorcycle that you can’t fix yourself, bring it down to our trained technicians at Loewer Powersports & Equipment in Alexandria, LA. If you’re looking for motorcycles for sale in Rapides Parish, get in touch with us ASAP! We proudly serve the people of Lafayette.
