Generally speaking, what type of motorcycle gets better gas mileage -- a standard/cruiser/etc, or a sportbike?

Question

I'm looking for a new bike. Which 'category' of motorcycles get the best gas mileage? i know it varies a lot with the bike and how you drive, etc, but there should be some kind of pattern. Like, a coup get better mileage than a SUV. What kind (cruiser, standard, sport, dualsport, naked, etc) is the best?

Also, if anyone wants to recommend a good bike (I currently ride a ninja 250, but it's a little shaky on the highway and a little slow with 2 riders) that would be awesome. I'm looking for a bike that's not super heavy as I'm small, but heavy enough for the freeway at decent speeds, and also good for 2-up riding. Something that's been around for a while so I can get a used one.

thanks

Answer 1

Smaller engines and lighter bides tend to get better mileage.  A 250cc might get 80MPG or better.  Motors with low cylinder count tend to get better mileage: singles are well known to get generally excellent mileage.

Since 250cc is rather small for highway or passenger use, you probably need at least a 400cc for safe travel at highway speeds.

My BMW F650CS (2003, model discontinued) gets 62MPG in moderate driving, and is one of the best mpg models with a moderate engine size - some riders of 650 BMW (various models) report getting 70mpg or better.  Most bikes in the 500 - 1000cc range get 45-55mpg, of course it depends largely on driving style too.

Answer 2

It is difficult to make a generalization. Usually V- twins are designed to run at lower rpm's so they use less fuel than similar size in-line engines. But they also produce less hp so they are slower. In general, displacement and the power band of the engine determines the fuel usage. Good power at low rpm means bike will burn less gas. For an all around powerful, fuel efficient and dependable bike, nothing will come close to a BMW.

Answer 3

If you want to get the best gas mileage, stay with your 250.  The smaller the engine the better you'll get on mileage.  If you look into performance and comfort, you'll have to shell out a little more at the pump.  Same go with 4 wheels vehicles, if you want comfort and feel safe SUV is your answer.  IF you want good gas mileage get yourself a little sedan.

Personally, I like my 1200 cc German engineer motorcycle.  It get three times the gas mileage as my Ford truck.

Answer 4

It correlates to engine displacement..the smaller the better.

A 250cc cruiser is going to weigh more than a 250cc sportbike. Also the sportbike is going to be more aerodynamic too. So the sportbike is the better pick.

Also depends on engine layout. V-Twins are typically less fuel efficient than inline engines.

Answer 5

Buells get good gas mileage as do Sportsters for their torque and power. A really high winding rice rocket sucks up fuel and you don't really get any benefit unless they are sucking it up at high rpms.

Answer 6

Motor size will make the differene not the style of bike.

Answer 7

The top speed is not dependent on the type of bike.  LOOK CAREFULLY. IT"S ALL DECORATION!  

Yes, the same bike with a low seat will be much faster than a normal seat!  So lets all ride CRUISERS!

What a crock!