There are lots of reasons why you might want to save fuel these days. With oil and petrol prices ever on the increase, driving your motorcycle economically can be vital to saving you much needed pounds. There are also many environmental reasons to save fuel as the damage that exhaust emissions cause to the environment are well documented. Here are some top tips to drive economically and save petrol.
Slow and steady wins the race
One of the thrills of driving a motorcycle is the rush of acceleration and the adrenalin of driving fast. This is great fun and can be enjoyed sometimes; however it will consume large amounts of fuel. A bike with a smaller engine will not be able to cruise economically at high speeds. When driving on the motorway, 50 or 60 mph is a more economic speed.
Ride as smoothly as possible
Harsh acceleration and braking will very quickly burn through fuel. This is especially relevant when riding in a built up area where there are lots of traffic lights. If you see a red light in the distance, slow down slowly from a long distance, hopefully you will give the lights time to change and you will be able to accelerate from a rolling start which is much more economic than a static start.
Maintain and clean your bike
To keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently, it should be serviced regularly and looked after as per the manufacturers recommendations. A clean and well maintained bike will be more efficient, faster, safer and more fun to ride.
Keep your tyre pressure up
It is surprising how much fuel can be wasted through roll resistance. Keeping the tyres up to the recommended pressure is one of the most basic and often overlooked ways of conserving fuel. Keeping the moving parts, such as the chain, clean and well lubricated is essential in reducing roll resistance. This quick guide helps you to check tyre pressure on your bike.
You get what you pay for
Expensive, premium quality fuel may seem like a waste of money, but it could save you money in the long run. Not only will it improve your miles per gallon, but it will help to keep you engine healthier for longer, meaning that you will be able to preserve that miles per gallon figure for longer. Check out this guide on purchasing your perfect motorbike.
One of the most obvious factors that hasn’t been mentioned here is to buy a different bike. Many motorcycle owners don’t give a second thought to fuel economy, and their bike purchase is based on that age old balance of what you really want versus what you can afford. Your dream Harley may be great for weekend rides, but if you are serious about reducing your fuel, and you are commuting or putting regular miles on your motorcycle, you may want to think seriously about the type of motorcycle you buy.
Ride position, engine size, fuel type and general build quality will all have a massive effect on the overall economy of the bike, so make sure you research your purchase well and get the best bike for you.
Check out some more tips on conserving fuel for your motorbike here.