Ride smoothly
- Use the throttle and brakes gently. Hard acceleration and braking waste fuel and wear the bike.
- Look far ahead, so you can roll off the throttle early instead of braking late.
- Change up in good time, and do not keep the engine at high revs without a reason.
Mind your speed
Air resistance grows quickly with speed. Cruising a little slower on the motorway can use noticeably less fuel, and it also makes the ride calmer. A steady speed is better than constant speeding up and slowing down.
Keep the bike in good shape
- Correct tyre pressure reduces rolling resistance. Check it cold, as the manual says.
- A clean, lubricated chain with the right tension wastes less power.
- A clean air filter and regular servicing, following the maintenance schedule, keep the engine efficient.
Carry less
Extra weight and bulky luggage that catches the wind increase consumption. Take out what you do not need, and keep the load low and compact.
Plan the route
- A route with less stop-and-go traffic, and fewer detours, saves fuel.
- Combine errands in one trip, because a warm engine is more efficient than a cold one.
- Do not let the engine idle for long periods when you are stopped. Switch it off if the stop will be long.
Measure it
Fill the tank each time to the same level, note the distance and the litres, and calculate the consumption. A sudden change is a sign to check the tyres, the chain or the engine.
Savings depend on the bike, the road and the weather, so treat these tips as a guide and never trade safety for fuel economy.