Source: MotorcyclistOnline.com
Fuel economy is a hot topic these days thanks to escalating fuel prices. Luckily, as enthusiasts are aware, motorcycles can be cost-effective transportation. Even larger three- and four-cylinder bikes can achieve 40 to 50 mpg, which is still far better than the average driver’s crossover. And smaller-displacement single- and two-cylinder engines are often capable of more miles per gallon.Related: 5 Most Fuel-Efficient Motorcycles You Can OwnWe’ve written before concerning fuel-efficient motorcycles. Many of those fuel-sipping options are still available, but there are now more models out there for mpg-minded buyers.Related: Best Electric Motorcycles for AdultsNote that fuel economy may be affected by a number of factors: riding style, road conditions, load, tire pressure, and so on. This list contains a mixture of manufacturer claims, reader testimony, and averages found during our testing.Honda GromThis mini motorcycle does a fantastic job at sipping from its 1.6-gallon fuel tank. (Honda/)Honda claims a mind-boggling 166.5 mpg for the Grom, but real-world results do vary. Editor Adam Waheed averaged “only” 98 mpg when he tested the 2022 model. One reader tallied 134 mpg. Honda’s other 125cc single-cylinder-powered mini motos like the Trail 125, Monkey, and Super Cub will likely see similar fuel economy figures. There’s also the 109cc Navi which makes a claimed 110 mpg.Yamaha TW200You don’t have to break the bank when it comes to filling up the tank. Dual sport fun can be had with the TW200 that averages 78 mpg. (Yamaha/)Yamaha claims the TW200, like the V-Star, can get an estimated 78 mpg. This cult-favorite dual sport is as indifferent to fuel prices as it is to terrain changes and should certainly be on the radar of fuel-conscious riders. Fat, knobby-ish tires will help conquer trails while its 196cc four-stroke single sips frugally away.Suzuki GSX250R ABSSuzuki’s small GSX-R is a cost-saving streetbike for beginners. (Suzuki/)Suzuki is right on the money when it claims the GSX250R makes around 76 mpg; one reader claimed they achieved about 75 mpg over 6,200 miles. This fully faired sportbike makes impressive gas mileage for new riders pulling away down the freeway or canyon roads.Honda CBR500R ABSThe 471cc is a proven commuter-friendly engine with great mpg results. (Honda/)The sleek CBR500R is a sporty commuter that also delivers impressive fuel economy; the newest model achieved a tested 67 mpg, with one reader claiming their 2013 model hit 62 mpg. Since the naked CB500F and adventure-styled CB500X share the same 471cc engine, riders can choose between a few different flavors of Honda’s fuel-friendly midsize parallel twin.Honda NC750XOver 50 mpg for a higher-displacement bike like the NC750X is impressive. (Honda/)During our MC Commute, the NC750X was able to get a noteworthy 53.5 mpg, but some riders have claimed that it can get upwards of 60-plus mpg. We wrote: “Settling into 75 mph, the NC spins around 4,500 rpm in top gear, which lends itself to superb fuel economy.” So whether you are highway flogging with the manual transmission or making practical use of the DCT automatic transmission around town, the NC is a great higher-displacement motorcycle for all that and everything in between.Honorable Mentions:Royal Enfield Meteor 350 (tested 60.1 mpg)Yamaha MT-07 (claimed 58 mpg, although aggressive riders will likely see around 37.5, as we did)Honda Rebel 300 (tested 57.8 mpg)Yamaha MT-03/YZF-R3 (claimed 56 mpg)Honda XR650L (claimed 52 mpg)
