{"id":11541,"date":"2026-04-03T10:49:54","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T14:49:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/?p=11541"},"modified":"2026-04-08T08:46:38","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T12:46:38","slug":"better-fuel-efficiency-is-within-reach","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/better-fuel-efficiency-is-within-reach\/","title":{"rendered":"Better fuel efficiency is within reach!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>With gasoline prices topping $4 per gallon for 87 octane pretty much everywhere in the country right now, it seems like a good time for some tips on how to improve your fuel economy. While these tips are specifically oriented to motorcycles, they might apply to your car, truck or SUV as well \u2013 it\u2019s best to consult an article about that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Provided you&#8217;re not ready to switch to an electric motorcycle, <strong>updating your riding habits<\/strong> will make the biggest strides towards improving your fuel economy. Because hard acceleration quickly flows fuel through your injectors, moderate your right hand a bit and be smooth and deliberate with the throttle. By coming off a full stop gently and consistently, you might not be first off the line, but it will delay your next visit to the gas station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Similarly, <strong>maintain a steady speed<\/strong> as you ride. If you\u2019re constantly speeding up and slowing down, you\u2019re killing fuel efficiency. Using cruise control (if your bike is so equipped) will help keep your speed close to a specific spot on the dial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pexels-sportbikegaspump-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11545 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pexels-sportbikegaspump-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11545 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pexels-sportbikegaspump-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pexels-sportbikegaspump-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pexels-sportbikegaspump-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pexels-sportbikegaspump.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Short shifting to keep your revs low<\/strong> can help with fuel efficiency, but that has two caveats. First is you have to be sure not to lug the engine \u2013 that is, you have to make sure you\u2019ve got enough revs to be appropriate for the gear you want to be in. Lugging the engine long term can damage pistons, cylinder walls and even valves if things get bad enough. If you ride a BMW with a liquid-cooled boxer engine, especially the R 1200 or 1250 generations, I do not recommend short shifting at all. Based on my observations from around George\u2019s now-closed shop, Gridlock Motors, keeping your revs high enough to provide critical cooling oil flow around the stator could help it stay functional in the long run. Whatever money you might save by short-shifting your R 1200\/1250 could be offset by a wide margin by having to replace the stator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rolling off the throttle<\/strong> ahead of an expected stop \u2013 also known as engine braking \u2013 can save fuel by reducing engine speed gradually. It has a knock-on effect of prolonging the life of your brake pads \u2013 not that those are expensive, but if you can make them last a long time, you\u2019re saving money overall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mediate your top speed.<\/strong> No matter how aerodynamically designed your bike is, at speeds above 60-65 mph, air drag on your bike increases rapidly. You might use half your fuel efficiency getting to 60 and the other half getting to 70, especially if you have giant square panniers on your motorcycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Speaking of aerodynamics, there\u2019s some things you can throw in here that will help. If you don\u2019t absolutely need them, <strong>leave your giant top box and bolt-on (or throw-over) panniers at home<\/strong>. Use a tank bag and a tail bag instead, both of which become aerodynamically hidden by the front of your bike and your body, respectively. You can also <strong>tuck in a bit<\/strong> \u2013 even on an ADV bike \u2013 to improve air flow over your body. If your windshield is adjusted to best suit the bike and your body, so much the better. And not to put too fine a point on it, if you can <strong>drop some weight<\/strong>, your fuel efficiency will improve as a result. That weight can come off you or out of your panniers, but either way, extra weight on the bike means using more fuel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/r90-gettinggas-576x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11546 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/r90-gettinggas-576x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11546 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/r90-gettinggas-576x1024.jpg 576w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/r90-gettinggas-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/r90-gettinggas-768x1366.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/r90-gettinggas-863x1536.jpg 863w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/r90-gettinggas-1151x2048.jpg 1151w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/r90-gettinggas.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance plays a bigger role in fuel efficiency than most riders realize.<\/strong> Start by keeping your tires properly inflated \u2013 or even a pound or two over, if you dare. Underinflated tires steal fuel efficiency by increasing rolling resistance, which makes the engine have to work harder. You don\u2019t want to over-inflate by too much, though, as that will affect the longevity of your tires (as does under-inflation, incidentally).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Secondary to your tires is making sure your final drive is properly maintained and adjusted. If you have a drive shaft, makes sure it is properly lubricated and the oil in the final drive is correct in both viscosity and amount. If your bike has a belt drive, make sure it\u2019s properly tensioned. For those of you with chain final drives, <strong>keep that chain clean, lubricated and properly adjusted<\/strong> \u2013 a dry, tight chain will rob fuel efficiency and lead to unwanted replacement of the chain and sprockets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure your combustion is as efficient as it can be by <strong>making sure you have a clean air filter installed<\/strong> and <strong>staying on top of your spark plugs <\/strong>and fuel injectors. If everything is clean, your combustion will be as efficient as possible, which means using the least amount of fuel necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>When it comes to oil, you want to use the correct viscosity for your bike<\/strong> and riding conditions. Modern motorcycles might use 5W40, while older bikes could require 20W50 \u2013 but whatever the spec is, stick to it. Oil of the correct viscosity means the engine is exerting the least internal drag it can, or at least the amount the engineers who designed the thing expect it to exert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pexels-scootergaspump-804x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11544 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"804\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pexels-scootergaspump-804x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11544 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pexels-scootergaspump-804x1024.jpg 804w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pexels-scootergaspump-236x300.jpg 236w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pexels-scootergaspump-768x978.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pexels-scootergaspump-1207x1536.jpg 1207w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pexels-scootergaspump.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 804px) 100vw, 804px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><I>You <\/i><b>could<\/b><i> ditch your R 1300 GS Adventure or K 1600 GTL for a scooter!<\/i><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, there are some riding strategies you can use to improve fuel efficiency. <strong>You get zero miles per gallon while idling<\/strong>, so don\u2019t sit and let your bike warm up for five or ten minutes when you start it for the first time that day. Several studies done in the last decade show that \u2013 at least as far as modern vehicles are concerned \u2013 <strong>idling for more than 10 seconds is less fuel efficient that shutting off the engine and restarting it<\/strong>. Of course, shutting your bike off repeatedly while sitting in traffic isn\u2019t a good idea and you probably shouldn\u2019t do it if you\u2019re last in line at a really long light. Be judicious and use common sense and you can save a little fuel while waiting for a draw bridge, train or funeral procession or while forced to wait in a construction zone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Modern motorcycles only need about 30 seconds of idling on startup to get the oil properly circulating to \u201cwarm up.\u201d From there, <strong>the best way to warm up your bike is to ride gently for a few minutes<\/strong> until the engine comes up to operating temperature. If you ride an older bike with carburetors, you may be used to a longer warm-up period before riding, but chances are you\u2019re waiting longer than you need to. A couple minutes will do the trick; ride gently at first just like a newer bike to finish getting the engine up to operating temperature. Be sure to remember to turn off your choke if you had to leave it on when you first got going!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sticking to high-quality fuel from busy name-brand stations<\/strong> will also help, simply by making sure you have fewer deposits building up in your fuel system. You can also use aftermarket stabilizers and additives like Yamalube Ring Free to keep your fueling system clean and efficient. What you save at a no-name pump you may well lose in fuel efficiency and long-term degradation of your fueling system, but don\u2019t beat yourself up if you occasionally get gas at Joe\u2019s Stop \u2018N Shop. Just make sure you\u2019re using the grade of gasoline recommended in your owner\u2019s manual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pexels-roysgas-863x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11543 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"863\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pexels-roysgas-863x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11543 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pexels-roysgas-863x1024.jpg 863w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pexels-roysgas-253x300.jpg 253w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pexels-roysgas-768x912.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pexels-roysgas-1294x1536.jpg 1294w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pexels-roysgas.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 863px) 100vw, 863px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><I>Unless you&#8217;re desperate, it might be best to avoid no-name stations. You don&#8217;t know where they get their fuel!<\/I><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Most sat nav systems and turn-by-turn apps provide the choice to <strong>opt for the most fuel-efficient routes<\/strong>, so take advantage of that ability if you can. You can also spend a few extra minutes before you head out to plan your stops; this is especially helpful if you\u2019re making a lot of short hops for work or personal business. Minimize those cross-town trips by looking at a map and grouping nearby things together in one leg of your journey. (This is also excellent advice if you\u2019re on some kind of scavenger hunt, like the Grand Coddiwomple or maybe the Iron Butt Rally.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes down to brass tacks, <strong>fuel efficiency on a motorcycle isn\u2019t about riding in fear of the throttle<\/strong>. Ride with intent using smooth input, a well-maintained bike, some awareness of speed and drag and planning for best results. Doing all of these things together won\u2019t take the fun out of your ride and will keep more money in your wallet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>None of the things mentioned here will be miraculously transformative, and none of them will make your 1300 cc adventure bike run like a 300 cc commuter. But all of them combined can lead to real gains in fuel efficiency. Even improving your stats by 3-5 MPG will save you money over the course of a year, and it\u2019ll save you even more if gas prices continue to climb through the summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pexels-pumphandles-1002x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11542 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1002\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pexels-pumphandles-1002x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11542 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pexels-pumphandles-1002x1024.jpg 1002w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pexels-pumphandles-294x300.jpg 294w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pexels-pumphandles-768x785.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pexels-pumphandles.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1002px) 100vw, 1002px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With gasoline prices topping $4 per gallon for 87 octane pretty much everywhere in the country right now, it seems like a good time for some tips on how to improve your fuel economy. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":11542,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[73],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11541","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-moa-garage"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11541","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11541"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11541\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11548,"href":"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11541\/revisions\/11548"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11542"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11541"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11541"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11541"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}