If you are a bike owner, you must have wondered why your bike is giving less mileage than it used to or than it should. Mileage is an important factor that affects your riding experience and your budget.
Here we will explain the factors that affect motorcycle fuel efficiency and mileage, and give you some tips on how to increase your bike’s mileage.
Factors That Affect Motorcycle Fuel Efficiency And Mileage
Many factors can affect your bike’s fuel efficiency and mileage. Some of them are related to your bike’s condition and maintenance, while others are related to your riding style and habits. Here are 9 Reasons your bike is giving less mileage
1) Low Pressure in Tyres
Tyres are one of the major reasons why your bike’s fuel efficiency and mileage are low. Low pressure in tyres increases the rolling resistance and makes your engine work harder to move the bike. This results in more fuel consumption and lower mileage.
Therefore, you should always check your tyre pressure regularly and maintain it according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. You can find the recommended tyre pressure for your bike in the owner’s manual or on a sticker near the fuel tank or under the seat.
2) Unnecessary Gear Shifting
Gear shifting is another factor that affects your bike’s fuel efficiency and mileage. Shifting gears too frequently or too late can cause your engine to run at higher or lower RPMs than optimal, which leads to more fuel consumption and lower mileage.
Therefore, you should shift gears smoothly and at the right time, depending on your speed and road conditions. You should also avoid riding in too high or too low gears for long periods.
3) Adding Accessories To The Motorcycle
Adding accessories to your bike can also affect its fuel efficiency and mileage. Accessories such as extra lights, horns, speakers, luggage carriers, etc. can increase the weight and drag of your bike, which makes your engine work harder to move it. This results in more fuel consumption and lower mileage.
Therefore, you should avoid adding unnecessary accessories to your bike or remove them when not needed.
4) Chain Is Loosened
The chain is another critical component of your bike that affects its fuel efficiency and mileage. A loose or dirty chain can cause friction and power loss between the engine and the rear wheel, which leads to more fuel consumption and lower mileage.
5) Not Using The Right Fuel
The type and quality of fuel you use for your bike can also affect its fuel efficiency and mileage. Using low-octane or adulterated fuel can cause your engine to knock or ping, which reduces its performance and efficiency.
This results in more fuel consumption and lower mileage. Therefore, you should always use the right grade and quality of fuel for your bike, as recommended by the manufacturer. You can find the recommended fuel grade for your bike in the owner’s manual or on the fuel cap.
6) Heavy Braking And Accelerating
Your riding style and habits can also affect your bike’s fuel efficiency and mileage. Heavy braking and accelerating can cause your engine to consume more fuel and lower its mileage.
7) Masked Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are the devices that ignite the fuel-air mixture in your engine’s combustion chamber. If your spark plugs are dirty, worn out, or faulty, they can cause incomplete combustion and misfiring, which reduces your engine’s performance and efficiency. This results in more fuel consumption and lower mileage.
Therefore, you should always keep your spark plugs clean and replace them at regular intervals, as specified by the manufacturer.
8) Low Engine Oil Level or Poor Oil Quality
Engine oil is a lubricant that reduces friction and wear between the moving parts of your engine. If your engine oil level is low or its quality is poor, it can cause your engine to overheat and lose efficiency. This results in more fuel consumption and lower mileage.
Therefore, you should always check your engine oil level regularly and top it up if needed. You should also change your engine oil at regular intervals, as specified by the manufacturer.
Here’s a list of the best engine oil for bikes in India
9) Engine Maintenance
Regular engine maintenance is vital for achieving optimal mileage. Neglected or poorly maintained engines accumulate dirt, carbon deposits, and worn-out components, which affect fuel combustion and efficiency.
Also, look at a video describing the technical reasons why bike is giving less mileage
How To Improve Your Bike’s Mileage
Now that you know the factors that affect your bike’s fuel efficiency and mileage, you can take some steps to improve it. Here are some tips on how to increase your bike’s mileage:
- Maintain proper tyre pressure
- Shift gears smoothly and at the right time
- Avoid adding unnecessary accessories to your bike
- Keep your chain clean, lubricated, and adjusted
- Use the right grade and quality of fuel for your bike
- Ride smoothly and steadily, and avoid heavy braking and accelerating
- Keep your spark plugs clean and replace them at regular intervals
- Check your engine oil level regularly and change it at regular intervals
Check out more tips on how to improve your bike’s mileage
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can using a fuel additive improve my bike’s mileage?
Using fuel additives is not guaranteed to improve mileage. It is advisable to prioritize high-quality fuel and focus on other factors like proper maintenance and riding techniques for better mileage.
Q2. Does bike mileage vary with the rider’s weight?
Yes, carrying excess weight can impact mileage. Heavier riders may experience slightly reduced fuel efficiency compared to lighter riders.
Q3. How often should I clean my bike’s air filter?
The frequency of air filter cleaning depends on the bike’s usage and operating conditions. However, it is generally recommended to clean or replace the air filter every 5,000 to 7,000 kilometres or as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Q4. Can using synthetic oil improve bike mileage?
While synthetic oil offers certain advantages, such as better lubrication and engine protection, it may not directly impact mileage. However, using the recommended oil grade and changing it at regular intervals can contribute to better overall engine performance and indirectly improve mileage.
Q5. Are there any specific riding techniques for maximizing mileage?
Yes, adopting techniques like maintaining a steady speed, avoiding sudden acceleration or braking, and anticipating traffic conditions can help optimize mileage.
