Fuel economy is one of the most delicate topics and a crucial consideration when buying a vehicle, whether it be a truck, bus, motorcycle, or even a car. For the majority of car buyers worldwide, it has an impact on the vehicle’s operating costs. Simply, fuel economy is the distance traveled per liter or gallon of fuel.
The amount of kilometers or miles a bike can travel on a liter or gallon of fuel, depending on the situation, is its mileage or average. In practical applications, however, a vehicle’s fuel efficiency is determined by how far it can go on a full tank of petrol. For instance, the average bike is 60 km/L.
However, this is the opposite in certain European nations. There, fuel economy is expressed as the average number of liters used for every 100 kilometers, for example, 2.5 liters per 100 kilometers for a motorbike.
Who Verifies The Data On The Fuel Economy?
Each nation has its fuel economy testing organization and criteria. Fuel economy testing in India is carried out by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) using the Indian Driving Cycle (IDC). A rolling road simulation of a typical 10-kilometer Indian driving environment is used in the Indian Driving Cycle (IDC), a laboratory test. But under actual driving circumstances, you should anticipate receiving between 10% and 20% (less) of the ARAI-certified figures as stated by the manufacturer.
How Can I Check My Bike’s Mileage?
There are essentially three ways to figure out a bike’s mileage. Note that the terms “average,” “fuel economy,” and “fuel efficiency” can also be used to describe mileage. The kind of motorbike you own will determine which approach you take.
Fuel economy can be computed using the following formula:
DISTANCE TRAVELED ÷ FUEL CONSUMPTION
For example, your motorcycle’s mileage is 20 km (kilometers per liter) if it travels 100 km on 5 liters of petrol. Apply the calculation above to perform a mileage check using any of the following techniques:
Top 3 Methods To Check Bike Mileage
1. Full Tank Method
The first technique is to fill your petrol tank. Please make an effort to recall the precise moment at which you served it. Next, cycle for at least 150–200 km while setting the trip meter to 0. It’s not necessary to complete this all at once, but before you refill your tank, make sure you’ve traveled at least this far. The longer you ride, the better, but be sure you’re not even near running out of gas. Now that you’ve traveled the intended distance, fill your tank precisely to the same level as before, and record how much fuel you need to add.
Next, figure out how far you’ve traveled using this formula: Let’s assume that after riding for roughly 150 km, you filled your tank with 4 liters of fuel and cycled another 150 kilometers. The mileage would, therefore, be:
Distance traveled (as indicated by the odometer) / fuel consumed or replenished = 150 / 4 = 37.5 km/l.
2. Reserve Filling Method
The second technique is limited to bikes that have a fuel tap valve with a petcock. This was typical of motorcycles with carburetors that were sold before the implementation of BS6 regulations. Until your primary fuel tank runs empty, ride your bike. Use the fuel tap to put it on “Reserve” once your motorbike is not moving because there is not a drop of petrol left. After entering the reserve, set the odometer to zero, then ride to the nearest gas station to fill up exactly one liter. Reset the fuel tap switch to “On,” which restricts fuel usage to the main tank exclusively.
Continue riding until your primary tank runs out entirely once more. Once it is empty, check the miles on the odometer; that number indicates how far your bike is going. This can also be calculated using the same formula: fuel economy = distance traveled divided by fuel filled.
Assume for the moment that the odometer reads 2000 kilometers. Fill the tank with approximately 1 liter of petrol at this point (using a pre-filled bottle). Bike till it reaches the reserve position once more. Assume for the moment that the bike has traveled 2050 kilometers. Determine the 50 (2050 – 2000) kilometer discrepancy between the final and starting odometer readings. One liter of fuel is needed to travel fifty km. This results in a mileage of 50 km/liter.
The only problem with this approach is that when the bike is in reserve, we need to know exactly how the fuel tank is constructed or where the fuel is located on either side of the chassis rod. To determine a definitive mileage, this method also necessitates taking about three to four sets of readings.
3. Bottle Method
With this method, a mileage measurement bottle is either fastened to the petrol tank or directly attached to the carburetor by hanging through the handlebar.
Here, the trip meter is set to zero, the fuel pipe to the carburetor is hooked, and the bike is programmed to run until the fuel in this bottle reaches 100 ml. The measuring bottle contains, say, 500 ml of fuel. After taking note of the trip meter, divide the reading by 0.4 liters, or the actual quantity used. The bike’s mileage is displayed in this final reading.
Be in your typical riding mode because this method is pretty precise and just depends on your driving condition at the time of measurement.
The Factors Influencing A Bike’s Mileage
The ability to assess a bike’s mileage is essential for every Indian biker, as it plays a significant role in determining how much it will cost to operate. The mileage on a bike also reveals the general mechanical and physical state of the machine. The following are some factors that impact a bike’s fuel efficiency:
1. Weight
The weight of the bike has a significant impact on its mileage. Heavy crash guards, big horns, encircling guards, and other extra additions increase the weight of the motorcycle and decrease its fuel economy.
2. Aerodynamics
Air motion is referred to as aerodynamics. A bike’s engine will need to work harder to propel it forward the more effectively it cuts through the air. Because of this, motorcycles with improved aerodynamics are designed to be faster and use less fuel.
3. Tyres
Larger, wider tires increase drag and decrease the bike’s fuel economy. Low bike tyre pressure also increases the need for engine power output, which raises fuel consumption.
4. Gear Changes
One of the main things influencing a motorcycle’s fuel efficiency is this. The system will use more fuel when you shift gears more frequently. Continuously dragging the bike into higher gears also reduces fuel efficiency. To maximize fuel efficiency, ride your bike in the proper gear at all times.
5. Fuel Caliber
See the owner’s manual for your bike to find out what kind of fuel it needs. Use fuel that has an octane number of at least the required one at all times. Additionally, always fill up at an authorized petrol station. Before you go, research the fuel station’s reputation for both quantity and quality.
6. Cleanliness
A clean bike will show any leaks right away. The bike’s fuel efficiency will decrease due to increased drag caused by dirt on the chain or between the moving parts. Thus, always maintain the bike clean so that any leaks, dirt, or other problems can be found right away.
7. Level Of Fuel
Refrain from filling the fuel tank. When petrol expands with heat, overfilling not only causes spills but also overflows. Your bike may leak even with filler caps if the rubber seal hardens and fractures.
8. Vigorous Braking And Acceleration
If you engage the brakes or throttle too much, even on a low-cc bike, your mileage may drop significantly. Improve your riding style, use the brakes when needed, and only accelerate when essential if you do a lot of this.
9. Oil Quality And Level
Low oil levels severely reduce the bike’s mileage by overheating the engine from a lack of cooling and lubrication. The motorcycle overheating issues are also caused by low-quality engine oil. Use the appropriate grade and viscosity of lubricant to ensure that engine components operate as intended while using less fuel.
Tips For Keeping Your Bike’s Mileage Up
Are you wondering how to measure and enhance your bike mileage? Here are some tested suggestions for doing the same:
1. Get Regular Bike Servicing
Keeping your bike serviced regularly will increase its mileage. It prolongs the life of the motorcycle in addition to preserving the engine’s health—the mileage drops when the engine’s condition deteriorates.
2. Adjust The Carburettor
If routine maintenance does not increase the bike’s mileage, you may want to look at the carburetor settings. The bike’s performance will be significantly improved, and its mileage will rise, whether it requires an electronic or manual retune.
3. Keep Your Tyre Pressure At Its Ideal Level
Various bike models have various PSI recommendations. Every time you visit a petrol station, especially right before a lengthy trip, make sure to top up your tire pressure.
4. High-Quality Fuel
Refrain from using inexpensive leaded fuels in your tank as they can harm the engine of your motorcycle. For optimal engine health and maximum fuel efficiency, always select premium unleaded petrol of the highest caliber.
5. Drive Carefully
Roaring through the city’s streets, swerving to avoid potholes and abrupt braking are examples of irresponsible driving. In addition to damaging your bike, this kind of driving is risky. Your engine will suffer significant damage from excessive braking and acceleration, which will reduce fuel efficiency.
6. Ride Sensibly
Consistently maintain the suggested speed limit when riding your bike. By doing it, you can increase your bike’s mileage and assure road safety. To improve fuel efficiency, stay below 40 mph at all times and steer clear of abrupt acceleration.
7. Use The Kill Switch
Use the kill switch to stop the motor of your bike rather than letting it sit still when traffic lights are on. It lowers carbon emissions, saves fuel, and enhances engine health.
8. Never Park In The Sun
The mileage of the bike is decreased by fuel evaporation when parked in the sun. When parking, always look for a spot in the shade to increase your bike’s mileage.
9. Refrain From Replacing Parts
The bike’s original parts are designed to work in tandem with the performance of the engine. More fuel is used when replacing them for modification.
CONCLUSION
Despite having no control over growing fuel prices, you can increase your bike’s mileage by following the advice provided below. To get the most mileage out of your bike, learn how to calculate its mileage and maximize its performance.
