Motorcycle Fuel Efficiency – Handy Tips

Vietnam Motorcycle Rentals: Honda FTR 230 - exhaust

Table of Contents

Why Fuel Efficiency is Important

Fuel efficiency is important: it’s good for the environment and helps you ride farther without having to refuel, saving you money in the process. How you ride, how well your vehicle is maintained and the utilization of fuel additives can all have a significant impact on how fuel efficient your bike is.

Mechanical Factors

Increasing your motorcycle’s fuel efficiency is no big deal. There are some very basic things that you can do, from tuning your bike to following some strategic riding styles.

  • The primary thing to do is have a regular check-up of your motorcycle’s engine. Following a simple service routine, usually outlined by the manufacturer, will help maintain efficiency over the long term.
  • Regular checking and maintenance of air filters and oil filters will keep the bike running well.
  • Checking fluid levels, oil, brake fluid and transmission fluid, will keep the bike running smoothly and as efficiently as possible.
  • The right grade of fuel also plays a vital role in the smooth production of power. However, it is very common for there to only be one type of fuel available at filling stations in Vietnam.

A Few Other Factors, Which Can Easily Be Remedied

  • incorrect tire pressure
  • loose chain
  • over tightened brakes
motorcyclists on a busy Vietnam street at night
motorcyclists on a busy Vietnam street at night

Driving and Environmental Factors

In Vietnam, fuel is relatively cheap and easily accessible but there is no need to waste any more than you need to get from A to B. Keeping your bike well maintained is just as important as driving within the limits of the bike. Be safe, vigilant, and remember to take it slow.

  • Highway riding will usually result in better fuel efficiency, particularly if you maintain a steady speed and do not switch lanes too frequently. Slow and steady wins the race. The lack of traffic signals is a major factor here.
  • The shifting of gears and brakes within a short time or a stop/start style of driving will directly affect the fuel efficiency of your motorcycle. Keep it smooth.
  • Did you know the rider’s riding posture can impact the fuel performance of the engine? Sitting bolt upright will create a lot of drag and be tiring. Therefore, a slight lean forward, into the wind, can be more relaxing and efficient.
  • Driving aggressively or recklessly will result in very poor fuel efficiency. There is no need to show off.
  • The load on the bike will greatly affect fuel efficiency whether it be baggage or a passenger.
a Petrolimex petrol station in Hanoi
a Petrolimex petrol station in Hanoi

SAve the environment, save fuel, save money

Everyone is well aware of how global political events can affect our daily lives. This is no more evident than in the cost of fuel recently. As the availability of fuel has been restricted by the war and political tensions between Russia and Europe, we have seen massive increases in the cost. 

It now makes more sense than ever to reduce the amount of fuel we use and in turn benefit the environment. 

a petrol station in na phuc cao bang
a petrol station in na phuc cao bang

Quick Connect

BMW 1250 GS

Engine Type

air-liquid cooled, twin cylinder, DOHC, boxer engine

Displacement

1255 cc

Bore X Stroke

102.5 mm x 76 mm

Ignition

FI

Fuel System

fuel injection

Compression Ratio

12.5:1

Starter

electric

Gearbox

6-speed

Front Suspension

BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 37 mm

Rear Suspension

single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever

Front Brakes

dual disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 305 mm, 4-piston radial calipers

Rear Brakes

single disc brake, diameter 276 mm, double-piston floating caliper

Front Tyres

120/70 R19

Rear Tyres

170/60 R17

Wheelbase

1514 mm

Seat Height

850 mm

Ground Clearance

790 mm

Kerb Weight

249 kg

Fuel Capacity

20 litres

Dimensions

2207 mm (L) x 952.5mm (W) x 1430 mm (H)

Honda XR 150 motorcycle rental

Engine Type

air cooled, OHC, single cylinder

Displacement

149 cc

Bore X Stroke

57.3 mm x 57.8 mm

Ignition

CDI

Fuel System

20 mm piston valve carburettor

Compression Ratio

9.5:1

Starter

electric with kick starter backup

Gearbox

5-speed

Front Suspension

telescopic fork, 180 mm axle travel

Rear Suspension

single shock swing arm, 150 mm axle travel

Front Brakes

dual piston caliper, 240 mm disc

Rear Brakes

mechanical drum

Front Tyres

90/90 19

Rear Tyres

110/90 17

Wheelbase

1362 mm

Seat Height

825 mm

Ground Clearance

243 mm

Kerb Weight

129 kg

Fuel Capacity

12 litres

Dimensions

2091 mm (L) x 811 mm (W) x 1125 mm (H)

Honda CB 500X motorcycle rental

Engine Type

liquid cooled parallel-twin four stroke

Displacement

470 cc

Bore X Stroke

67 mm x 66.8 mm

Ignition

PGMI – FI

Fuel System

fuel injection

Compression Ratio

10.7:1

Starter

electric

Gearbox

6-speed

Front Suspension

41 mm SFF-BP USD Forks

Rear Suspension

Prolink Mono with 5 stage pre load adjuster

Front Brakes

dual 296 mm discs with 4 piston calipers; ABS

Rear Brakes

240 mm disc; ABS

Front Tyres

110/80R19M/C (59H)

Rear Tyres

160/60R17M/C

Wheelbase

1445 mm

Seat Height

830 mm

Ground Clearance

180 mm

Kerb Weight

199 kg

Fuel Capacity

17.7 litres

Dimensions

2,155 mm (L) x 830 mm (W) x 1,410 mm (H)

Honda CRF 300 motorcycle rental

Engine Type

single cylinder, DOHC, liquid cooled

Displacement

286 cc

Bore X Stroke

76 mm x 63 mm

Ignition

Full Transistor Digital

Fuel System

PGM-FI electronic fuel injection

Compression Ratio

10.7:1

Starter

electric

Gearbox

5-speed

Front Suspension

43 mm telescopic upside down

Rear Suspension

Prolink Mono with 5 stage pre load adjuster

Front Brakes

256 mm disc, 2 piston caliper

Rear Brakes

220 mm disc, single piston caliper

Front Tyres

80/100 21

Rear Tyres

120/80 18

Wheelbase

1455 mm

Seat Height

880 mm

Ground Clearance

285 mm

Kerb Weight

142 kg

Fuel Capacity

7.8 litres

Dimensions

2230 mm (L) x 820 mm (W) x 1200 mm (H)

Tourist

One-Way

Expat

Pricing

N/A

N/A

Damage Waiver

$0/day

N/A

N/A

Security Deposit

N/A

N/A

Required Docs

passport

N/A

N/A

Mileage Limit

unlimited

N/A

N/A

Touring

N/A

N/A