If you want to save money on gas and reduce your carbon footprint while riding your motorcycle, try improving its fuel economy. Thankfully, this isn’t complicated or expensive, and it’ll help you enjoy smoother and more economical rides.

Here are a few strategies to help boost your bike’s fuel economy, so you can enjoy a smoother ride, protect the environment, and save money in your pocket. Read on to learn more, and for more information, swing by Big St. Charles Motorsports for a friendly chat with our team.

1. Maintain Your Motorcycle

The easiest way to improve your motorcycle’s fuel efficiency is to keep it well-maintained. Regular oil changes, tire pressure and alignment checks, and air filter replacements can help improve your bike’s overall condition and reduce fuel consumption.

2. Practice Defensive Riding Techniques

Practicing defensive motorcycle riding techniques can go a long way in boosting your bike’s fuel economy. Aggressive acceleration, sudden braking, and speeding can lead to increased fuel consumption, whereas smooth acceleration & deceleration and maintaining a consistent speed can help improve fuel efficiency. You’ll also want to avoid idling for extended periods as this burns fuel without any mileage gain.

3. Optimize Your Motorcycle for Fuel Efficiency

Another way to increase your motorcycle’s fuel economy is to optimize it for fuel efficiency. Ideally, replace your standard air filter with a high-performance one, install a fuel-injection controller or a fuel management system designed for your bike, and add other modifications that can help boost its fuel efficiency by providing optimal air and fuel to the engine.

4. Be Mindful of the Weight

Next, you’ll want to ensure your motorcycle is free of any unnecessary weight that can affect its fuel economy.

Check your saddlebags & panniers and see if you can remove any extra items you don't need. Reducing the weight of your bike will in turn reduce the overall strain on the engine and improve its fuel efficiency, too.

5. Use the Correct Fuel

More importantly, use the right fuel for your motorcycle. Check your owner's manual for the recommended fuel type and octane rating to avoid getting something that’ll negatively affect your bike’s fuel economy and harm the engine.

We hope these tips help make your motorcycle more fuel-efficient and suitable for recreational activities. If you have more questions or are still searching for your dream bike, contact Big St. Charles Motorsports. Our dealership is in St. Charles, MO, and we proudly serve those from St. Louis and St. Peters!