Is 48 MPG Good for a Motorcycle?

Yes—48 MPG (U.S.) is good for many motorcycles. It’s solid for mid-size and larger bikes and excellent for big cruisers and adventure tourers, while it’s only average—or even below average—for small-displacement commuters and scooters. In metric terms, 48 MPG (U.S.) is about 4.9 L/100 km, or roughly 58 MPG (U.K.).

What 48 MPG Means in Context

Motorcycle fuel economy varies widely by engine size, riding style, aerodynamics, and gearing. A single figure like 48 MPG can indicate efficiency or mediocrity depending on the class of bike. As a rule of thumb, smaller engines sip fuel, middleweights do well if ridden smoothly, and liter-class sportbikes or heavy tourers use more fuel—especially at highway speeds.

Typical MPG by Motorcycle Type

The following ranges reflect real-world U.S. MPG estimates riders commonly report across modern, fuel-injected models ridden conservatively to moderately. They’re not manufacturer claims, which often skew higher.

• 50–125cc scooters: 90–120+ MPG
• 125–300cc commuters: 70–110 MPG
• 300–500cc twins (entry sport/naked): 55–75 MPG
• 600–900cc middleweights (sport/naked/ADV): 45–60 MPG
• 650–900cc twins (ADV/standard): 45–60 MPG
• 1000cc+ sportbikes: 35–50 MPG
• Large cruisers and touring bikes: 35–50 MPG

Against these ranges, 48 MPG is healthy for middleweights and strong for big bikes, though smaller commuters and scooters often exceed it by a wide margin.

U.S. vs U.K. MPG and Metric Conversion

Be sure which unit you’re using. U.K. (Imperial) gallons are larger than U.S. gallons. A quick conversion helps interpret claims and owner reports:

• 48 MPG (U.S.) ≈ 57.6 MPG (U.K.)
• 48 MPG (U.S.) ≈ 4.9 L/100 km

Mixing up U.S. and U.K. MPG can make an average figure look exceptional (or vice versa).

Range, Cost, and Emissions at 48 MPG

Beyond “good or bad,” it helps to translate 48 MPG into practical terms: how far you’ll go on a tank, what it costs, and what it emits.

Here are typical ranges by common tank sizes, plus cost and CO2 estimates using current ballpark numbers:

• 3.5-gallon tank: ~168 miles (270 km)
• 4.5-gallon tank: ~216 miles (348 km)
• 5.5-gallon tank: ~264 miles (425 km)
• Fuel cost per 100 miles at $3.75/gal: ~2.08 gal × $3.75 ≈ $7.80
• CO2 per mile: 8.89 kg/gal ÷ 48 ≈ 0.185 kg/mile (~115 g/km)

Actual range depends on speed, wind, elevation, and load. Fuel prices vary by region and season, so treat the cost estimate as an example.

Factors That Affect Your MPG

If you’re seeing more or less than 48 MPG, the reason is often in how and where you ride—as well as state of tune.

• Speed and wind: Aerodynamic drag rises rapidly; 70–80 mph highway cruising can cut MPG significantly versus 50–60 mph.
• Riding style: Hard acceleration, late braking, and high RPMs burn fuel; smooth throttle and early upshifts help.
• Load and luggage: Panniers/top boxes and heavy gear add drag and weight.
• Tire pressure and type: Underinflation or aggressive tread patterns increase rolling resistance.
• Drive system: Dirty chains, old sprockets, or misadjusted belts reduce efficiency.
• Engine tune: Clogged air filters, old plugs, or rich fueling maps (aftermarket tunes/exhausts) lower MPG.
• Fuel blend and weather: Ethanol blends (E10) and cold temps can reduce economy; altitude and tailwinds can help.

Addressing these variables often recovers noticeable economy without sacrificing ride enjoyment.

How to Improve Motorcycle Fuel Economy

You can usually gain 5–15% MPG with small adjustments and maintenance, especially on middleweight and larger machines.

1. Maintain steady speeds and short-shift within the engine’s torque band.
2. Keep tires properly inflated and choose tires with lower rolling resistance if appropriate.
3. Service the bike on schedule: air filter, spark plugs, chain/belt, and oil.
4. Reduce drag: pack light, remove unused racks/boxes, and minimize wide panniers for daily riding.
5. Check fueling: avoid overly rich tunes; consider eco maps where available.
6. Plan routes to avoid heavy stop-and-go traffic and strong headwinds when possible.

Even performance-focused riders can retain responsiveness while tuning habits and setup for better efficiency.

When 48 MPG Is “Good” vs “Not So Good”

Context matters. Use these quick comparisons to see where 48 MPG stands for your bike class and use case.

• Excellent: Large cruisers and full-size touring/ADV bikes, most liter-class engines ridden mixed highway/city.
• Good/Average: 600–900cc middleweights (naked, sport, ADV) in typical mixed riding.
• Below Average: 125–300cc commuters and small scooters (they often achieve 65–100+ MPG).
• Track/spirited mountain riding: 48 MPG would be unusually high; expect lower numbers under aggressive use.

If your result seems out of band, double-check your math and consider riding conditions before assuming a mechanical issue.

Quick Checks if Your Bike Gets 48 MPG

To ensure the figure is accurate and comparable, verify these basics.

1. Confirm units: U.S. vs U.K. MPG, or convert to L/100 km.
2. Use the same pump and fill method (to the same point) across tanks.
3. Track at least 3–5 fill-ups and average them for a reliable number.
4. Note riding profile: percentage highway, typical speeds, elevation, and luggage.
5. Inspect maintenance items that affect economy (tires, chain, air filter, plugs).

Consistent measurement and context make MPG comparisons meaningful and fair.

Summary

At 48 MPG (U.S.), you’re doing well on most mid-size and large motorcycles, and exceptionally well on heavy cruisers and tourers. Small-displacement commuters and scooters can exceed that comfortably, but for the majority of full-size road bikes, 48 MPG reflects efficient, balanced riding. Keep units straight, measure consistently, and consider your bike’s class and conditions to judge the number accurately.

What is a good MPG for a motorcycle?

1.	Small Motorcycles (Under 250cc)	: Often achieve 70-100+ miles per gallon (mpg).
2.	Medium Motorcycles (250cc – 600cc)	: Generally get 50-70 mpg, depending on the model and riding conditions.
3.	Large Motorcycles (600cc and above)	: Typically range from 30-50 mpg.

Mar 8, 2020

Is 48 miles per gallon good?

Yes, 48 miles per gallon (MPG) is considered very good fuel efficiency for most vehicles, especially for a gasoline-powered car, making it a strong choice for saving on fuel costs and reducing environmental impact. While “good” MPG varies by vehicle type, 48 MPG is well above the average for traditional cars and even competitive for many hybrids. 
What Makes 48 MPG Good

• Above Average: 48 MPG is significantly higher than the average fuel economy for many passenger cars and SUVs in the United States, which tend to be lower. 
• Cost Savings: A car achieving 48 MPG allows you to travel a greater distance on less fuel, which can translate to substantial savings on gas over time. 
• Environmental Benefits: Higher MPG figures indicate a more fuel-efficient vehicle, leading to lower fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions. 

Context Matters 

• Vehicle Type: Opens in new tabFor an SUV or larger vehicle, 48 MPG would be exceptional. For a small, fuel-efficient, gasoline-only car, it’s a great number.
• Hybrid vs. Gas: Opens in new tabHybrids often achieve higher MPG, so while 48 MPG is good for a gas car, some hybrid models can exceed 60 MPG.

In Summary
Getting 48 MPG is a sign of excellent fuel economy. It means you have a vehicle that is efficient, cost-effective to run, and better for the environment compared to many other options on the road.

How far can a motorcycle go on one gallon of gas?

I was getting between 50 and 70 mile per gallon on my 2010 Kwaka GTR 1400 shaft drive. That’s between 20 – 30 kilometres per litre , and excellent round town .

Is 48k miles a lot for a motorcycle?

It can vary depending on use and motorcycle type, but most motorcycles can travel anywhere between 20,000 and 50,000 miles before they start to show problems. Assuming an average mileage of 3,000 per year, the typical motorcycle will last between six and fifteen years.