Many riders choose to ride a motorbike instead of driving a car for their commute, as bikes are generally far more fuel efficient than other vehicles.
As a general rule the smaller the capacity of the bike, the better the fuel economy, which means 125s, 250s, 300s, etc., dominate in terms of the best fuel economy.
For those who want and need more power, there are some really good bikes that offer excellent miles per gallon.
We have gathered the best of the bunch together in their relevant classes for you to take a look at, followed by a table with some of the leading manufacturers’ top models and their mpg.
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Lightweights 125cc–500cc
| Model | Engine | MPG | RRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda CBF125F | 124cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder | 156 | £3,049 |
| Suzuki GSX-S125 | 124.4cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder | 117 | £4,699 |
| Honda CB300R | 286cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder | 71 | £5,099 |
| BMW G310 R | 313cc, water-cooled, single-cylinder | 67.2 | £5,190 |
| Honda CB500X | 471cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin | 67.2 | £6,699 |
Honda CB125F
- MPG: 156 mpg
- Max power: 10.7 horsepower
- Max torque: 10.9 Nm
- Top speed: 70 mph
- Seat height: 790mm
- Kerb weight: 117 kg
- RRP: £3,049
The Honda CB125F has been the go-to bike for new riders since its release. It has also been the go-to for riders who prioritise good fuel efficiency. For a commuter, this bike is one of the cheapest modes of transport that you can get.
At 156 mpg, the CB125F is an impressive motorcycle. It’s comfortable, lightweight, and easy to ride, with neutral ergonomics—all things that make it great for new riders and commuters.
Riding a motorcycle can be an expensive process, especially with all the necessary safety gear, bike security, insurance, etc. Enjoying such high mileage between fill-ups is the icing on the cake for those who rack up the miles but want to save money along the way.
The CB125F is only a 125cc with just over 10 horsepower, so it isn’t a rocket, but it’s a smooth, no-frills, simple machine with very little that can go wrong.
BMW G 310 R
- MPG: 67.2 mpg
- Max power: 34 horsepower
- Max torque: 28 Nm
- Top speed: 88 mph
- Seat height: 785 mm
- Kerb weight: 164 kg
- RRP: £5,190
The BMW G 310 R is one of my favourite motorcycles in the lightweight category. It has a big-bike style and feel, encased in an agile, lightweight, smooth package.
At 67.2 mpg, this 300cc offers good mpg along with a respectable 34 horsepower and a top speed of around 88 mph.
You sit into the G 310 R on a spacious, plush seat with the tank rising up in front of you, bars spread wide and pegs within comfortable, neutral reach. This is a position that encourages you to go that bit further.
If you are a new rider, it will inspire confidence, and if you are stepping down in capacity, the riding position allows you to push the bike to its limits.
The G 310 R was one of the first bikes built in BMW’s Indian factory. Despite this, it still oozes quality German engineering and all the attention to detail you would expect from any other BMW.
Honda CB500X
- MPG: 67.2 mpg
- Max power: 46.9 horsepower
- Max torque: 43 Nm
- Top speed: 113 mph
- Seat height: 830 mm
- Kerb weight: 199 kg
- RRP: £6,699
The CB500X is Honda’s lightweight adventure bike, and with 67.2 mpg it offers excellent fuel efficiency for a 500cc motorcycle.
It might be small, but it sure is mighty, comfortable, and capable.
My brother-in-law has racked up in excess of 40,000 miles on his from new, with the only issues having been some minor battery trouble and tearing through tyres.
Bigger adventure bikes can perhaps offer more comfort, more features, and more luggage space but most will struggle to meet the CB500X on its fuel efficiency.
Middleweights 600cc–900cc
| Model | Engine | MPG | RRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suzuki SV650 | 645cc, liquid-cooled, V-twin | 68.9 | £6,999 |
| Street Twin 900 | 900cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin | 68.9 | £8,795 |
| Honda NC750X | 745cc, liquid-cooled, parallel 2-cylinder | 67 | £7,849 |
| Suzuki V-Strom 800DE | 776cc, liquid-cooled, 2-cylinder | 64.1 | £10,499 |
| Triumph Trident 660 | 660cc, liquid-cooled, in-line 3-cylinder | 60.1 | £7,895 |
Suzuki SV650
- MPG: 68.9 mpg
- Max power: 72 horsepower
- Max torque: 64 Nm
- Top speed: 130 mph
- Seat height: 785 mm
- Kerb weight: 200 kg
- RRP: £6,999
Suzuki’s SV650 is a staple for riding schools, and the 68.9 mpg is definitely one of the reasons.
It is a well-priced, lightweight, fuel-efficient 650 that has enough power for riders to make the most of and enjoy, but not so much that your arms are going to be ripped out of their sockets.
The SV650 is a street bike that is as suited to riding around town as it is on the back roads, as well as hitting the motorway and sitting there for a stretch.
With 68.9 mpg, opting to load your SV650 for a weekend trip is a no-brainer for a cost-effective way to see the countryside.
Over the years, the SV650’s styling has improved, and the latest bike is more aggressive with sharper lines, and the visible painted frame adds some serious muscle to the model.
Honda NC750X
- MPG: 67 mpg
- Max power: 57.7 horsepower
- Max torque: 69 Nm
- Top speed: 125 mph
- Seat height: 800 mm
- Kerb weight: 214 kg
- RRP: £7,849
Honda’s NC750X divided riders upon its release because it came with a very unique engine and fuel-tank design.
Half of the motor’s unit is essentially the lower part of the Honda Jazz car engine, and the fuel tank sits under the seat at the rear, which leaves the fuel tank free as a large storage space.
By using an unconventional engine, Honda has managed to produce a bike that gives 67 mpg. For a 750cc that is pretty much unheard of.
The NC750X is also equipped with Honda’s dual-clutch transmission, so it can operate as an automatic motorcycle, or you use the trigger paddles to shift gear manually.
Smooth natured, a pleasure to ride, and up for all the small and big adventures riding bikes is associated with, the NC750X is a cool motorbike.
Suzuki V-Strom 800DE
- MPG: 64.1 mpg
- Max power: 83 horsepower
- Max torque: 78 Nm
- Top speed: TBC
- Seat height: 855 mm
- Kerb weight: 230 kg
- RRP: £10,499
Suzuki has a new model for 2023, the V-Strom 800DE, and Suzuki has promised it to be a brilliant new addition.
The details are impressive to start with, from the 83 horsepower and 78 Nm of torque to the claimed 64 mpg. Then you look at the 800DE and you realise it means business. It looks ready, rugged, solid, and up for a challenge.
It has been fitted with Suzuki’s Intelligent Ride System, which is a collection of electronic rider aids that can be tailored to suit preferences, terrain, and weather conditions.
Heavyweights 1000cc plus
| Model | Engine | MPG | RRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triumph T120 | 1200cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin | 60.1 | £11,795 |
| Triumph Tiger 1200 | 1160cc, liquid-cooled, in-line 3-cylinder | 55.4 | £14,995 |
| Suzuki V-Strom 1050 | 1037cc, liquid-cooled, V-twin | 54.2 | £12,999 |
| BMW R 1250 GS | 1254cc, air/liquid-cooled, flat twin | 49.5 | £14,990 |
| Honda CRF1100L | 1084cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin | 47.9 | £13,049 |
Triumph T120
- MPG: 60.1 mpg
- Max power: 78.9 horsepower
- Max torque: 105 Nm
- Top speed: 120 mph
- Seat height: 790 mm
- Kerb weight: 236 kg
- RRP: £11,795
The Triumph T120 is the king of the Bonneville’s. It’s the big boss of the line, equipped with the 1200cc parallel-twin.
Despite being a big bike, the T120 still manages 60.1 mpg, which is more than enough for you to take your bonnie out for a long ride without worrying about finding a petrol station if you stray off the beaten path.
The shining element of the T120 is the 105 Nm of torque which is spread across the range, giving you grunt at all the right times.
Triumph have modernised the T120 enough for it to function like a modern motorcycle with modern performance, but they have managed to retain the beautiful aesthetic of the original Bonneville bikes.
Suzuki V-Strom 1050
- MPG: 54.2 mpg
- Max Power: 105 horsepower
- Max Torque: 100 Nm
- Top Speed: 130 mph
- Seat Height: 855 mm
- Kerb Weight: 242 kg
- RRP: £12,999
Suzuki’s big adventure bike is the V-Strom 1050, which comes in several variants—the XT, XT Tour, and the DE—each with different features suitable for different riders.
However, performance figures vary little for each model, and for a big-capacity bike, producing over 54 mpg is awesome. When it comes to the competition, the V-Strom beats both the Africa Twin and 1250 GS in terms of fuel efficiency.
The V-Strom is a staple in the adventure bike world, and the latest edition is ready for serious long-haul adventures with the latest technology and features for maximum comfort and function.
Read more about the best adventure bikes
Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin
- MPG: 47.9 mpg
- Max power: 100 horsepower
- Max torque: 105 Nm
- Top speed: 135 mph
- Seat height: 850 mm
- Kerb weight: 226 kg
- RRP: £13,049
Honda’s Africa Twin was born out of the Paris-Dakar Rally and it carries that spirit in the latest model with Rally inspired paintwork.
The bike has been dialled in to have precise throttle response and optimum performance in every moment. Alongside that punchy performance, though, is practical fuel efficiency so you can go the distance.
You can now also choose the DCT model of the Africa Twin, which gives you the option of automatic mode.
DCT is an interesting option for an adventure bike, but one that could prove useful and make riding a breeze when you have long road stretches before hitting some tougher terrain.
Best MPG List by Manufacturer
Honda
| Motorcycle Model | MPG |
|---|---|
| CB125F | 156 |
| CB300R | 71 |
| CMX500 | 61 |
| CB500X | 67.2 |
| NC750X | 67 |
| GL1800 Gold Wing | 42.8 |
| CRF1100L Africa Twin | 47.9 |
BMW
| Motorcycle Model | MPG |
|---|---|
| G 310 R | 67.2 |
| F 750 GS | 56 |
| F 900 R | 56 |
| K 1600 B | 39.8 |
| S 1000 RR | 36.7 |
| R18 | 42 |
| R 1250 GS | 49.5 |
Yamaha
| Motorcycle Model | MPG |
|---|---|
| XSR125 | 112 |
| MT-03 | 57.3 |
| R7 | 56 |
| MT-09 | 47 |
| Ténéré | 56.5 |
| Niken GT | 40.5 |
| R1 | 34.5 |
Harley
| Motorcycle Model | MPG |
|---|---|
| Sportster S | 46.1 |
| Softail Standard | 42.7 |
| Breakout | 42 |
| Ultra Limited | 37.3 |
| Pan America | 42.7 |
Suzuki
| Motorcycle Model | MPG |
|---|---|
| GSX-S125 | 117 |
| SV650 | 68.9 |
| V-Strom 800DE | 64.1 |
| GSX-S950 | 46.1 |
| V-Strom 1050 | 54.2 |
| Katana | 46.3 |
| Hayabusa | 42.1 |
Triumph
| Motorcycle Model | MPG |
|---|---|
| Trident 660 | 60.1 |
| Street Triple 765 | 52.8 |
| Street Twin 900 | 68.9 |
| Triumph T120 | 60.1 |
| Rocket 3 | 41.4 |
| Tiger 850 | 55.4 |
| Tiger 1200 | 55.4 |
Kawasaki
| Motorcycle Model | MPG |
|---|---|
| Z650 | 52.2 |
| Vulcan S | 52.2 |
| Z900RS | 45.2 |
| Versys 1000 S | 42.7 |
| Ninja 1000 SX | 40.5 |
Ducati
| Motorcycle Model | MPG |
|---|---|
| Icon Scrambler | 45.2 |
| Monster | 45.2 |
| Multistrada V2 | 39.8 |
| Hypermotard 950 | 46.1 |
| Diavel V4 | 36.7 |
| Panigale V4 | 30.9 |
| Supersport 950 | 42 |
Data collected from official manufacturer figures.