Top Fuel Efficient Motorcycles by MPG
Think about the last time you filled up your bike and barely saw the needle move after hours of riding. It’s one of those small wins that starts to add up, especially if you’re on the road a lot. Some motorcycles are built with fuel economy in mind, and once you’ve experienced how far they can take you on a single tank, it’s hard to go back. Below, we’ll walk through some of the most fuel efficient motorcycles by MPG and what makes them worth considering.
What is MPG?
When you’re comparing fuel-efficient motorcycles, you’ll see the term “MPG” come up a lot. It stands for miles per gallon, and it’s the number that tells you how far a motorcycle can travel on one gallon of gas. The higher the number, the less often you’ll need to stop to fill up, which can make a big difference over time, especially if you ride often or commute daily. While some bikes might trade fuel economy for power or performance, there are plenty of models that balance both, giving you solid mileage without cutting into the ride experience.
How to Calculate MPG on a Motorcycle
If you’re curious about your current bike’s fuel efficiency, calculating MPG is pretty easy. Start by filling up your tank and resetting your trip meter. Ride like you normally would, then take note of how many miles you’ve gone the next time you stop for gas. Once you fill up again, divide the number of miles you rode by the amount of fuel you just added.
For example, if you rode 140 miles and filled up with 2 gallons, your bike got 70 MPG. Just keep in mind that your riding habits, terrain, and even tire pressure can affect those numbers, so your MPG might vary a little from tank to tank.
Most Fuel Efficient Motorcycles You Can Buy Today
NOTE: The MPG figures listed below are estimates based on manufacturer specs and rider reports. Actual mileage can vary depending on how and where you ride.
Honda Grom: 120 MPG
The Grom isn’t just fun to ride, it’s one of the most fuel efficient motorcycles you can get your hands on. Its compact size and lightweight frame make it ideal for city streets or short commutes, and it sips gas like nothing else. With an estimated 120 MPG, you’ll be spending way more time riding than refueling. It’s a great fit for newer riders or anyone who wants something easy to maneuver.
Honda Navi: 75 MPG
With scooter-like practicality and motorcycle styling, the Honda Navi gives you the best of both without burning through fuel. It’s automatic, which makes it incredibly beginner-friendly, and the low seat height adds to that comfort. You’re looking at around 75 MPG, which is impressive considering how versatile this little bike really is. It’s perfect for quick errands, short rides, or daily commutes.
Yamaha Vino 125: 75 MPG
If you’re leaning toward scooter simplicity but still want solid fuel economy, the Yamaha Vino 125 delivers both. It’s easy to park, easy to ride, and surprisingly peppy for its size. Riders report around 75 MPG, which means you’ll go pretty far before needing to fill up again. It’s a smart pick for anyone riding through town or sticking to slower roads.
Kawasaki Z125 Pro: 94 MPG
Don’t let the size fool you—the Z125 Pro packs a ton of character into a small, efficient package. With an estimated 94 MPG, it’s built to stretch your fuel tank while still giving you a sporty, upright ride. It handles corners well, has just enough power for short commutes, and feels more responsive than most other bikes in its class. It’s a fun, budget-conscious choice for urban riders.
Suzuki DR200S: 88 MPG
If you’re looking for something with a bit of off-road capability without giving up on gas mileage, the DR200S is worth a serious look. It’s light, reliable, and handles a mix of pavement and trails with ease. The 88 MPG rating makes it one of the most efficient dual-sport options out there. You can cover a lot of ground without worrying about where the next gas station is.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350: 85 MPG
The Hunter 350 brings classic styling and a more relaxed ride while still delivering around 85 MPG. It’s not built for speed, but it shines when you’re cruising around town or enjoying longer weekend rides. It has a comfortable upright position and a thumper engine that feels steady and predictable. If you want something with a little more vintage appeal that won’t eat up your fuel budget, this one’s a solid pick.
Honda Rebel 300: 80 MPG
The Rebel 300 keeps things smooth and beginner-friendly while giving you surprisingly strong fuel economy for a cruiser-style bike. It’s approachable for newer riders, with a low seat height and lightweight feel that makes it easy to control. Getting close to 80 MPG, it’s great for daily rides without the usual cruiser fuel cost. It looks a little tougher than some smaller bikes, but still keeps things practical.
Yamaha MT-03: 62 MPG
The MT-03 blends sportbike looks with commuter-friendly comfort, and it holds its own in the MPG department with an estimated 62. It’s lightweight, agile, and offers just enough power to make highway rides feel stable without being overwhelming. Riders love how nimble it feels in traffic, and the upright seating position gives you good visibility without sacrificing control. It’s a smart choice if you want a mix of fun and function.
KTM 390 Duke: 58 MPG
For riders who want strong performance without destroying their fuel budget, the KTM 390 Duke is a standout. It’s quick, nimble, and packed with tech like a full-color TFT display and ride-by-wire throttle. While it gets around 58 MPG, that’s still great considering how much capability it packs into a small-displacement bike. It’s one of the more aggressive options on this list, but still manageable for newer riders.
BMW G 310 R: 75 MPG
BMW’s entry-level G 310 R delivers a comfortable, upright ride and solid gas mileage at around 75 MPG. It’s refined without being too intimidating, and it feels planted whether you're navigating traffic or cruising on back roads. Riders appreciate the build quality and smooth handling, especially for a bike in this class. If you’re looking for efficiency and brand-name reliability, this one checks a lot of boxes.
So, What Motorcycle Gets the Best Miles Per Gallon?
When it comes to getting the absolute best miles per gallon, the Honda Grom consistently tops the list. It’s not just efficient—it’s incredibly lightweight, easy to maintain, and designed to keep fuel usage low without sacrificing everyday usability. Riders often get over 100 MPG without even trying, which makes it one of the most cost-effective bikes to own and operate. It’s especially popular in cities where short trips and frequent stops can eat into fuel economy on larger bikes. If your main priority is stretching every gallon as far as it can go, the Grom is tough to beat.
Fuel Efficiency vs. Performance: Is There a Trade-Off?
In most cases, there is a bit of a trade-off between fuel efficiency and performance, especially when you're comparing smaller commuter bikes to larger sport or touring models. The most fuel efficient motorcycles tend to be lightweight, lower in horsepower, and built for steady riding. That doesn’t mean you have to give up fun entirely, but it helps to know where the differences usually show up. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Engine size matters: Smaller engines typically get better gas mileage, but they won’t offer the same acceleration or top speed as larger engines.
Weight plays a role: Lighter bikes need less fuel to move, which helps boost MPG, but heavier bikes tend to be more stable at higher speeds.
Riding style affects both: Aggressive riding can kill fuel economy on any bike. Smooth, steady throttle control usually gives you better mileage without taking all the fun out of the ride.
Fuel efficiency doesn’t always mean boring: Some small and mid-size bikes are surprisingly fun, especially in city settings where quick handling and low-end torque matter more than raw horsepower.
Tech features can help balance both: Bikes with fuel injection, ride modes, and advanced tuning can offer a mix of efficiency and performance, especially in newer models.
If you want the best of both worlds, look for bikes that are built with efficiency in mind but still offer a little punch when you twist the throttle. You don’t always have to choose one or the other, but understanding the trade-offs helps you find the right fit.
Browse Fuel Efficient Motorcycles at North American Warhorse
North American Warhorse in Dunmore, PA has a wide range of fuel efficient motorcycles for sale, with options that fit both new and experienced riders. Located right near Scranton, our team can help you find a bike that keeps fuel costs low without sacrificing the ride quality you’re looking for. From small city bikes to lightweight cruisers, there’s something here for every kind of rider. Contact us today to check availability or stop in and see what’s on the floor.