how to calculate mileage of bike
How to Calculate Motorcycle Mileage (Fuel Efficiency)
This guide seeks to open up the readers mind to fuel consumption, distance traveled and other factors that are relevant to bike mileage maths.
Mileage is broadly defined as the total distance traveled by a motorcycle against fuel which is normally depicted in km per liter for bikes and liters per 100 kilometers for cars. In simple terms, the amount of fuel a bike consumes directly correlates to the distance it is able to Travel. Simply, 40km/l means 40 kilometers can be travelled on a liter of fuel which is good for any bike.
The higher the mileage means, more distance can be covered without spending too much money on fuel which is a huge factor for many bike owners.
How can you track the mileage traveled on a bike?
Measuring how much mileage your bike has traveled is easy, and can be accomplished with two critical measurements i.e. the distance traveled against the fuel used. In order to come up with a bike mileage calculation, here are the steps involved:
Step 1: Refuel the Bike
Begin by emptying the fuel tank and proceeding to fill the bike’s fuel tank to maximum capacity. This enables you to track how much fuel was consumed. In order to have consistency in the level and quality of fuel, it’s advisable to fill the tank at the same fuel station every time.
Step 2: Record Odometer Readings Or Reset Trip Meter
Most bikes have trip meters which keep track of the distance covered from the time the meter is set to zero. If the bike is fitted with a trip meter, set it to zero after filling it up. If it does not, then you will have to record the odometer value which shows how far the bike has traveled in total.
As a case in point: The odometer read 15000 KM before I filled it up the first time. When I filled it up the second time, reset the trip meter to zero.
Step 3: Going For a Ride Using Your Own Indoor Cycle
You may now ride the stationary bicycle as you normally would, whether it is for short distances or longer ones. For you to get the true bike mileage, try to use it under the conditions it was made for. Ideally, these bicycles are used on highways and other major roads where there is a lot of traffic.
Step 4: Refueling while Keeping a Record of Fuel Usage
After riding for some distance, visit a gas station, refill your bike and set the trip meter to zero. As you are familiar, this is the counter that notes how much fuel has been consumed during the trip. In this case, it is 4 litres.
Step 5: Measuring The Distance Covered
You will now have to check how far the trip meter odometer has moved. In our example, the trip meter is 120 KMs, which means you have driven a distance of 120 KM.
Step 6: Calculate the Mileage with its Formula
The formula presented below will assist in calculating mileage of your bike:
Mileage(m) = Distance Attended(km)/Fuel Consumed(litres) ---- (1) Mileage(m) = Fuel Consumed(litres)/Distance(km) ---- (2)
For the case where Distance Traveled = 120 km and Fuel Used = 4 litres, the formula will give us:
Mileage = 120km/4liters = 30km/l
As seen, the bike mileage for this case is 30 km/l.
Next, let us review a different case:
For an Odometer Reading, Fuel Used[…] Trip Meter Reading […] a Fuel […] consumption amount rode […];
- Odometer Reading: 20,000 km
- Trip Meter Reading: 0 km
- Fuel Consumption: 6liters
- Distance Attended: 180 km
Using the formula now gives:
Mileage = 180 km/6liters = 30 km/l
And just like that, the mileage for this particular case is determined; 30 km/l.
Considerations Must Be Taken when Using these Formulas for Mileage
When calculating bike mileage using this or any method presented, one should be aware of the country where the calculation applies to. Each nation has specific measures that must be catered to and protected. In today’s era of global warming, we are inclined to preserve our surroundings and these measures help us achieve them. Here are a list of factors impacting bike mileage performance:
- Aggressive Riding Habits: Riding habits combined with excessive and sudden acceleration and braking can unusually high decrease fuel efficiency.
- Ongoing Motor Upkeep: An engine that is serviced properly functions effortlessly. Oil changes, filter cleaning and routine servicing play significant roles in maintaining a bike’s performance.
- Tire Inflation: Mileage can be reduced if tires are not inflated properly because the engine will perform harder than it is supposed to. Always service tires as per the guidelines set by the company.
- Quality of Fuel: A decline in fuel performance and motorcycle mileage can be attributed to inferior and wrong fuel. The prescribed fuel should always be used.
- Weight and Load: Fuel expenditure can be negatively impacted by added weight from a pillion rider or luggage. Increased weight has a negative impact on mileage.
- Weather and Terrain: Engine functions at a deeper more intricate level in rural as well as mountainous areas because of lack in fuel efficiency.
- Low Temperatures: Low temperatures lead to increased times when the engine is cold, which has a negative impact on fuel efficiency.
- Bike Type and Engine Size: Lesser bicycles are more efficient than larger motorbikes because they have motors which are smaller in size.
- Fuel Injection vs Carburetor: Compared to carburetor-based vehicles, fuel-injection systems are more effective.
Why is Bike Mileage Important?
Fuel usage on your bike is necessary for the following reasons:
- Cost Effectiveness: Understanding the amount of fuel your bike requires is essential when estimating expenses, especially on extended trips.
- Optimized Planning: By knowing how much distance you can cover on a certain amount of fuel, you are able to plan trips more efficiently.
- Maintenance Indicator: A sudden decrease in mileage could reflect low performance of some bike components, such as the engine or the tires. This is why it is important to monitor mileage as it can serve as a maintenance tip indicator.
- Environmental Friendly: Bikes, which consume less fuel, are more friendly to the environment as they leave a smaller carbon footprint.
Most Commonly Asked Questions
How can one boost mileage on a bike?
Increasing mileage on your bike can be done through smoother riding, keeping tire pressure at the recommended level, regular servicing, and minimizing excess load on the bike.
Below Average mileage: what could be the reasons?
The primary factors that can lower the mileage, range from aggressive riding, low tire pressure, engine trouble, and even substandard fuel.
Can mileage be calculated for different terrains?
Indeed, but keep in mind the mileage will vary and it is normally lower in city traffic or hilly terrains compared to highways.
Is it necessary to reset the trip meter every time?
Not every time, but doing so allows for tracking the distance travelled on a full tank, which leads to precise mileage calculation.
How often should I check my bike mileage?
Regular check-ups of your mileage (within intervals of a few months) will enable you observe changes and possible challenges with the bike’s performance.
Final Thoughts
Whether on a motor bicycle or a motorcycle, counting the mileage of your bike should not be a complex undertaking. Recording how far you can go for a specific amount of fuel can give you an idea on the performance of your bike and the maintenance conditions too. Learning the reasons included in this issue may assist you in deciding the amount of money needed, the fuel to be used and the state of your bike.