At a time when many people around the world are reeling from financial difficulties, travelers are looking for ways to save some money on fuel costs. Motorcycles offer a new alternative to standard cars and trucks and have recently started to gain popularity, particularly among young working men. According to statistics from the United States Bureau of Transportation, the average fuel efficiency for a passenger car is about 23 miles per gallon. Although there are no set standards for motorcycle fuel efficiency, most manufacturers and government officials say that most bikes average more than 50 miles per gallon. If you start comparing motorcycles to the efficiency of large trucks and SUVs, the advantages become even more noticeable.
Since motorcycles are relatively light and usually carry only one passenger, fuel consumption is affected by a number of factors that are somewhat insignificant in determining the efficiency of most cars. The most important factor tends to be the weight of the passenger. Heavier passengers or cargo will reduce the efficiency of the motorcycle, as the engine must work harder to support the movement of the additional weight. Wind flow and aerodynamics also play a role. Cars are subjected to standard aerodynamic tests that produce results based primarily on shape and materials. Motorcyclists must take into account many other variables. Not only is the shape and material of the bike important, the composition of the rider’s clothing and position must also be considered. These factors vary dramatically from rider to rider, making the exact fuel efficiency of a motorcycle extremely difficult to determine.
Despite all the confusion over exact fuel consumption figures, one thing has become abundantly clear. Due to their much smaller engines and lighter weight, motorcycles are naturally more efficient than standard gasoline cars. Many cyclists take advantage of hot climates or mild seasonal weather and ride their bikes almost exclusively. Motorcyclists not only save money on fuel, they also reduce the size of their carbon footprint. Motorcycle emissions are typically only a fraction of what most standard passenger cars produce.
The only downside to exclusive motorcycle commuting tends to be the limitations of what can be used or carried while riding. I really can’t imagine many businessmen strolling down the street in a shirt and tie or folding their neatly pressed trousers into a backpack, not to mention what that helmet will do to a perfectly coiffed head of hair.