Fuel and mileage habits that save money

Steps

1. Measure your real mileage: fill the tank to full, reset the trip meter, ride, then fill to full again. Divide the distance by the litres.
2. Open and close the throttle smoothly. Hard starts and late braking burn fuel.
3. Ride in the right gear. Labouring in a high gear or screaming in a low one both waste fuel.
4. Keep tyre pressure right, the chain lubed and the air filter clean.
5. Switch off if you will wait a long time, for example at a long signal or while waiting for someone.
6. Fill up at busy, trusted pumps and ask for the meter to be reset to zero before filling.

Common mistakes

• Buying 'mileage booster' additives or gadgets. Ride and maintain well instead.
• Carrying extra weight you do not need.
• Judging mileage from one tank. Average a few fills.

When to go to a mechanic

• Mileage drops suddenly with no change in how you ride. Check plug, air filter, brakes dragging and tyre pressure.
• Black smoke or a strong smell of petrol.

More guides

• Warranty: what can void it
• Buying a helmet and looking after it
• Helmet labels: BSTI, ECE 22.06 and the rest
• Riding in rain and fog
• Riding safely at night