How to Calculate the Bike Mileage?

Bike mileage is basically the distance a vehicle can travel in miles per gallon. It can also be expressed in kilometres per litre, depending on your preference. To calculate the bike mileage, the formula used is mentioned below:

Bike Mileage = Distance Travelled/ Fuel Used

For example if person X is riding his bike for 100 km with 5 litres of petrol, the bike's mileage is 20 km per litre.

Understanding the bike average or mileage is one thing, but how can one calculate bike mileage? There are three formulas available for this. Let us understand them in detail.

Full Tank Method

When it comes to calculating a bike's average, the full tank method is a practical and widely used approach. Here is how it works: fill your bike's fuel tank to full capacity, set the trip metre to 0, ride the bike for 100 km, and then fill the tank again. This process, while simple, provides a reliable estimate of your bike's mileage.

This process should be repeated at least two to three times. While refilling the fuel tank, it is best to note the amount of fuel filled in litres. Now, as per the bike mileage formula, calculate the bike mileage each time.

While calculating, you will find the difference in notations. Then, you need to calculate the average of all the readings, which will be your bike mileage. However, this method is not accurate as it is difficult to determine whether the fuel tank is full while filling.

Mileage Testing Bottle Method

In this method of calculating the bike average, mileage-measuring bottles are used. It is a device that is linked to the carburettor, either taped to the fuel tank or hanging through the handlebar.

The fuel pipe to the carburettor is linked to the measuring bottle, which has around 500 ml in it. The trip metre of the device is set to 0, and the bike is made to run until the fuel level in the bottle reaches 100 ml.

Next, note down the trip metre reading and divide it by 0.4 litres or the amount of fuel you have used. The final reading after the calculation is the bike mileage.

This method of bike mileage calculation is accurate and only depends on the bike riding condition. Hence, it is best to measure the mileage when you are riding normally.

Reserve Filling Method

This is another important bike mileage calculator formula. In this, a digital indication or switch is used. It generally turns up when the bike is about to reach the reserve notation. When the bike reaches a reserve position, reset the trip metre to 0 or note down the odometer reading.

Let us say, for example, that the odometer reading at that point is 2000 Km. So now you have to fill the tank with 1 litre of fuel and ride it until it again comes to the reserve position.

Suppose that the bike's odometer reading is 2050 km at that point. Now, you have to calculate the difference between the initial and final odometer readings to know the mileage..

Bike mileage = Final odometer reading - Initial odometer reading

= 2050 Km - 2000 km

The bike's mileage is 50 km/h. However, this method also requires two or three sets of readings before determining the bike's conclusive mileage.

Bike mileage calculator online is an intuitive approach to calculating bike mileage without doing any calculations on your own. To use a fuel mileage calculator, you need to enter the distance travelled and fuel used on the website.

By entering the details, you will get the exact mileage details. There are various websites available online where you can calculate bike mileage and average.

Knowing the bike mileage is essential for riders. If the bike mileage is low, there will be an increased fuel demand. Hence, it is important to keep the bike in check to maintain its mileage. Several factors affect the bike mileage, such as:

Riding Style

One of the main reasons for reduced mileage is the aggressive riding style, which involves high speed and rapid acceleration. If a rider rides his bike poorly, it can lead to poor mileage.

Furthermore, frequent stop-and-go traffic, idling and driving on rough or hilly terrain can lead to lower mileage.

Load and Weight

This also impacts bike mileage. Carrying extra weight, whether from passengers or cargo, increases the engine's workload. This additional strain can cause the engine to consume more fuel to maintain performance.

Furthermore, heavier loads require more power to accelerate and maintain speed, which leads to decreased fuel efficiency. The engine works harder, resulting in higher fuel consumption.

Road Conditions

Road conditions are also another popular reason for poor mileage. Riding on poor, uneven and rough terrain can increase rolling resistance and decrease bike mileage.

Furthermore, climbing hills or riding on steep inclines require more power from the engine, reducing mileage. Additionally, riding on wet, slippery or muddy roads can affect traction and stability, leading to increased fuel consumption.

Poor Maintenance

Another reason for increased mileage is poor bike maintenance. Neglecting regular maintenance, such as oil changes and air filter replacements, can reduce engine efficiency.

Regular maintenance ensures that all bike components are functioning properly, leading to improved fuel efficiency and overall performance.

Here are some of the ways in which you can maintain the mileage of your bike:

Good Quality Fuel

Bikes with optimal mileage also use the best fuels available. Good quality fuel might be a bit expensive, but it helps you take your bike from one place to the other with good mileage, which will help you save on expenses.

Ensure that you do not use leaded fuel. Most premium companies offer premium variants of fuel, and you can buy those ones for optimal mileage.

Timely Servicing of the Bike

When your bike has been driven for some thousand kilometres, it becomes essential to get it serviced.

Depending on the usage, power and type of the bike, you can get the bike serviced from one of the authorised bike service centres to ensure that the mileage of your bike remains optimum.

Once you undertake the mileage check of the bike and you see that it is not optimum, you must get it serviced.

Avoid Rash Riding and Revving

If you put unreasonable pressure on your bike's engine by revving, sudden braking and excessive speeding, the mileage will also decrease. This might lead to the engine misfiring and excessive damage.

Check the Tire Pressure

Before you take your bike for a ride, check the tyre pressure. If the tyre is flat, the bike will use more fuel.

Maintain proper factory standards to ensure that your bike's performance remains optimum at all times. Also, check the bike's mileage from time to time to ensure that it remains good.

Avoid Parking the Bike in Sunlight

You must avoid parking under direct sunlight. This is because fuel evaporates from the fuel tank, reducing the engine's overall fuel intake. Make sure that the vehicle is parked in the shade or your garage.

Use Kill Switch

Do you keep your engine on while you are standing at the traffic lights? If yes, it is better to use the kill switch to switch the engine off so that the engine's health is maintained and you also save fuel.

Avoid Modifications

A bike is developed after deep research and development, and the components that come with it are originally best suited for its performance.

Modifying and changing the components of the bike might increase the amount of fuel used. Thus, you must avoid making too many modifications to the bike to ensure that the mileage remains optimal.

Carburettor Settings

Your bike has to be tuned adequately so that it can go a long way. In many cases, the settings of the carburettor of the bike have to be minimally tweaked to ensure that the engine of the bike performs optimally.

Tuning also helps you enhance or maintain good mileage, which is essential.

Also Read: How To Improve Your Bike’s Mileage?

Two-wheeler insurance provides you with the required financial backup if there is a mishap on the Indian road involving your insured bike. Moreover, having third-party insurance for the two-wheeler is mandatory according to the Motor Vehicle Act of India.

Purchasing a bike insurance plan online is a hassle-free and quick process with TATA AIG. You can go to the TATA AIG website and get the plan that you think is right in a few simple and efficient steps.

You will also see a bike insurance calculator that you can use to understand the amount of two-wheeler insurance premium that you are required to pay for the two-wheeler insurance plan.

Moreover, the renewal of the two-wheeler insurance also takes only a few minutes. In case you plan to let go of the hassle of remembering the renewal date of your plan, go with a long-term two-wheeler insurance plan.

Now that you have all the details regarding how to calculate the average of a bike, it is essential that you check the bike's mileage to ensure that it is optimum. There are some essential tips and tricks that you can use to ensure that your mileage is optimum.

Enhancing the bike's fuel efficiency is essential to ensuring optimal performance. Also, do not put undue pressure on the engine by revving the engine, overspeeding, or using the brakes suddenly.

Are there any bike mileage calculators online available?

Yes, several online bike mileage calculators are available. These tools allow you to input the amount of fuel consumed and the distance travelled to calculate your bike's mileage (km/l).

How do I find my total mileage?

To find your total mileage:

Check your bike's odometer, which displays the total distance travelled since the bike was first used.

If you want to calculate the mileage over a specific period, note the odometer reading at the start and end of that period.

Subtract the initial reading from the final one to determine the total mileage covered.

What are the benefits of calculating the bike average?

Calculating your bike's average helps you monitor fuel efficiency, allowing you to budget for fuel costs and plan long trips more effectively.

It also helps detect potential engine or mechanical issues if you notice a sudden drop in mileage, ensuring timely maintenance and better performance.