1. Home
2. Blogs

Tips to Get Maximum Fuel Efficiency from Your Bike

• 
• 
• 
• 0
• 0

Published on May 19,2020. EST READ TIME: 5 MIN

If you own a two-wheeler, you must have sighed even on those occasions when petrol prices got hiked by a rupee or two. That’s because most people attach great importance to fuel prices and mind the additional expense. However, smart bikers don’t get perturbed by these hikes and they focus on fuel efficiency to make sure that every drop of oil counts. While some apply tricks like switching off the engine when coming down a slope, others rely on what experts suggest. So, here are a few tips to increase the fuel efficiency of your bike.

Every bike offers a different kind of mileage, and in a country like India, manufacturers know how much importance customers attach to fuel economy. But, with time and wear and tear, the fuel efficiency naturally drops. To make sure you are making use of the last drop, the following are the best practices you should implement.  

Keep the machine well-oiled:
When someone says that daily wear and tear lowers the performance of a bike, it means that the friction between the bike parts, especially in the engine, decreases its output. To ensure that the engine is giving its optimum performance, change the engine oil at recommended intervals. Cleaning and lubricating the drive chain is also essential. Also, keep an eye on the optimum free play in the braking system, as a jammed setup can reduce momentum and cause avoidable stress on the engine.

Tyre type and pressure matter a lot:
: First of all, if you have the option of picking your tyre type, go for alloy wheels instead of the steel/spoked types, as the former are lighter and more robust. Secondly, air pressure in the tyre plays a massive role. If the air pressure is low, the tyre requires larger than necessary contact patch, which increases the friction and strains the engine. On a weekly basis, check pressure levels.  However, don’t overdo it. More than recommended air pressure will make the ride uncomfortable and might even cause a bulge on the sidewall.

Timely servicing:
By getting your bike serviced on time, you can correct the shortcomings of your bike parts before they begin to affect the output. A healthy engine and clutch can result in better mileage. You have to take special care during the rainy season when the bike battles with water and mud constantly. Also, if you live near the sea, the chances of your metal parts getting rusted are quite high.

Riding safely to save lives and fuel:
: You might experience a certain thrill in going full throttle and applying the brakes at the very last moment. But it will not only increase the chances of skidding, but will also exert more pressure on the engine. On the contrary, gradual acceleration, matching the required gear with the speed, and applying brakes gently will enhance fuel efficiency. At traffic signals, if the waiting time is more than 40 seconds, switch off the engine to save fuel. Though the loss is negligible, parking your bike in sunlight for long hours can cause the fuel to evaporate. Park it in the shade if you can.    

Go solo:
While it may not be as much fun, avoid a pillion rider if you can, simply because the engine has to work extra while carrying additional weight. It consumes more fuel when you have one or two more people accompanying you. Also, another thing that you can hardly control is traffic. However, remember that running the engine in low gear for long will give poor mileage.

Just like we take all these precautions to keep the two wheeler functioning, it is important to get insurance coverage for the bike with a bike insurance policy. The policy provides coverage against claims from the third party in event of an accident or damage to your own vehicle, thereby protecting your from any financial liability in event of an accident.

Disclaimer : The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

This blog has been written by

S. Gopala Krishnan | Motor Insurance Expert | 40+ years of experience in insurance industry

A veteran in insurance industry. S. Gopala Krishnan is a name to reckon with in the field of reinsurance, he has headed the Reinsurance department and has rich experience in other fields of motor insurance. He loves to share his opinion on latest topics in the insurance industry and how he can help people in safeguarding their assets using insurance products.

S. Gopala Krishnan recommends "HDFC ERGO for your vehicle insurance needs, it has always put customer’s interest at the forefront, with round the clock assistance to deal with emergency breakdown issues and hassle free claims process. You can be assured of complete and reliable guidance through the whole process".

Few other articles