The Most Fuel-Efficient Motorcycles Across All Categories

honda rebel 300

Motorcycles are like a passport to a different pace, a different life. But, with fuel prices on a perpetual rollercoaster, that joy ride can weigh a little heavier on the wallet than it used to.

Finding a motorcycle that’ll let you hit the road without checking your fuel gauge every hour is half the battle. So, here’s a lineup of the most fuel-efficient motorcycles, each tailored to its category, for those of us who still want the thrill without constantly throttling down at the sight of a gas station.

Sportbikes

Honda CBR500R

Honda CBR500R
Image from Honda

While “sport bike” and “fuel efficiency” rarely find themselves in the same sentence, Honda’s CBR500R manages to strike an incredible balance. The CBR500R doesn’t boast blinding speed, but for those who appreciate nimbleness over sheer horsepower, it’s a stellar pick.

Honda claims an impressive 71 mpg, thanks to a fuel-injected parallel-twin engine that’s been tuned for mid-range torque. It’s like finding a unicorn that’s both fast and frugal, all in a design that exudes sportiness without sacrificing comfort for longer rides.

Price: $7,399
Honda’s Website

Kawasaki Ninja 400

Kawasaki Ninja 400 ABS
Image from Kawasaki

With the Ninja 400, Kawasaki proves that size doesn’t have to mean a gas-guzzler. This smaller sibling in the Ninja lineup squeezes out around 68 mpg, depending on how you handle that throttle.

The 399cc parallel twin is engineered with high-precision components that don’t just aim for power; they aim for longevity on a single tank. You get respectable torque, plenty of punch in the mid-range, and, importantly, fewer stops at the gas station.

Price: $7,099
Kawasaki’s Website

Cruisers

Honda Rebel 300

Honda Rebel 300

The Honda Rebel 300 is a cruiser with a touch of finesse, a dash of style, and all the thriftiness you’d hope for in a single-cylinder engine. The 286cc motor returns up to 78 mpg, proving that a cruiser doesn’t have to be a heavyweight in either engine size or fuel consumption.

Honda’s choice to keep this bike on the lighter side was no accident; it was engineered for both city streets and winding backroads without burning through your fuel budget.

Price: $4,849
Honda’s Website

Royal Enfield Meteor 350

royal enfield meteor

Cruisers typically don’t come with fuel-sipping credentials, but the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is one exception. This bike pulls around 67 mpg with a smooth, retro feel that takes you back to simpler times.

Its single-cylinder, 349cc engine focuses on low-end torque rather than high-speed pursuits, making it a choice cruiser for urban commutes and scenic rides that won’t have you constantly reaching for a gas pump.

Price: $4,699
Royal Enfield’s Website

Adventure Bikes

BMW G 310 GS

BMW G 310 GS

The G 310 GS might be the smallest adventurer in BMW’s line, but when it comes to fuel economy, it plays in a league of its own. Its 313cc single-cylinder engine can get you around 71 mpg, allowing riders to push through a solid range of terrains on a single tank.

Built with off-road intentions but perfectly suited for city navigation, the G 310 GS gives you versatility without the guilt of poor mileage. Not every adventure needs a heavyweight engine, after all.

Price: $5,890
BMW’s Website

Honda CB500X

Honda CB500X

Honda strikes again with its CB500X, an adventure bike designed with both affordability and efficiency in mind. Averaging about 65 mpg, the CB500X gives you the freedom to hit the backroads or make a grocery run without guzzling fuel.

The parallel-twin 471cc engine packs enough torque for spirited rides but is tuned to give riders a smooth power delivery at lower revs, which also keeps that fuel consumption in check.

Price: $7,399
Honda’s Website

Touring Bikes

Honda Gold Wing

honda gold wing

The Honda Gold Wing may be a surprise entry on a fuel-efficient list, but this tourer is all about efficiency in its own right.

With a six-cylinder engine, it achieves around 42 mpg—a feat when you consider its size, power, and reputation as the pinnacle of luxury touring. The secret? A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) that optimizes every shift, coaxing more miles out of every gallon.

Price: $24,700
Honda’s Website

Yamaha Tracer 9 GT

Yamaha Tracer 9 GT 2021

Yamaha’s Tracer 9 GT is a touring bike with a conscience, managing about 49 mpg with its 890cc triple-cylinder engine. This motorcycle gives you that sweet blend of touring comfort and sport-bike agility without compromising too much on efficiency.

It’s a bike meant for weekend trips and long tours, designed to keep you on the road longer and at the gas station less often, all with Yamaha’s refined touch on handling and control.

Price: $16,499
Yamaha’s Website

Dual Sport Bikes

Honda CRF300L

honda CRF300L dual sport

Dual-sport bikes are built for efficiency, and the Honda CRF300L leads the way in this category. This lightweight 286cc single-cylinder returns a stellar 75 mpg, making it ideal for those who need a road-capable trail bike without draining the tank on the daily commute.

The CRF300L is a hybrid of off-road spirit and commuter pragmatism, letting you bounce between city streets and trails without wondering if the next stretch will cost you another gallon.

Price: $5,449
Honda’s Website

Kawasaki KLX230

Kawasaki KLX230

Kawasaki’s KLX230 proves that you don’t need a massive engine to conquer both street and trail. Its 233cc single-cylinder returns about 70 mpg, depending on terrain and throttle habits.

With its lightweight design and smooth torque output, the KLX230 can switch seamlessly between casual city cruises and adventurous off-road rides, offering remarkable versatility without compromising fuel efficiency.

Price: $4,999
Kawasaki’s Website

Electric Motorcycles

Zero SR/F

Zero Motorcycles SR/F

Electric bikes are all about reducing fuel dependency altogether, and the Zero SR/F is a standout in the electric category. Capable of reaching up to 161 miles on a single charge in city conditions, the SR/F has enough range to handle most daily rides without causing range anxiety.

With impressive torque on demand and a near-silent operation, it’s a motorcycle that’s not just fuel-efficient but entirely fuel-free.

Price: $20,495
Zero’s Website

Commuter Bikes

Yamaha MT-03

Yamaha MT-03

The Yamaha MT-03, a lively commuter with a 321cc twin-cylinder engine, makes perfect sense for those zipping around the city.

Achieving about 56 mpg, the MT-03 finds that delicate balance between compact size, efficient fuel use, and a little bit of character. The bike’s agile handling makes it the perfect choice for city riders who want to keep fuel costs down without sacrificing fun.

Price: $4,999
Yamaha’s Website

Some Final Thoughts on the Most Fuel-Efficient Motorcycles

Every motorcycle on this list reminds us that riding doesn’t have to mean trading fuel efficiency for freedom.

From commuters to tourers, each category has its fuel-sipping standout, proving that you don’t have to be tethered to the pump to experience the open road.

Whether you’re after a cruiser’s relaxed pace, a sportbike’s excitement, or a touring bike’s promise of distant horizons, there’s a fuel-efficient option out there that doesn’t ask you to sacrifice range for the joy of the ride.

Author: Wade Thiel

Wade started Wind Burned Eyes and runs it. He's always up for chatting, so feel free to reach out.

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