Motorcycles are a great way to get around. While motorcycles offer many advantages, one of the most important things you can ask yourself is: how much gas can a motorcycle hold? It’s a question you should always ask before buying a bike, but it’s not the only thing that matters.
How Much Gas Can a Motorcycle Hold? It Depends on Many Factors
The amount of gas a motorcycle can hold is dependent on the size of the bike’s fuel tank and some other factors. Tank size is probably the most important thing to think about here, and they can actually vary more widely than you might expect.
Generally speaking, the larger the bike, the larger the fuel tank. For example, a standard motorcycle may have a fuel tank that holds around 4 gallons of gas or so, while a larger touring bike might have a tank that can hold up to 6 gallons or more for true long-range motorcycles.
Some long-range competition bikes can be equipped to carry astonishingly large amounts of gas. The Touratech 41 Liter Long Range Fuel Tank for example is massive. For reference, that’s roughly a little less than 11 gallons of gas.
In addition to the size and type of fuel, the type of motorcycle can also affect how much gas it can hold. For instance, lighter, smaller motorcycles usually have smaller fuel tanks and can only hold a few gallons of gas. On the other hand, larger, heavier motorcycles tend to have larger fuel tanks and can sometimes hold up to 7 gallons of gas.
Finally, the type of engine type and size and the fuel economy of the motorcycle can also play a role in determining how much gas it can hold. Generally, larger, more powerful engines require more fuel to operate, so they may have larger fuel tanks. However, if the motorcycle is designed with fuel efficiency in mind, it may have a smaller fuel tank and be able to hold less gas.
Overall, the amount of gas a motorcycle can hold depends on a variety of factors, such as the size of the bike, the type of motorcycle, and the engine size and fuel economy. The best way to determine how much gas your motorcycle can hold is to consult your owner’s manual or ask a knowledgeable mechanic or dealership.
Upgraded Motorcycle Gas Tanks or Jerry Cans
Want to go farther than your motorcycle’s gas tank will allow on a single fill-up? You can upgrade your gas tank.
I would recommend you check out JustGasTanks to find yourself a new gas tank., or you can head over to Revzilla or Amazon. Both offer tons of great options. Just make sure the upgraded tank you choose fits your bike.
Another option is to buy a jerry can you can take with you on trips. This extra gas can will allow you to fill up your current gas tank on the fly. This is a great option if you’re going to be riding somewhere truly remote and could be without a filling station for a while.
You’ll commonly see jerry cans on adventure bikes. Those guys often ride off the pavement and off the beaten path where there are no gas stations. Having a jerry can that’s filled with some gas just in case can be a great way to keep out of trouble.
While you’ll often see guys in the ADV community with an extra can of gas onboard, I also recommend this tactic if you’re touring in an unfamiliar area, even if you’re only planning on riding on pavement. It can be a real life saver sometimes.
