Is High Fuel Consumption Normal for a New Motorcycle?
2 Answers
Here are the reasons for high fuel consumption in new motorcycles: Insufficient Tire Pressure: Check if the tire pressure is appropriate. Insufficient tire pressure can make the bike feel underpowered and increase fuel consumption. If the air reservoir cannot store enough compressed air, the brake valve's air supply will be insufficient. Air leaks in the brake valve pipelines or blockages in the air circuit can also lead to insufficient compressed air pressure during braking. Brakes Too Tight: Check if the brakes are too tight. If the free play of the brakes is too small, it can increase driving resistance and fuel consumption. If the brakes are too tight and friction is severe, inspect whether the brake pads are excessively worn, if there are other faults or improper installation, or if there is too much dirt in the brake area. Replace the brake pump if necessary.
Higher fuel consumption on a new motorcycle is quite common, I think. When the bike is brand new, the engine is still in the break-in period, and components like piston rings are still undergoing friction, leading to higher fuel consumption. I've tested my own bike, and indeed, the first few hundred kilometers showed about 10% higher consumption than the manual stated, but it gradually decreased after more riding. Also, driving habits have a significant impact; aggressive acceleration and braking can burn fuel faster. I suggest you observe for a week—if the fuel consumption steadily decreases, there's no major issue. If it remains excessively high, check if the tire pressure is adequate and if the air filter is dirty, as these directly affect fuel consumption. With proper care, the bike should normalize within about half a year.