6 simple tips for increasing bike fuel efficiency

In India, many people prefer buying a two-wheeler to a car for daily commuting because of its many benefits. First and foremost, it is easier to navigate through the city traffic on bikes. Two, bikes are more fuel efficient than cars. And, third, bikes are easy to maintain. Even though you may take all the necessary efforts to keep your bike working in top condition, over a period, you may notice that your vehicle’s fuel efficiency has reduced. You may find yourself visiting the fuel station more often than you should. In such a situation, it is paramount that you assess your bike carefully. A few minor changes can help you increase the bike's fuel efficiency and get superior performance. Read on to know more.

Be wary of the fuel

Fuel adulteration is quite common in our country; it has been prevalent for a long time. Using unclean fuel may have a significant effect on your bike's performance and fuel efficiency. Some of the common issues associated with adulterated fuel include, engine malfunctioning, lesser mileage, failure of mechanical components, etc. Not to mention, harmful gases like nitrogen oxide, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, emitted from the bike significantly contribute to air pollution. A simple solution to this is to purchase fuel from a trusted fuel station that sells good quality unleaded fuel.

Turn off the engine at signal

If you drive regularly in the city, you would face traffic issues almost every day. The signals usually last for more than one minute. Hence, experts recommend turning off the engine at the signal, especially if you know that your vehicle would be still for more than 30 seconds. This simple bike maintenance step can go a long way in increasing fuel efficiency and keeping the engine in good health.

Avoid rash driving

Applying sudden brakes, driving at a high speed or racing, riding in rough terrain can be termed as rash driving. Such practices can put your life at risk and also cause severe damage to the engine in the long run, which in turn can affect the bike’s fuel efficiency.

Ride at a steady speed

Many bike experts have corroborated that maintaining a steady speed between 40-60 km per hour can help increase the bike’s fuel efficiency. So, every time you take your bike on the road, avoid sudden acceleration, or over speeding.

Get your bike service regularly

Servicing your bike periodically is vital to keeping the engine healthy and increasing fuel efficiency. This is because during the servicing sessions, the expert technician checks each and every part of the bike, such as tyre condition, chain lubrication, clutch and brake wires, engine oil, air filters, and fixes the underlying issues (if any).

Don’t compromise on the mileage and performance while modifying

Many bike owners like to modify the original make and design of their bikes. For example, some like to add fat tyres, or replace the handlebars to make it look more aesthetically pleasing. However, you must know that such modifications can degrade the fuel efficiency and the overall engine performance. Hence, it is important to think of the long-term implications before modifying the bike.

Importance of bike insurance in india

While you do everything you can to increase your bike’s fuel efficiency, you must not forget the importance of having at least a third-party bike insurance coverage. It is a legal requirement as per Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Driving without a valid insurance is an offence and you may have to pay a hefty fine. If you are looking for best bike insurance, you can purchase the Two Wheeler Insurance from Kotak General Insurance. It is a long-term, comprehensive policy that makes your every ride secure. To know more about the policy’s features, visit the Kotak two-wheeler insurance page. Disclaimer: The content provided is for education and informational purpose only, none of the information contained in our blog amounts to any form of opinion or advice. Please go through policy related documents carefully or consult an expert before making any insurance-related decisions.