The measure of motorcycles' MPG

Motorcycles get about 50 miles to the gallon. That's a general statistic trotted out by motorcycle manufacturers, government representatives, individual riders, your mailman. But specific MPG figures for specific models? That's been difficult to find.

There are any number of reasons why motorcycle manufacturers have been loath to give actual MPG figures for actual models with any consistency. Bikes are already fuel-efficient, so differences in their MPGs aren't considered as important. Besides, actual MPGs vary wildly depending on how a bike is ridden.

Even more significant, there isn't an industrywide protocol for motorcycle MPG testing. Unlike with cars, federal law doesn't require motorcycle manufacturers to perform fuel-economy tests or, if they do, to reveal their numbers, since bikes make up such a small percentage of overall vehicles and already get such great mileage.

But with gas prices nearing $4 per gallon and increasing numbers of commuters considering two wheels as a more economical way to get around, manufacturers are beginning to play the MPG trump card as a means of wooing customers in a down market.

On Tuesday, Yamaha released specific MPG figures for the six scooters in its model lineup. Less publicly, but more significantly, Yamaha is also making MPG figures available for its 27 other street bikes; dealers and customers just need to call Yamaha's customer relations department ([800] 962-7926) and ask for them.

In May, Suzuki will also expand its offering of fuel-economy specifics in an ad campaign that will trumpet MPG figures for half of its street bikes and scooters, including its SV650 (which boasts 54.8 mpg), Burgman 650 (38.1 mpg), Bandit 1250 (39 mpg) and other models.

Alternative Fuels

Alternative fuels are derrived from resources other than petroleum. Some are produced domestically, reducing our dependence on imported oil, and some are derived from renewable sources. Often, they produce less pollution than gasoline or diesel.

To promote alternative fuels, the Federal government offers tax incentives to consumers purchasing qualifying alternative fuel vehicles.

Ethanol is produced domestically from corn and other crops and produces less greenhouse gas emissions than conventional fuels.

Biodiesel is derived from vegetable oils and animal fats. It usually produces less air pollutants than petroleum-based diesel. CNG Logo

Natural gas is a fossil fuel that generates less air pollutants and greenhouse gases.

Propane, also called liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), is a domestically abundant fossil fuel that generates less harmful air pollutants and greenhouse gases.

Hydrogen can be produced domestically from fossil fuels (such as coal), nuclear power, or renewable resources, such as hydropower. Fuel cell vehicles powered by pure hydrogen emit no harmful air pollutants.

Drivers have had fill of premium gasoline

The price of premium-grade gasoline has been rising faster than you can say Mercedes-Benz.

Now over $3.55 a gallon nationwide — more than 30 cents above regular unleaded, it’s boosting the cost of owning a long list of cars and trucks, including some non-luxury vehicles.

But as pump prices rise, fewer consumers appear willing to spring for the costlier fuel.

In 2007, U.S. premium gasoline consumption fell to roughly 35.6 million gallons per day, its lowest point in 24 years, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Experts say the premium pullback is part of a longer-term trend that might be affected by a changing vehicle fleet and the perception by some that the higher-grade fuel is no better for their vehicles than regular gasoline.

Higher pump prices, however, accelerated the trend, they said.

Who needs premium: Premium gasoline is recommended by nearly all luxury automakers and some mainstream automakers as a way to enhance engine performance.

Some automakers, including Mercedes-Benz, require premium gas because they say using lesser-grade fuel can damage engines and invalidate warranties.

Whatever benefits premium might provide in high-performance cars, it doesn’t necessarily follow that cars designed for regular will benefit from premium.

“Using a higher-octane gasoline than recommended by the owner’s manual does not improve performance or fuel efficiency; it only costs more money,” the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said in its 2008 Fuel Economy Guide.

What’s the difference: Premium gasoline carries an octane rating at or above 91, compared with 89 for midgrade and 87 for regular unleaded.

Fuels with a higher octane rating are more resistant to premature detonations, which a driver hears as pings and knocks. These waste energy in the fuel and can harm the engine.

The risk of premature detonation is higher in vehicles with high-performance or high-compression engines — sports cars, luxury sedans and SUVs.