In the United States, the average price of gas per gallon has increased about 30 percent since the beginning of 2022. Some motorists have decided to take fewer trips or explore alternative options for transportation, from walking or biking to taking the bus more often. These decisions further affect if and how someone might ride their motorcycle.
Examining Your Motorcycle Riding Habits
Motorists looking to stretch a tank of gas started traveling slower and using the air, heat and entertainment systems less often. A survey from Cycle Trader found that motorcycle riders also engage in similar habits.
More than one-third of the 2,200 people surveyed said they have changed how they ride. Strategies include:
- Accelerating at a slower pace
- Coasting rather than riding at high speeds
- Taking fewer recreational trips
- Using their motorcycle only when essential
- Traveling shorter distances
- Not riding until gas prices drop below a certain threshold
Alternative to a Car
Motorcycle fuel economy has also come into question. While it varies based on brand, one fact is clear: motorcycles get more miles per gallon than cars. Based on model and engine, motorcycles can get 40 to over 80 miles per gallon, compared to cars at 25 MPG on average.
Considering these factors, some individuals from the survey made a motorcycle their primary mode of transportation to travel greater distances on the same amount of gas.
This development resulted in two trends: More people taking up motorcycling and riders spending more time on their bikes than in cars. These factors led to a secondary advantage for the motorcycle industry. As people took their older bikes out of storage and realized they needed a tune-up, repair shops got more service.
Exploring Other Types of Motorcycles
On the subject of better fuel economy and using less gasoline, smaller bikes and eBikes experienced greater demand as alternatives for commuting. Yet if you lack experience riding a motorcycle, eBike or scooter, it’s important to take a riding course and familiarize yourself with its operation before making one of these vehicles your primary mode of transportation.
How have your own riding habits changed over the past year? Visit our Facebook page to share your thoughts.