Despite prepping your motorcycle very carefully before embarking on a long-haul adventure, getting lost and many unforeseeable reasons may cause your ride to quickly run out of fuel. Keep in mind the following tips to maximize the last drop of energy for your motorcycle:

Know by heart the gas stations on your planned route

You should research thoroughly the route that you are going to take and note all the gas stations along the way by asking those who have done before or use supporting tools such as Google Maps. Knowing these helps you stay “full” and minimize unfortunate incidents such as riding on under-construction roads, traffic jams, etc. on your journey. 

Close the throttle valve, minimize accessories

On manual motorcycle, the throttle valve control locates on the left hand side, under the horn. The symbol on the control is a straight line with a big dot in the middle, representing the throttle valve. Do you remember to close the throttle valve? Good, cause this saves you a large amount of gasoline.

Some extra accessories can waste more fuel, such as large windshields. Therefore, you should add or remove them depending on your needs to optimize the fuel source for your ride. 

Ride at moderate speed, without sudden braking or accelerating

During acceleration, the engine must overcome the inertia of the motorcycle to increase speed, emit more power and require more gasoline. During sudden deceleration, kinetic energy of the vehicle (created by the fuel) converts into thermal energy, increase fuel consumption as well. In addition, sudden deceleration makes the remaining fuel not fully burned, instead being discharged, and causing small explosion sound in the exhaust pipe. 

According to the vernacular, you should never lose momentum. Go slowly, constant speed, release the power reasonably, and keep the rpm as small as possible. While traveling downhill, you shift the gear back to neutral and let the ride roll down on its own. This saves you more fuel and decreases the risk of engine overheat.  Maintaining a stable speed between 40 and 60 kilometers per hour. With most of the existing motorcycle brands in Vietnam, this is the speed range with the least fuel consumption.

Put down the kickstand, tilt the motorcycle in all directions after shutdown

Many motorcycles have fuel tanks with special shapes. A small amount of gasoline can be stuck in some corners. You should put down the kickstand and tilt your motorcycle in all possible directions. After a while, you try to start the engine. If the motorcycle can be started, try to ride most efficiently to the closest gas stations. 

Check the tire pressure

Wheels (tires) that are not fully pumped increase the friction with the road. This creates more drag, consequently more fuel consumption.

Each motorcycle brand/model has specific recommendation of tire pressure from the respective manufacturer. For example, with standard models for long-distance traveling, the tire pressure is 2 kg/cm2 for the front wheel and 2,25kg/cm2 for the rear wheel, applying for one person traveling only. 

Before starting a long trip into the secluded area, remember to fill up your tank, bring a reserve fuel tank and do not forget to energize yourself with Red Bull to quickly tackle any situation!

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