How To Calculate Mileage of a Bike (3 Easy Method)

ByAmit Hours Last Updated -

In this post, I will tell you how to calculate the mileage of your bike.

No such technology has been introduced in the bikes so far, which can automatically calculate the correct mileage.

So, riders have to calculate the mileage of their bike manually; though it is not mandatory, if you want to find out the mileage of your bike, then this article is for you.

Rider’s Note:-

  • The mileage of the bike depends on the road condition and your riding style.
  • If you do a mileage test, ride the bike in your regular style.
  • For mileage testing, use the same routes that you travel on a daily basis.

Now, let’s jump in.

If you’re interested, there’s another guide available on how to improve your bike’s mileage.

How To Calculate Mileage of a Bike

First Method

The easiest way to calculate the mileage of any bike is by using a mileage testing bottle.

It is a plastic bottle with a flexible adjusting knob that you fill with petrol and attaches to your bike.

You can use a simple bottle if you don’t want to spend money on a mileage-testing bottle.

However, one downside of this method is that it only applies to bikes that come with fuel on/off knobs.

You can skip to the next method if your bike does not have this knob.

Furthermore, you can complete this method of calculating bike mileage by following the steps;

  • After that, turn off the fuel knob of your bike and ride the bike till it stops.
  • Remove the hose fuel pipe and attach the fuel knob to the tube of the mileage test bottle.
  • Note down the readings from the odometer (say 1220 Km)
  • Now, start the bike and ride till the bike stops. Keep in mind that ride the bike with your usual riding style as much as possible.
  • Again note down the readings from the odometer (say 1250 Km)

Now you can get the average of your bike by using the following bike mileage formula.
Bike Mileage Formula;

Bike Mileage = Distance /No. of liters of petrol filled

To find the distance, we will take the second reading and subtract the first reading from it.

Distance = Second Reading – First Reading

Distance = 1250 – 1220 = 30 km

So, the bike average is;

Bike Mileage = 30 km / 0.5 L (500 ml) = 60 kilometer /liter

Second Method

This method of calculating bike mileage is applicable on all bikes, whether your bike has a fuel knob or not.

You can complete this by following the steps;

  • Fill your bike’s fuel tank up to full capacity.
  • Ride the bike for a few kilometers and note this distance.
  • Fill the fuel tank again to the same capacity as it was filled earlier.

Suppose you have driven the bike for about 60 kilometers, and it takes 1.2 liters of petrol to fill the fuel tank again.

The bike mileage formula by this method is as follows;

Bike Mileage = Distance /No. of liters of petrol filled

So, the bike average is;

Bike Mileage = 60 /1.2 = 50 kilometer/liter

Rider’s Note:- Keep in mind that this method of calculating the bike average is not that accurate; you should try this method 2 to 3 times to get better results.

Third Method

This method is for riders who are unable to fill the fuel tank to its full capacity.

In this method, you have to use the reserve tank to calculate the bike’s average.

For this, follow the following steps;

  • Note the readings from the odometer when the fuel drops to the reserve level. (Suppose 3580 km)
  • Fill the fuel tank with a specified amount of petrol (say one liter).
  • Ride the bike until its fuel drops to the reserve level again.
  • Note the readings from the odometer again. (Suppose 3630 km)

The formula to calculate the average of the bike through this method is as follows;

Bike Mileage = (Second Reading – First Reading) /No. of liters of petrol filled

Bike mileage = 3630 – 3580 / 1 L

Bike Mileage = 50 km/L

Rider’s Note:- Keep in mind that this method of calculating the bike average is also not as accurate as other methods; you should try this method 2 to 3 times to get better results.

Bottom Line

So these are some of the methods that can help you calculate your bike’s average.

However, keep in mind that no one method is perfect, and the result will depend on your riding style.

For example, if you ride your bike on flat roads at a constant speed, you will see a much better average.

But on the other hand, the average will come down if your daily ride is on rough roads or in traffic-heavy places.

So, it is better to ride the bike in your typical riding style while calculating the mileage of your bike.