Motorcyclists need mileage numbers, too

Motorcyclists probably never worry about fuel economy unless they're cruising across country. Bikes get significantly better mileage than cars, even the high-performance models. So it was interesting that LA Times motorcycle columnist Susan Carpenter received a question about MPG ratings for 2-wheelers. She answered that there is no EPA guide and the manufacturers aren't required to test for mileage. The only alternatives are the media, which doesn't review every bike, and the manufacturers if they so choose to publish numbers. An enthusiast Web site called totalmotorcycle.com has a forum for members to list their bikes and mileage reports. Many manufacturers also contribute their in-house fuel-economy numbers to the site. So far manufacturer and rider numbers are pretty close.

[Source: Susan Carpenter / LA Times]