What To Do When Your Commuter Bike Has Low Mileage – 5 Things You Should Not Miss

What To Do When My Commuter Bike Has Low Mileage? You may have this question in mind often. Low mileage in commuter bikes has become a growing concern for Indian riders, even on models known for fuel efficiency. What’s changed is usage. Heavier traffic, short daily runs, rising ethanol blends, and inconsistent maintenance mean many riders no longer get the mileage figures they expect. Within the first few months of ownership, this gap between claimed and real-world fuel economy starts affecting running costs. Here are five practical checks most owners miss when their commuter bike starts delivering low mileage. The aim isn’t theory, but everyday fixes that matter to riders who use their bikes for office commutes, deliveries, or daily errands.

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Riding Pattern Matters More Than You Think

- Quick short runs, playing hard on the throttle, and using the lower gears can cut down fuel.

- Most bikes are set up to run best at steady speeds and not in stop-and-go city use.

- If most runs are less than five clicks, the engine most times does not get up to heat, so it uses more fuel.

- This is seen in Indian cities and no one talks about it.

Tyre Pressure Is Rarely Checked Properly

- Under-inflated tyres add to the rolling resistance, hence the engine has to work more, and fuel efficiency goes down.

- A small decrease in tyre pressure can show a very noticeable effect on mileage.

- Most riders do not use a gauge but rather depend on visual inspection which may be inaccurate.

- Due to the different road conditions found in India, it is recommended to check tyre pressure at least once every two weeks so that the fuel efficiency remains consistent.

Air Filter Condition Directly Affects Fuel Burn

- A clogged or dirty air filter can drastically restrict the flow of air into the engine thereby causing incomplete combustion.

- This condition is mostly noticed in dusty environments and during summer periods.

- Most riders delay cleaning or replacing the air filter beyond its recommended service interval because they also share the notion that it does not affect fuel mileage.

- However, it should be noted that a clean air filter is very imperative when trying to optimise fuel efficiency.

Chain Condition And Lubrication Are Often Ignored

- A dry or loose chain adds mechanical drag, reduces total efficiency, and puts more load on the engine.

- For commuter bikes, though this is one of the easiest maintenances to be performed, it is also the most ignored.

- Cleaning and lubrication of the chain, and its proper adjustment regarding slack will bring back lost mileage-without any major costs involved.

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Fuel Quality And Ethanol Blending Make A Difference

- Fuel quality varies across regions, and higher ethanol blends can reduce mileage slightly compared to pure petrol.

- Riders who frequently switch fuel stations may notice inconsistent efficiency.

- Sticking to trusted outlets and monitoring changes after refuelling helps identify whether fuel quality is contributing to the problem.