1981 Motorcycle Fuel Economy Guide

September 21, 2016 Michael Le Pard MPG Guide, News

Posted on October 6, 2025 by Michael Le Pard

1981 Motorcycle and Scooter Models

A guide to motorcycle gas mileage (MPG and L/100km) and efficiency.

1981 Motorcycle MPG Fuel Economy Guide

World Changing Event: April 12, 1981 – The Space Shuttle program: Space Shuttle Columbia launches on the STS-1 mission, returning to Earth on April 14. This is the first time a manned reusable spacecraft has returned from orbit. The Space Shuttle was the first operational orbital spacecraft designed for reuse. It carried different payloads to low Earth orbit, provided crew rotation for the International Space Station (ISS) and performed servicing missions. The orbiter could also recover satellites and other payloads from orbit and return them to Earth. Columbia carried The Canadarm, a mechanical arm capable of deploying, retrieving or assembling payloads weighing up to 293 tons (586,000 pounds) in space.

1981 Motorcycle and Scooter Model Data

Year Make Model Engine (cc) MPG (US) L/100km Horsepower Seat Height Weight
1981 Benelli 125 T 125 70 3.4 12 hp 31.1 in 265 lb
1981 Benelli 254 Quattro 231 60 3.9 22 hp 31.5 in 320 lb
1981 Benelli 354 Sport 345 58 4.0 30 hp 31.5 in 380 lb
1981 Benelli 654 604 57 4.1 50 hp 31.5 in 405 lb
1981 Benelli 900 Sei 905 38 6.2 80 hp 31.9 in 485 lb
1981 Bimota KB2 Laser 550 44 5.3 63 hp 31.1 in 360 lb
1981 Bimota SB5 997 39 6.0 120 hp 31.5 in 430 lb
1981 BMW R45 473 58 4.0 35 hp 31.1 in 390 lb
1981 BMW R45 (reduced effect) 473 60 3.9 27 hp 31.1 in 390 lb
1981 BMW R65 649 51.5 4.6 45 hp 31.5 in 460 lb
1981 BMW R65LS 649 51.5 4.6 45 hp 31.5 in 460 lb
1981 BMW R80G/S 797 47 5.0 50 hp 33.1 in 480 lb
1981 BMW R80RT 797 47 5.0 50 hp 31.5 in 500 lb
1981 BMW R100RS 979 42 5.6 60 hp 31.5 in 525 lb
1981 Cagiva SST 125 125 72 3.3 12 hp 32.3 in 250 lb
1981 Cagiva SST 250 243 65 3.6 22 hp 32.7 in 310 lb
1981 Cagiva SST 250 Chopper 243 65 3.6 22 hp 32.7 in 310 lb
1981 Cagiva SST 350 342 58 4.0 30 hp 32.9 in 380 lb
1981 Cagiva SST 350 Chopper 342 58 4.0 30 hp 32.9 in 380 lb
1981 Cagiva SX 125 125 72 3.3 12 hp 32.3 in 250 lb
1981 Cagiva SX 350 342 58 4.0 30 hp 34.0 in 330 lb
1981 CZ 250-485 246 63 3.7 22 hp 31.1 in 310 lb
1981 Dnepr MT‑10 (with sidecar) 650 48 4.9 30 hp 31.5 in 520 lb
1981 Dnepr MT‑10‑36 649 48 4.9 30 hp 31.5 in 525 lb
1981 Ducati 500 SL Pantah 497 58 4.1 45 hp 31.1 in 385 lb
1981 Ducati 600 SL Pantah 581 55 4.3 50 hp 31.1 in 395 lb
1981 Ducati 900 SD Darmah 864 45 5.2 67 hp 31.3 in 465 lb
1981 Ducati 900 SS / Hailwood Replica 864 43 5.5 68 hp 31.3 in 455 lb
1981 Enfield Bullet 350 346 90 2.6 18 hp 31.5 in 360 lb
1981 Enfield Bullet 350 De Luxe 346 90 2.6 18 hp 31.5 in 360 lb
1981 Fantic TX150 Caballero 124 70 3.4 20 hp 32.3 in 255 lb
1981 Harley‑Davidson FLH 1340 Electra Glide 1337 41.5 5.7 67 hp 28.0 in 785 lb
1981 Harley‑Davidson FLHC 1340 Electra Glide Classic 1337 41.5 5.7 67 hp 28.0 in 795 lb
1981 Harley‑Davidson FLHC Electra Glide Classic (with sidecar) 1337 41.5 5.7 67 hp 28.0 in 820 lb
1981 Harley‑Davidson FLHS Electra Glide Sport 1337 42.5 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 780 lb
1981 Harley‑Davidson FLT 1340 Tour Glide 1337 43 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 785 lb
1981 Harley‑Davidson FLTC 1340 Tour Glide Classic 1337 43 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 790 lb
1981 Harley‑Davidson FXB 1340 Sturgis 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 27.8 in 640 lb
1981 Harley‑Davidson FXE 1340 Super Glide 1337 41.5 5.7 67 hp 27.8 in 640 lb
1981 Harley‑Davidson FXEF 1340 Fat Bob 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 27.8 in 640 lb
1981 Harley‑Davidson FXS 1340 Low Rider 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 27.6 in 650 lb
1981 Harley‑Davidson FXWG 1340 Wide Glide 1337 42.5 5.5 67 hp 27.8 in 650 lb
1981 Harley‑Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster 997 49.5 4.7 61 hp 28.0 in 520 lb
1981 Harley‑Davidson XLS 1000 Roadster 997 51.5 4.6 55 hp 28.0 in 525 lb
1981 Hercules K125 Military 124 75 3.1 12 hp 32.3 in 260 lb
1981 Honda C70 72 93 2.5 6 hp 30.1 in 170 lb
1981 Honda CB125S 124 80 2.9 13 hp 31.1 in 275 lb
1981 Honda CB400T Hawk 395 50 4.7 43 hp 31.1 in 390 lb
1981 Honda CB650 / CB650C 627 51.5 4.6 50–70 hp 31.5 in 495 lb
1981 Honda CB750C 748 48 4.9 77 hp 31.5 in 495 lb
1981 Honda CB750F / K 748 50.5 4.7 77 hp 31.5 in 495 lb
1981 Honda CB900C / F Bol d’Or 901 44 5.3 95 hp 31.5 in 520 lb
1981 Honda CBX1050 1047 40.5 5.8 100 hp 31.5 in 600 lb
1981 Honda CM200T 194 72.5 3.2 17 hp 27.6 in 280 lb
1981 Honda CM400A / CM400T 395 50.5–57 4.7–4.1 27–43 hp 30.7 in 390 lb
1981 Honda CT110 105 62.5–79 3.7–3.0 7 hp 31.1 in 200 lb
1981 Honda CT70 72 88.5 2.7 5 hp 28.0 in 140 lb
1981 Honda CX500 / CX500C 497 53–55 4.4–4.3 50–60 hp 31.1 in 450 lb
1981 Honda GL500 Silver Wing 497 52.5 4.5 50–60 hp 30.9 in 485 lb
1981 Honda GL1100 Gold Wing 1085 38–42.5 6.2–5.5 81 hp 30.7 in 690 lb
1981 Honda XL80S / XL100S / XL125S 80–124 73.5–76.5 3.2–3.1 7–10 hp 31.1 in 200–240 lb
1981 Honda XL185S / XL250S 185–249 69–73.5 3.4–3.2 15–22 hp 34.1 in 260–280 lb
1981 Honda XL500S 498 49.5 4.7 33–40 hp 35.0 in 290 lb
1981 Honda XR100 / XR200 100–199 67–73.5 3.5–3.2 10–20 hp 33.0 in 220–250 lb
1981 Honda XR500 / XR500R 498 49.5 4.7 33–40 hp 36.0 in 290 lb
1981 Honda Z50R 49 77.5 3.0 4 hp 22.0 in 110 lb
1981 Kawasaki EN450 454 LTD 454 61.5 3.8 50 hp 27.6 in 390 lb
1981 Kawasaki GPz1100 1089 45 5.2 108 hp 31.7 in 560 lb
1981 Kawasaki KD80 80 75.5 3.1 9 hp 28.7 in 160 lb
1981 Kawasaki KE100 / KE125 / KE175 99–173 63.5–73.5 3.7–3.2 11–16 hp 32.0 in 240–260 lb
1981 Kawasaki KM100 99 72.5 3.2 11 hp 31.1 in 211 lb
1981 Kawasaki KX400 398 53.5 4.4 40 hp 36.0 in 240 lb
1981 Kawasaki KZ440 / KZ500 443–498 56–57 4.2–4.1 38–50 hp 31.5 in 420 lb
1981 Kawasaki KZ550 / ZX550 553 55 4.3 65 hp 31.6 in 461 lb
1981 Kawasaki KZ650 652 51.5 4.6 66 hp 31.7 in 465 lb
1981 Kawasaki KZ750 738 55 4.3 67 hp 31.7 in 480 lb
1981 Kawasaki KZ900 908 47 5.0 90 hp 31.7 in 520 lb
1981 Kawasaki KZ1000 (A/J/B/K) 1015 35–46 6.7–5.1 90–100 hp 31.7 in 535 lb
1981 Kawasaki KZ1100 Spectre 1090 45 5.2 108 hp 31.7 in 560 lb
1981 Kawasaki KZ1300 1286 39 6.0 120 hp 29.9 in 820 lb
1981 Kawasaki Z1000 / Z440 / Z750 / Z900 440–998 42–57 5.6–4.1 38–92 hp 31.5 in 415–540 lb
1981 Moto Guzzi California II 850 844 46 5.1 70 hp 30.7 in 560 lb
1981 Suzuki DR400 397 60 3.9 30–35 hp 35.8 in 310 lb
1981 Suzuki GS250T 249 96 2.5 23 hp 30.7 in 290 lb
1981 Suzuki GN250 / GN400 249–396 59–72.5 4.0–3.2 20–27 hp 30.7–31.5 in 300–330 lb
1981 Suzuki GS400 / GS425 399–425 56–57 4.2–4.1 36–40 hp 30.9 in 380–390 lb
1981 Suzuki GS450 448 56 4.2 38 hp 31.1 in 385 lb
1981 Suzuki GS550 / GS650 549–652 52.5–59 4.5–4.0 49–67 hp 31.5 in 420–435 lb
1981 Suzuki GS750 / GS850G 748–843 50.5–53.5 4.7–4.4 70–80 hp 31.7 in 510 lb
1981 Suzuki GS1000 997 45 5.2 90–95 hp 31.7 in 535 lb
1981 Suzuki GS1100G 1067 43 5.5 95 hp 31.7 in 540 lb
1981 Triumph Bonneville T140 744 48 4.9 55 hp 31.5 in 430 lb
1981 Yamaha FJ600 598 56 4.2 72 hp 31.3 in 441 lb
1981 Yamaha TT500 498 57 4.1 32–36 hp 35.0 in 290 lb
1981 Yamaha XT500 498 57 4.1 32–36 hp 35.0 in 285 lb
1981 Yamaha XJ550 / Maxim / Seca 553 47–57 5.0–4.1 57–61 hp 31.1 in 430–440 lb
1981 Yamaha XS650 Heritage Special 653 50.5 4.7 50 hp 31.5 in 450 lb
1981 Yamaha XS850 / XS1100 826–1101 42.5–47 5.5–5.0 80–95 hp 31.5 in 540–610 lb
1981 Yamaha XV750 Virago 749 34–38 6.9–6.2 55 hp 28.5 in 465 lb
1981 Yamaha XV920R (chain drive) 920 32.9–46 7.2–5.1 65–70 hp 30.9 in 525 lb
1981 Yamaha TR1 European Virago (chain) 981 45.7 5.1 70–75 hp 31.1 in 520 lb
1981 BMW R100CS 979 42 5.6 70 hp 31.5 in 520 lb
1981 BMW R100RT 979 42 5.6 70 hp 31.5 in 545 lb
1981 Harley‑Davidson FLHE 1340 Heritage 1337 41.5 5.7 67 hp 28.0 in 785 lb
1981 Honda CB1100R 1062 40 5.9 100–105 hp 31.5 in 535 lb
1981 Honda CB1100R (reduced effect) 1062 42 5.6 95 hp 31.5 in 535 lb
1981 Honda CB125T2 124 80 2.9 13 hp 31.1 in 275 lb
1981 Honda CB125T2 (reduced effect) 124 85 2.8 11 hp 31.1 in 275 lb
1981 Honda CB250N (reduced effect) 249 69 3.4 26 hp 31.5 in 330 lb
1981 Honda CB250RS (reduced effect) 248 67 3.5 26 hp 31.5 in 320 lb
1981 Honda CB400N 395 55 4.3 43 hp 31.1 in 410 lb
1981 Honda CB400N (reduced effect) 395 57 4.1 27 hp 31.1 in 410 lb
1981 Honda CB400T Hondamatic 395 50 4.7 40 hp 31.1 in 395 lb
1981 Honda CB650 (reduced effect) 627 53 4.4 45 hp 31.5 in 495 lb
1981 Honda CB650C (reduced effect) 627 53 4.4 45 hp 31.5 in 495 lb
1981 Honda CX500 (reduced effect) 497 55 4.3 50 hp 31.1 in 450 lb
1981 Honda CX500C (reduced effect) 497 55 4.3 50 hp 31.1 in 450 lb
1981 Suzuki GS450A Suzukimatic 448 55 4.3 38 hp 31.1 in 385 lb
1981 Yamaha XS1100 1101 40.3 5.8 95 hp 32.3 in 603 lb

1981 Best & Worst Fuel Economy Performers

Top 10 Best MPG (1981)
Honda C70 ~93 MPG
Honda CT110 ~62–79 MPG
Honda CT70 ~88–89 MPG
Honda XL80S/XL125S ~74–77 MPG
Kawasaki KD80 ~75–76 MPG
Kawasaki KE100 ~73–74 MPG
Suzuki GS250T ~96 MPG
Suzuki GN125/GN250 ~72–88 MPG
BMW R65/R65LS ~51–52 MPG
Honda GL500/GL Silver Wing class ~50–53 MPG

 

Bottom 10 Worst MPG (1981)
Kawasaki KZ1300 ~39 MPG
Honda CBX1050 ~40–41 MPG
Yamaha XV750 Virago (owner spread) ~34–38 MPG
Yamaha XV920R/TR1 ~33–46 MPG
Suzuki GS1100G/GS1000 ~43–45 MPG
Kawasaki KZ1000 (A/J) ~35–46 MPG
Yamaha XS1100 ~47 MPG
Harley‑Davidson FL touring ~41–43 MPG
BMW R100RS class ~42 MPG
Ducati 900 SD/SS ~43–45 MPG

 

1981 Fuel Economy Myth‑Busters

  • Small commuters punch above weight: 50–250cc singles (C70/CT/GS250T/GN125) routinely return 70–100+ MPG; jetting and pace dominate more than displacement.
  • Tourers can sip: GL1100, Silver Wing, and BMW airheads hold mid‑30s to ~50 MPG with smooth throttle and tidy aero; rider setup drives the spread.
  • Pace is king: Interceptor/GPz/FJ‑class bikes can stay mid‑40s to low‑50s when short‑shifting and cruising below high RPM.
  • ADV drag hurts economy: Boxes, tall screens, and knobbies on GS/XL/XR reduce MPG; trimming drag and tire choice recovers several MPG.
  • Carb health matters: Balanced carbs, correct jetting, clean filters, and fresh plugs often recover 3–8 MPG on carb‑era machines.

 

1981 Fuel Economy Strategies

  • Commute class: 50–300cc singles/scooters (C70/CT/XL, GN/GS250T, Vespa‑class) sustain 70–100+ MPG with tire pressure discipline, chain care, and clean intake.
  • Touring discipline: GL1100, BMW RS/RT, and Venture‑concept hold mid‑30s to ~50 MPG at 60–70 mph cruise, light luggage, and tidy aero; carb sync/timing checks pay off.
  • ADV setup: GS/XL/XR recover MPG by reducing aero drag, keeping luggage narrow, and selecting less aggressive treads for long pavement stints.
  • Performance pacing: Interceptor/GPz/FJ respond to short‑shifting and smooth throttle; expect mid‑40s to low‑50s MPG in real‑world cruising.
  • Maintenance multipliers: Wheel bearings, chain alignment, plug heat range, and carb balance reduce parasitic losses on carb‑era bikes.

 

 

What Was New and Popular in 1981 Motorcycles

1981 consolidated the rise of sport‑tourers and everyday performance: Honda’s DOHC fours (CB900/CBX), Kawasaki’s GPz line, and BMW’s airheads anchored reliable long‑range riding, while Yamaha broadened cruisers with Virago/Heritage Special and Europe held niches via Benelli/Ducati. Year catalogs show wide breadth across trims and reduced‑effect editions, especially in Europe.

  • Sport‑tour momentum: GPz/CB/CBX families balanced pace and range for daily riders and long trips.
  • Luxo‑tour maturity: GL1100 and BMW RS/RT refined comfort and highway stability.
  • ADV growth: BMW R80G/S and Honda XL/XR expanded “ride‑anywhere” practicality.
  • Cruiser breadth: Yamaha Virago/TR1 and Harley FX/FL families diversified the segment.
  • Global trims: Extensive reduced‑effect and sidecar variants across EU/UK catalogs broadened accessibility.

Overall, 1981 blended speed, distance, and everyday economy—often in the same garage—thanks to broad model availability, with Japan driving innovation and Europe/USA sustaining iconic niches.

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