1982 Motorcycle Fuel Economy Guide

September 21, 2016 Michael Le Pard MPG Guide, News

Posted on October 6, 2025 by Michael Le Pard

1982 Motorcycle and Scooter Models

A guide to motorcycle gas mileage (MPG and L/100km) and efficiency.
1982 Motorcycle MPG Fuel Economy Guide
World Changing Event: January 9, 1982 – The Commodore 64 8-bit home computer is introduced by Commodore International. During the C64’s lifetime 10,000 commercial software titles were made for the C64 and sales totalled 17 million units, making it the best-selling single personal computer model of all time. It is sometimes compared to the Ford Model-T automobile for its role in bringing a new technology to middle-class households via creative mass-production.



1982 Motorcycle and Scooter Model Data

Year Make Model Engine (cc) MPG (US) L/100km Horsepower Seat Height Weight
1982 Aprilia RX125 124 76 3.1 10 hp 31.1 in 265 lb
1982 Aprilia RX250 246 60 3.9 28 hp 34.3 in 300 lb
1982 Benelli 125 Sport 125 70 3.4 12 hp 31.1 in 265 lb
1982 Benelli 254 Quattro 231 60 3.9 22 hp 31.5 in 320 lb
1982 Benelli 354 Sport 345 58 4.0 30 hp 31.5 in 380 lb
1982 Benelli 654 Sport 604 57 4.1 50 hp 31.5 in 405 lb
1982 Benelli 900 Sei 905 38 6.2 80 hp 31.9 in 485 lb
1982 Bimota KB2 Laser 550 44 5.3 63 hp 31.1 in 360 lb
1982 Bimota SB5 997 39 6.0 120 hp 31.5 in 430 lb
1982 BMW K100 987 47 5.0 90 hp 31.5 in 530 lb
1982 BMW K100RS 987 47 5.0 90 hp 31.5 in 540 lb
1982 BMW K100RT 987 47 5.0 90 hp 31.5 in 540 lb
1982 BMW K100LT 987 47 5.0 90 hp 30.3 in 650 lb
1982 BMW R65 649 51.5 4.6 45 hp 31.5 in 460 lb
1982 BMW R65LS 649 51.5 4.6 45 hp 31.5 in 460 lb
1982 BMW R80G/S 797 47 5.0 50 hp 33.1 in 480 lb
1982 BMW R80RT 797 47 5.0 50 hp 31.5 in 500 lb
1982 BMW R100RS 979 42 5.6 60 hp 31.5 in 525 lb
1982 Cagiva SST 125 125 72 3.3 12 hp 32.3 in 250 lb
1982 Cagiva SST 250 243 65 3.6 22 hp 32.7 in 310 lb
1982 Cagiva SST 350 342 58 4.0 30 hp 32.9 in 380 lb
1982 Cagiva SST 350 (sidecar) 342 54 4.4 30 hp 32.9 in 460 lb
1982 CZ 175 Trail 173 69 3.4 12 hp 31.1 in 285 lb
1982 CZ 350 Typ 472.6 350 59 4.0 22 hp 31.1 in 310 lb
1982 Dnepr MT‑10 (sidecar) 650 48 4.9 30 hp 31.5 in 520 lb
1982 Dnepr MT‑12 (sidecar) 745 47 5.0 32 hp 31.5 in 540 lb
1982 Ducati 500 SL Pantah 497 58 4.1 45 hp 31.1 in 385 lb
1982 Ducati 600 SL Pantah 581 55 4.3 50 hp 31.1 in 395 lb
1982 Ducati 600 TL Pantah 581 53 4.4 50 hp 31.1 in 400 lb
1982 Ducati 900 SD Darmah 864 45 5.2 67 hp 31.3 in 465 lb
1982 Ducati 900 SS Hailwood Replica 864 42 5.6 68 hp 31.3 in 455 lb
1982 Enfield Bullet 350 346 90 2.6 18 hp 31.5 in 360 lb
1982 Fantic 125 Strada 124 70 3.4 20 hp 32.3 in 255 lb
1982 Harley‑Davidson FLH Electra Glide 1337 41.5 5.7 67 hp 28.0 in 785 lb
1982 Harley‑Davidson FLHS Electra Glide Sport 1337 42.5 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 780 lb
1982 Harley‑Davidson FLT Tour Glide 1337 43 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 785 lb
1982 Harley‑Davidson FLTC Tour Glide Classic 1337 43 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 790 lb
1982 Harley‑Davidson FXB Sturgis 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 27.8 in 640 lb
1982 Harley‑Davidson FXE Super Glide 1337 41.5 5.7 67 hp 27.8 in 640 lb
1982 Harley‑Davidson FXEF Fat Bob 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 27.8 in 640 lb
1982 Harley‑Davidson FXRS Super Glide II 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 27.6 in 650 lb
1982 Harley‑Davidson FXWG Wide Glide 1337 42.5 5.5 67 hp 27.8 in 650 lb
1982 Harley‑Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster 997 49.5 4.7 61 hp 28.0 in 520 lb
1982 Harley‑Davidson XLS 1000 Roadster 997 51.5 4.6 55 hp 28.0 in 525 lb
1982 Harley‑Davidson XLX 1000 997 48 4.9 58 hp 28.0 in 520 lb
1982 Honda C70 Passport 72 93 2.5 6 hp 30.1 in 170 lb
1982 Honda CB450SC Nighthawk 450 447 51 4.6 43 hp 31.1 in 390 lb
1982 Honda CB700SC Nighthawk 696 50.5 4.7 75 hp 31.3 in 475 lb
1982 Honda CB750F 748 50.5 4.7 77 hp 31.5 in 495 lb
1982 Honda CB900F Bol d’Or 901 44 5.3 95 hp 31.5 in 520 lb
1982 Honda CBX1050 1047 40.5 5.8 100 hp 31.5 in 600 lb
1982 Honda CM250C 234 68 3.5 18 hp 27.6 in 300 lb
1982 Honda CM450E 447 59 4.0 43 hp 30.7 in 390 lb
1982 Honda CT110 105 79 3.0 7 hp 31.1 in 200 lb
1982 Honda GL1100 Gold Wing 1085 42.5 5.5 81 hp 30.7 in 690 lb
1982 Honda GL500 Silver Wing 497 52.5 4.5 50–60 hp 30.9 in 485 lb
1982 Honda Magna V45 VF750C 748 52.5 4.5 86 hp 30.7 in 520 lb
1982 Honda Sabre V45 VF750S 748 52.5 4.5 86 hp 31.3 in 520 lb
1982 Honda VF750F Interceptor 748 48 4.9 100 hp 31.7 in 485 lb
1982 Honda XL250R 249 65.5 3.6 22 hp 34.1 in 280 lb
1982 Honda Z50R 49 77.5 3.0 4 hp 22.0 in 110 lb
1982 Kawasaki EN450 454 LTD 454 61.5 3.8 50 hp 27.6 in 390 lb
1982 Kawasaki GPz305 306 65.5 3.6 34 hp 30.9 in 360 lb
1982 Kawasaki GPz550 553 55 4.3 65 hp 31.6 in 461 lb
1982 Kawasaki GPz750 Turbo 738 42 5.6 95 hp 31.7 in 505 lb
1982 Kawasaki GPz1100 1089 45 5.2 108 hp 31.7 in 560 lb
1982 Kawasaki KD80 80 75.5 3.1 9 hp 28.7 in 160 lb
1982 Kawasaki KE100 99 73.5 3.2 11 hp 31.1 in 211 lb
1982 Kawasaki KZ1000R Lawson Replica 998 42 5.6 92–100 hp 31.7 in 520 lb
1982 Kawasaki KZ1300 1286 39 6.0 120 hp 29.9 in 820 lb
1982 Kawasaki ZX550 553 55 4.3 65 hp 31.6 in 461 lb
1982 Moto Guzzi California II 850 844 46 5.1 70 hp 30.7 in 560 lb
1982 MZ TS125 123 67 3.5 11 hp 31.1 in 240 lb
1982 Peugeot XP50 49 95 2.5 4 hp 31.1 in 190 lb
1982 Piaggio Vespa PX125E 124 85 2.8 10 hp 31.1 in 240 lb
1982 Piaggio Vespa PX150E 149 80 3.0 9 hp 31.1 in 245 lb
1982 Piaggio Vespa PX200E 198 75 3.1 12 hp 31.1 in 250 lb
1982 Suzuki DR400 397 60 3.9 30–35 hp 35.8 in 310 lb
1982 Suzuki GN125 125 87.5 2.7 10 hp 30.7 in 275 lb
1982 Suzuki GN250 249 72.5 3.2 20 hp 30.7 in 300 lb
1982 Suzuki GN400 396 59 4.0 27 hp 31.5 in 330 lb
1982 Suzuki GS1000 997 45 5.2 90–95 hp 31.7 in 535 lb
1982 Suzuki GS1100G 1067 43 5.5 95 hp 31.7 in 540 lb
1982 Suzuki GS850G 843 53.5 4.4 80 hp 31.7 in 510 lb
1982 Suzuki XN85 Turbo 673 44 5.4 85 hp 31.5 in 515 lb
1982 Yamaha FJ600 598 56 4.2 72 hp 31.3 in 441 lb
1982 Yamaha RX50 49 82 2.9 5–6 hp 30.7 in 150 lb
1982 Yamaha XJ550 553 55 4.3 61 hp 31.1 in 430 lb
1982 Yamaha XJ650R Seca 653 49 4.8 72 hp 31.1 in 465 lb
1982 Yamaha XS650 Heritage 653 50.5 4.6 50 hp 31.5 in 450 lb
1982 Yamaha XT550 558 56 4.2 38 hp 35.0 in 285 lb
1982 Yamaha XV750 Virago 749 36–40 5.9–6.5 55 hp 28.5 in 465 lb
1982 Yamaha XV920 Virago 920 40–53 4.4–5.9 65–70 hp 30.9 in 525 lb
1982 Benelli 654 T 604 57 4.1 50 hp 31.5 in 405 lb
1982 BMW R80ST 797 48 4.9 50 hp 31.5 in 460 lb
1982 BMW R45 473 58 4.0 35 hp 31.1 in 390 lb
1982 BMW R45 (reduced effect) 473 60 3.9 27 hp 31.1 in 390 lb
1982 Cagiva SST 250 Chopper 243 65 3.6 22 hp 32.7 in 310 lb
1982 Cagiva SST 350 Chopper 342 58 4.0 30 hp 32.9 in 380 lb
1982 Cagiva SXT 125 124 72 3.3 12 hp 32.3 in 250 lb
1982 Cagiva SX 250 243 65 3.6 22 hp 32.7 in 310 lb
1982 Cagiva SX 350 Ala Rossa 347 60 3.9 30 hp 34.0 in 330 lb
1982 Dnepr MT‑10‑36 (sidecar) 649 48 4.9 30 hp 31.5 in 525 lb
1982 Ducati 900 SS 864 43 5.5 68 hp 31.3 in 455 lb
1982 Enfield Bullet 350 De Luxe 346 90 2.6 18 hp 31.5 in 360 lb
1982 Fantic Caballero Super 6M 50 100 2.4 6 hp 31.1 in 190 lb
1982 Harley‑Davidson FLHC Electra Glide Classic (with sidecar) 1337 41.5 5.7 67 hp 28.0 in 820 lb
1982 Harley‑Davidson FLHT 1340 Electra Glide 1337 42.5 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 785 lb
1982 Honda CB1100R 1062 40 5.9 100–105 hp 31.5 in 535 lb
1982 Honda CB1100R (reduced effect) 1062 42 5.6 95 hp 31.5 in 535 lb
1982 Honda CB250N 249 69 3.4 26 hp 31.5 in 330 lb
1982 Honda CB400N 395 55 4.3 43 hp 31.1 in 410 lb
1982 Honda CB400N (reduced effect) 395 57 4.1 27 hp 31.1 in 410 lb
1982 Honda CB650 RC 627 51 4.6 50 hp 31.5 in 495 lb
1982 Honda CB650 RC (reduced effect) 627 53 4.4 45 hp 31.5 in 495 lb
1982 Honda CB650 (reduced effect) 627 53 4.4 45 hp 31.5 in 495 lb
1982 Honda CBX550F2 572 54 4.4 56 hp 31.5 in 425 lb
1982 Honda CBX550F2 (reduced effect) 572 56 4.2 50 hp 31.5 in 425 lb
1982 Kawasaki KE175 173 63.5 3.7 16 hp 33.1 in 240 lb
1982 Kawasaki KX400 398 53.5 4.4 40 hp 36.0 in 240 lb
1982 Kawasaki KZ1100 Spectre 1090 45 5.2 108 hp 31.7 in 560 lb
1982 Suzuki GSX1100E 1074 41.3 5.7 100 hp 31.7 in 564 lb
1982 Suzuki GS450A Suzukimatic 448 55 4.3 38 hp 31.1 in 385 lb
1982 Yamaha XS400 Maxim 392 62 3.8 36 hp 30.9 in 390 lb

1982 Best & Worst Fuel Economy Performers

Top 10 Best MPG (1982)
Honda C70 / Cubs ~93 MPG
Honda CT110 ~79 MPG
Kawasaki KD80 ~75–76 MPG
Honda XL80S / XR80 ~74–75 MPG
Kawasaki KE100 ~73–74 MPG
Suzuki GN125 ~87–88 MPG
Suzuki GN250 ~72–73 MPG
Yamaha RX50 ~82 MPG
Honda VT/GL500 class ~50–53 MPG
BMW airhead R65/R65LS ~51–52 MPG

 

Bottom 10 Worst MPG (1982)
Kawasaki KZ1300 ~39 MPG
Honda CBX1050 ~40–41 MPG
BMW K100 early owners ~36–47 MPG
Yamaha XV750 Virago (owner spread) ~36–40 MPG
Yamaha XV920 Virago ~40–53 MPG
Suzuki GS1100(G) ~43–45 MPG
Kawasaki GPz/ZX performance mids ~45–56 MPG
Honda GL1100 Gold Wing ~42–43 MPG
Kawasaki Z1000 / big fours ~42 MPG
Suzuki XN85 Turbo ~44 MPG

1982 Fuel Economy Strategies

  • Commute class:
    50–300cc singles/scooters (C70/CT/XL, GN/DR, Vespa PX) sustain 70–100+ MPG with tire pressure discipline, chain care, and clean intake.
  • Touring discipline:
    GL1100, K100LT/RS, Venture hold mid‑30s to ~50 MPG at 60–70 mph cruise, light luggage, and clean fairings; carb sync and 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.

 

1982 Fuel Economy Myth‑Busters

  • Small two‑strokes can be frugal:
    Urban 50–125cc commuters and trail bikes often return 70–100+ MPG despite higher emissions; pace and jetting dominate results.
  • Tourers can sip:
    GL1100, K100/K‑series, and Venture‑class hold mid‑30s to ~50 MPG with smooth throttle, tidy aero, and moderate cruise speeds.
  • Pace dominates MPG:
    Interceptor/GPz/FJ families can stay mid‑40s to low‑50s off‑track via short‑shifting and sub‑high‑RPM cruising.
  • ADV drag matters:
    Boxes, tall screens, and knobbies on GS/XL/XR reduce economy; removing drag and choosing road‑friendly tires recovers several MPG.
  • Carb health is king:
    Balanced carbs, correct jetting, clean filters, and fresh plugs routinely recover 3–8 MPG on carb‑era machines.

 

What Was New and Popular in 1982 Motorcycles

1982 was a hinge year: BMW’s K100 appeared as a tech pivot toward liquid‑cooled inline‑fours, Japan’s GPz/Interceptor lines sharpened everyday performance, and full‑dress touring matured with GL1100 and the Venture concept, while dual‑sport utility spread via GS/XL families.

  • Tech pivot: BMW K100 signaled modern liquid‑cooled inline‑four touring/performance strategy.
  • Sport‑tour momentum: Honda Interceptor and Kawasaki GPz lines balanced pace and range for daily riders.
  • Luxo‑tour maturity: GL1100 and Yamaha’s Venture concept expanded comfort and long‑haul features.
  • ADV growth: BMW GS and Honda XL families normalized “ride‑anywhere” capability globally.
  • Cruiser breadth: Virago/Magna/Sabre diversified American‑style cruisers with predictable economy.
  • Turbos & specials: Suzuki XN85 Turbo and Kawasaki Lawson Replica showcased era experimentation and homologation culture.

Overall, 1982 blended speed, distance, and everyday economy—often in the same garage—thanks to broad model availability and aggressive innovation from Japan, with Europe and the USA anchoring iconic niches.

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