1983 Motorcycle Fuel Economy Guide

Sep 21, 2016 Michael Le Pard MPG Guide, News

Published October 6, 2025 by , Editor‑in‑Chief

1983 Motorcycle and Scooter Models

A guide to motorcycle gas mileage (MPG and L/100km) and efficiency.
1983 Motorcycle MPG Fuel Economy Guide
World Changing Event: March 2, 1983 – CD players and CD discs were released. This event is often seen as the “Big Bang” of the digital audio revolution. The new audio disc was enthusiastically received, especially in the early-adopting classical music and audiophile communities and its handling quality received particular praise. As the price of players gradually came down, the CD began to gain popularity in the larger popular and rock music markets. The CD was planned to be the successor of the gramophone record for playing music, rather than primarily as a data storage medium.



1983 Motorcycle and Scooter Model Data

Year Make Model Engine (cc) MPG (US) L/100km Horsepower Seat Height Weight
1983 Benelli 125 Sport 125 70 3.4 12 hp 31.1 in 265 lb
1983 Benelli 254 Quattro 231 60 3.9 22 hp 31.5 in 320 lb
1983 Benelli 354 Sport 345 58 4.0 30 hp 31.5 in 380 lb
1983 Benelli 654 Sport 604 57 4.1 50 hp 31.5 in 405 lb
1983 Benelli 900 Sei 905 38 6.2 80 hp 31.9 in 485 lb
1983 Bimota KB2 Laser 550 44 5.3 63 hp 31.1 in 360 lb
1983 Bimota SB5 997 39 6.0 120 hp 31.5 in 430 lb
1983 BMW K100 987 36.2 6.5 90 hp 31.5 in 530 lb
1983 BMW K100RS 987 47 5.0 90 hp 31.5 in 540 lb
1983 BMW R65 649 51.5 4.6 45 hp 31.5 in 460 lb
1983 BMW R65LS 649 51.5 4.6 45 hp 31.5 in 460 lb
1983 BMW R80GS 797 47 5.0 50 hp 33.1 in 480 lb
1983 BMW R80RT 797 47 5.0 50 hp 31.5 in 500 lb
1983 BMW R100RS 979 42 5.6 60 hp 31.5 in 525 lb
1983 Cagiva SST 125 125 72 3.3 12 hp 32.3 in 250 lb
1983 Cagiva SST 250 243 65 3.6 22 hp 32.7 in 310 lb
1983 Cagiva SST 350 342 58 4.0 30 hp 32.9 in 380 lb
1983 Cagiva SST 350 (sidecar) 342 54 4.4 30 hp 32.9 in 460 lb
1983 Cagiva STX 350 Ala Rossa 347 60 3.9 30 hp 34.0 in 330 lb
1983 Dnepr MT‑10 (sidecar) 650 48 4.9 30 hp 31.5 in 520 lb
1983 Dnepr MT‑12 (sidecar) 745 47 5.0 32 hp 31.5 in 540 lb
1983 Ducati 500 SL Pantah 497 58 4.1 45 hp 31.1 in 385 lb
1983 Ducati 600 SL Pantah 581 55 4.3 50 hp 31.1 in 395 lb
1983 Ducati 600 TL Pantah 581 53 4.4 50 hp 31.1 in 400 lb
1983 Ducati 900 SS Hailwood Replica 864 42 5.6 68 hp 31.3 in 455 lb
1983 Ducati 900 SD Darmah 864 45 5.2 67 hp 31.3 in 465 lb
1983 Enfield Bullet 350 346 90 2.6 18 hp 31.5 in 360 lb
1983 Fantic 125 Strada Sport 124 70 3.4 20 hp 32.3 in 255 lb
1983 Harley‑Davidson FLH Electra Glide 1337 41.5 5.7 67 hp 28.0 in 785 lb
1983 Harley‑Davidson FLHS Electra Glide Sport 1337 42.5 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 780 lb
1983 Harley‑Davidson FLHTC Electra Glide Classic 1337 42.5 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 791 lb
1983 Harley‑Davidson FLTC Tour Glide Classic 1337 43 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 785 lb
1983 Harley‑Davidson FXE Super Glide 1337 41.5 5.7 67 hp 27.8 in 640 lb
1983 Harley‑Davidson FXEF Fat Bob 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 27.8 in 640 lb
1983 Harley‑Davidson FXRS Low Glide 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 27.6 in 650 lb
1983 Harley‑Davidson FXRT Sport Glide 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 27.6 in 650 lb
1983 Harley‑Davidson FXSB Low Rider (belt) 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 27.6 in 650 lb
1983 Harley‑Davidson FXWG Wide Glide 1337 42.5 5.5 67 hp 27.8 in 650 lb
1983 Harley‑Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster 997 49.5 4.7 61 hp 28.0 in 520 lb
1983 Harley‑Davidson XLS 1000 Roadster 997 51.5 4.6 55 hp 28.0 in 525 lb
1983 Harley‑Davidson XLX 1000 997 48 4.9 58 hp 28.0 in 520 lb
1983 Harley‑Davidson XR1000 997 32 7.3 70 hp 30.1 in 500 lb
1983 Hercules K125 Military 124 75 3.1 12 hp 32.3 in 260 lb
1983 Honda C70 Passport 72 93 2.5 6 hp 30.1 in 170 lb
1983 Honda CB1000C Custom 1000 41.5 5.7 84 hp 31.3 in 565 lb
1983 Honda CB1100F 1062 39.5 5.9 108 hp 31.5 in 535 lb
1983 Honda CB550SC Nighthawk 572 55 4.3 56 hp 31.1 in 420 lb
1983 Honda CB650SC Nighthawk 655 49.5 4.7 70 hp 31.1 in 460 lb
1983 Honda CM250C 234 68 3.5 18 hp 27.6 in 300 lb
1983 Honda CM450E 447 59 4.0 43 hp 30.7 in 390 lb
1983 Honda CM450SC Nighthawk 450 447 55 4.3 43 hp 30.7 in 390 lb
1983 Honda CT110 105 79 3.0 7 hp 31.1 in 200 lb
1983 Honda CX650C Custom 673 51.5 4.6 65 hp 30.9 in 455 lb
1983 Honda GL650 Silver Wing 673 49.5 4.7 60 hp 30.9 in 485 lb
1983 Honda Gold Wing GL1100 1085 42.5 5.5 81 hp 30.7 in 690 lb
1983 Honda Magna V45 VF750C 748 52.5 4.5 86 hp 30.7 in 520 lb
1983 Honda Sabre V45 VF750S 748 52.5 4.5 86 hp 31.3 in 520 lb
1983 Honda VT500C Shadow 491 57 4.1 44 hp 29.1 in 420 lb
1983 Honda VT750C Shadow 750 49 4.8 64 hp 28.7 in 580 lb
1983 Honda VT500FT Ascot 491 68 3.5 44 hp 31.1 in 410 lb
1983 Honda VF750F Interceptor 748 48 4.9 100 hp 31.7 in 485 lb
1983 Honda XL250R 249 65.5 3.6 22 hp 34.1 in 280 lb
1983 Honda XL600R 591 48 4.9 43 hp 36.8 in 290 lb
1983 Honda Z50R 49 77.5 3.0 4 hp 22.0 in 110 lb
1983 Kawasaki EN450 454 LTD 454 61.5 3.8 50 hp 27.6 in 390 lb
1983 Kawasaki GPz305 306 65.5 3.6 34 hp 30.9 in 360 lb
1983 Kawasaki KD80 80 75.5 3.1 9 hp 28.7 in 160 lb
1983 Kawasaki KDX200 198 81 2.9 24 hp 36.0 in 225 lb
1983 Kawasaki KE100 99 73.5 3.2 11 hp 31.1 in 211 lb
1983 Kawasaki KE125 123 67 3.5 12 hp 32.3 in 240 lb
1983 Kawasaki KZ440 443 57 4.1 38 hp 31.5 in 415 lb
1983 Kawasaki KZ500 498 56 4.2 50 hp 31.7 in 420 lb
1983 Kawasaki KZ550 553 55 4.3 49 hp 31.5 in 420 lb
1983 Kawasaki KZ650 652 51.5 4.6 66 hp 31.7 in 465 lb
1983 Kawasaki KZ750 LTD 738 50 4.7 67 hp 31.7 in 480 lb
1983 Kawasaki KZ900 908 47 5.0 90 hp 31.7 in 520 lb
1983 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (EN250) 249 77.5 3.0 29 hp 30.5 in 304 lb
1983 Kawasaki Z1000 998 42 5.6 92 hp 31.7 in 540 lb
1983 Kawasaki ZX550 553 55 4.3 65 hp 31.6 in 461 lb
1983 Simson S51B 50 112 2.1 4 hp 31.1 in 195 lb
1983 Suzuki DR500 497 55 4.3 40 hp 35.8 in 310 lb
1983 Suzuki GN125 125 87.5 2.7 10 hp 30.7 in 275 lb
1983 Suzuki GN250 249 72.5 3.2 20 hp 30.7 in 300 lb
1983 Suzuki GN400 396 59 4.0 27 hp 31.5 in 330 lb
1983 Suzuki GS400 399 57 4.1 36 hp 30.9 in 380 lb
1983 Suzuki GS550 549 59 4.0 49 hp 31.5 in 420 lb
1983 Suzuki GS650 Tempter 652 52.5 4.5 50 hp 30.9 in 435 lb
1983 Suzuki GS850G 843 53.5 4.4 80 hp 31.7 in 510 lb
1983 Suzuki GS1100 1075 44.5 5.3 95 hp 31.7 in 540 lb
1983 Suzuki XN85 Turbo 673 44 5.4 85 hp 31.5 in 515 lb
1983 Suzuki GR650 Tempter 652 54 4.4 50 hp 31.1 in 430 lb
1983 Suzuki RG250 Gamma 247 52 4.5 45 hp 31.1 in 330 lb
1983 Triumph Bonneville T140 744 48 4.9 55 hp 31.5 in 430 lb
1983 Yamaha FJ600 598 56 4.2 72 hp 31.3 in 441 lb
1983 Yamaha XJ550 553 55 4.3 61 hp 31.1 in 430 lb
1983 Yamaha XJ900 891 49.5 4.7 90 hp 31.7 in 509 lb
1983 Yamaha Venture 1197 43 5.5 90 hp 30.7 in 780 lb
1983 Yamaha Venture Royale 1197 42 5.6 90 hp 30.7 in 790 lb
1983 Yamaha XT550 558 56 4.2 38 hp 35.0 in 285 lb
1983 Yamaha XT600 Ténéré 595 56 4.2 43 hp 34.6 in 343 lb
1983 Yamaha XV700 Virago 699 56 4.2 50 hp 28.5 in 505 lb
1983 Yamaha XV750 Virago 749 36–46 5.8–6.5 55 hp 28.5 in 465 lb
1983 Yamaha XV920R 920 38 6.1 65 hp 30.9 in 525 lb
1983 Aprilia Tuareg Rally 125 124 74 3.2 14 hp 32.3 in 275 lb
1983 Aprilia ETX350 349 60 3.9 30 hp 33.9 in 320 lb
1983 Benelli 900 Sei Sport 905 38 6.2 80 hp 31.9 in 485 lb
1983 BMW K100RT 987 47 5.0 90 hp 31.5 in 540 lb
1983 BMW K100LT 987 47 5.0 90 hp 30.3 in 650 lb
1983 BMW R80GS Paris‑Dakar 797 45 5.2 50 hp 33.1 in 490 lb
1983 Cagiva Alazzurra 350 349 60 3.9 30 hp 31.5 in 380 lb
1983 CZ 175 Trail 173 69 3.4 12 hp 31.1 in 285 lb
1983 CZ 350 Typ 472.6 350 59 4.0 22 hp 31.1 in 310 lb
1983 Ducati 750 F1 (early) 748 44 5.3 76 hp 31.5 in 400 lb
1983 Ducati 1000 S2 973 40 5.9 84 hp 31.5 in 465 lb
1983 Gilera RX125 Arizona 124 74 3.2 14 hp 32.3 in 275 lb
1983 Gilera NGR250 249 52 4.5 30 hp 31.5 in 360 lb
1983 Harley‑Davidson FLHX Electra Glide Special 1337 42 5.6 67 hp 28.0 in 790 lb
1983 Harley‑Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster (Ironhead) 997 49 4.8 61 hp 28.0 in 520 lb
1983 Honda CBX550F 572 54 4.4 56 hp 31.5 in 420 lb
1983 Honda CBX550F2 572 54 4.4 56 hp 31.5 in 425 lb
1983 Honda CBX550F (reduced effect) 572 56 4.2 50 hp 31.5 in 420 lb
1983 Honda CB125T2 124 85 2.8 13 hp 31.1 in 275 lb
1983 Honda CB250RS 248 67 3.5 26 hp 31.5 in 320 lb
1983 Honda CM125C 124 85 2.8 10 hp 28.7 in 255 lb
1983 Honda CH125 Elite 124 78 3.0 11 hp 29.9 in 240 lb
1983 Honda CH250 Elite/Spacy 249 72 3.3 19 hp 29.9 in 240 lb
1983 Kawasaki GPz750 Turbo 738 42 5.6 95 hp 31.7 in 505 lb
1983 Kawasaki GPz1100 1089 40 5.9 108 hp 31.7 in 560 lb
1983 Suzuki GSX750ES 747 48 4.9 84 hp 31.5 in 480 lb
1983 Suzuki GSX1100EFE 1135 42 5.6 113 hp 31.5 in 540 lb
1983 Yamaha RZ350 Kenny Roberts Replica 347 52 4.5 55 hp 31.1 in 370 lb
1983 Yamaha RZ500 (RD500LC) 499 38 6.2 88 hp 31.5 in 430 lb
1983 Yamaha SRX400 399 58 4.1 33 hp 31.1 in 380 lb
1983 Yamaha SRX600 595 56 4.2 43 hp 33.9 in 390 lb
1983 Yamaha XS400 Maxim 392 62 3.8 36 hp 30.9 in 390 lb
1983 Yamaha XS650 Heritage Special 653 50 4.7 50 hp 31.5 in 450 lb
1983 Yamaha XS1100 Midnight Special 1101 39 6.0 95 hp 31.5 in 610 lb
1983 Yamaha XJ650 Turbo 653 42 5.6 90 hp 31.3 in 525 lb
1983 Yamaha XJ750 Maxim 749 48 4.9 72 hp 30.9 in 495 lb
1983 Yamaha XJ750 Seca 749 47 5.0 72 hp 31.1 in 500 lb
1983 Yamaha XJ900 Seca 891 49.5 4.7 97 hp 31.7 in 509 lb
1983 Yamaha XV500 Virago 494 58 4.1 46 hp 28.5 in 430 lb
1983 Yamaha XV920 Virago 920 40 5.9 65 hp 30.9 in 525 lb

 

1983 Best & Worst Fuel Economy Performers

Top 10 Best MPG (1983)
Simson S51B (50cc) ~112 MPG
Honda C70 / Cubs ~93 MPG
Honda CT110 ~79 MPG
Kawasaki KDX200 ~81 MPG
Kawasaki KD80 / small trail ~75–76 MPG
Honda XL80S / XR80 ~74–75 MPG
Kawasaki KE100 ~73–74 MPG
Suzuki GN125 ~87–88 MPG
Suzuki GN250 ~72–73 MPG
Honda VT500 family ~62–68 MPG

 

Bottom 10 Worst MPG (1983)
Harley‑Davidson XR1000 ~32 MPG
Honda V65 Magna (VF1100C) ~37–41 MPG
BMW K100 early owners ~36–47 MPG
Yamaha XV750 Virago ~36–46 MPG
Kawasaki Z1000 / big fours ~42 MPG
Suzuki GS1100 / liter fours ~44–45 MPG
Yamaha Venture / Venture Royale ~42–43 MPG
Honda GL1100 Gold Wing ~42–43 MPG
Kawasaki GPz/XZ performance mids ~45–56 MPG
Ducati 900 SS / Darmah ~42–45 MPG

 

1983 Fuel Economy Myth‑Busters

  • Small two‑strokes can be frugal: 50–125cc commuters and light enduros routinely delivered 60–110+ MPG in urban duty, despite higher emissions.
  • Tourers can sip: GL1100, K100/K‑series, and Venture class machines hold mid‑30s to ~50 MPG with smooth throttle and clean aero; owner spreads are normal.
  • Pace dominates MPG: Interceptor/FJ/GPz families stay mid‑40s to low‑50s off‑track with gentle roll‑ons and sub‑high‑RPM cruising.
  • ADV drag matters: Boxes, knobbies, and tall screens on GS/XL/XR/KDX reduce economy; de‑dragging recovers several MPG.
  • Carb health is king: Balanced carbs, correct jetting, and fresh plugs often recover 3–8 MPG on carb‑era machines.

 

 

1983 Fuel Economy Strategies

  • Commute class: 50–300cc singles/scooters (C70/CT/XL, GN/GR, Vespa‑class) sustain 70–110 MPG with proper pressures, chain care, and clean filters.
  • Touring discipline: GL1100, K100LT/RS, Venture hold mid‑30s to ~50 MPG at 60–70 mph cruise, light luggage, and tidy aero; carb sync pays off.
  • ADV setup: GS/XL/XR/KDX recover MPG by reducing aero drag, avoiding oversized knobbies for long pavement stints, and steady pacing.
  • Performance pacing: Interceptor/FJ/GPz respond to short‑shifting and smooth throttle; expect mid‑40s to low‑50s MPG off‑track.
  • Maintenance multipliers: Fresh plugs, balanced carbs, chain alignment, and wheel bearings reduce parasitic losses on carb‑era bikes.

 

 

What Was New and Popular in 1983 Motorcycles

1983 was a pivot year: Honda launched the Shadow range to target the American cruiser segment, Yamaha debuted the Venture tourers, and Suzuki introduced tech-forward bikes like the XN85 Turbo and RG250 Gamma, while the Interceptor VF750F defined sport handling for the era.

  • Sportbike momentum: Honda VF750F Interceptor and Suzuki RG250 Gamma pushed chassis and power-to-weight benchmarks.
  • Sport‑tour confidence: Yamaha FJ600 and XJ900 paired daily pace with usable economy across regions.
  • Luxo‑tour debut: Yamaha Venture/Venture Royale expanded full-dress touring options alongside GL1100.
  • ADV growth: BMW R80GS and Honda XL/XR families broadened global “ride‑anywhere” appeal.
  • Cruiser shift: Honda Shadow (VT500/VT750) moved Japanese cruisers firmly into the US mainstream.
  • Turbo tech: Suzuki XN85 and Kawasaki performance GPz models showcased the decade’s experimentation.

Overall, 1983 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 holding iconic niches.

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