1985 Motorcycle Fuel Economy Guide

Sep 21, 2016 Michael Le Pard MPG Guide, News

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

1985 Motorcycle and Scooter Models

A guide to motorcycle gas mileage (MPG and L/100km) and efficiency.
1985 Motorcycle MPG Fuel Economy Guide
World Changing Event: July 3, 1985 – Back to the Future opens in American theatres. The film tells the story of Marty McFly, a teenager who is accidentally sent back in time from 1985 to 1955. He meets his future parents in high school and accidentally attracts his future mother’s romantic interest. Marty must repair the damage to history by causing his parents-to-be to fall in love, and with the help of scientist Dr. Emmett “Doc” Brown, he must find a way to return to 1985. On December 27, 2007, Back to the Future was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” and it is an American Film Institute top 10 film and Film 4’s “10 Films to See Before You Die”.



1985 Motorcycle and Scooter Model Data

Year Make Model Engine (cc) MPG (US) L/100km Horsepower Seat Height Weight
1985 Aprilia RX125 124 76 3.1 10 hp 31.1 in 265 lb
1985 Aprilia Tuareg 125 124 74 3.2 14 hp 32.3 in 275 lb
1985 Aprilia Tuareg 250 248 58 4.0 28 hp 34.3 in 310 lb
1985 Aprilia ETX350 349 60 3.9 30 hp 33.9 in 320 lb
1985 Benelli 125 Sport 125 70 3.4 12 hp 31.1 in 265 lb
1985 Benelli 250 2C 231 60 3.9 22 hp 31.5 in 320 lb
1985 Benelli 304 231 60 3.9 27 hp 31.5 in 330 lb
1985 Benelli 654 Sport 604 57 4.1 50 hp 31.5 in 405 lb
1985 Benelli 900 Sei 905 38 6.2 80 hp 31.9 in 485 lb
1985 Beta TR33 125 124 70 3.4 19 hp 33.1 in 205 lb
1985 Beta TR33 200 198 66 3.6 21 hp 33.1 in 215 lb
1985 Bimota KB2 Laser 550 44 5.3 63 hp 31.1 in 360 lb
1985 Bimota SB5 997 39 6.0 120 hp 31.5 in 430 lb
1985 BMW K100 987 47 5.0 90 hp 31.5 in 530 lb
1985 BMW K100RS 987 47 5.0 90 hp 31.5 in 540 lb
1985 BMW K100RT 987 47 5.0 90 hp 31.5 in 540 lb
1985 BMW K100LT 987 47 5.0 90 hp 30.3 in 650 lb
1985 BMW K75C 740 49.5 4.7 68 hp 31.1 in 474 lb
1985 BMW K75T 740 49.5 4.7 68 hp 30.7 in 470 lb
1985 BMW R65 649 50 4.7 45 hp 31.5 in 460 lb
1985 BMW R80 797 47 5.0 50 hp 31.5 in 480 lb
1985 BMW R80RT 797 47 5.0 50 hp 31.5 in 500 lb
1985 BMW R80G/S Paris-Dakar 797 45 5.2 50 hp 33.1 in 490 lb
1985 BMW R100RS 979 42 5.6 60 hp 31.5 in 525 lb
1985 Buell RR1000 1000 40 5.9 78 hp 31.9 in 460 lb
1985 Cagiva 650 Alazzurra 649 57 4.1 53 hp 31.5 in 400 lb
1985 Cagiva 650 Alazzurra (reduced effect) 649 59 4.0 47 hp 31.5 in 400 lb
1985 Cagiva Elefant 650 649 50 4.7 50 hp 33.9 in 430 lb
1985 Chang‑Jiang 750 BG (sidecar) 745 45 5.2 24 hp 31.5 in 500 lb
1985 Dnepr MT‑11 (sidecar) 650 48 4.9 32 hp 31.5 in 520 lb
1985 Ducati Mille S2 973 40 5.9 84 hp 31.5 in 465 lb
1985 Ducati 750 F1 748 44 5.3 76 hp 31.5 in 400 lb
1985 Ducati Indiana 650 649 50 4.7 45 hp 28.9 in 410 lb
1985 Enfield Bullet 350 346 90 2.6 18 hp 31.5 in 360 lb
1985 Fantic 125 Raider LC 124 70 3.4 25 hp 32.3 in 260 lb
1985 Gilera RV200 183 65 3.6 18 hp 31.3 in 310 lb
1985 Gilera RX200 Arizona 183 63 3.7 18 hp 33.1 in 315 lb
1985 Gilera NGR250 249 52 4.5 30 hp 31.5 in 360 lb
1985 Harley‑Davidson FLH 1340 Electra Glide 1337 42.5 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 785 lb
1985 Harley‑Davidson FLHTC 1340 Electra Glide Classic 1337 42.5 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 791 lb
1985 Harley‑Davidson FXR 1340 Super Glide 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 27.6 in 640 lb
1985 Harley‑Davidson FXRS 1340 Low Rider 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 27.6 in 650 lb
1985 Harley‑Davidson FXRT 1340 Sport Glide 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 27.6 in 650 lb
1985 Harley‑Davidson XLX 1000 Sportster 998 49 4.8 61 hp 28.0 in 520 lb
1985 Harley‑Davidson XLH 883 Evolution 883 51.5 4.6 49 hp 27.0 in 540 lb
1985 Hercules K125 Military 124 75 3.1 12 hp 32.3 in 260 lb
1985 Honda GL1200 Aspencade 1182 41 5.7 94 hp 30.7 in 728 lb
1985 Honda GL1200 Limited Edition SE‑i 1182 43 5.5 94 hp 30.7 in 770 lb
1985 Honda CBX750F 747 52 4.5 72 hp 31.5 in 465 lb
1985 Honda VF500F Interceptor 498 55 4.3 70 hp 30.7 in 390 lb
1985 Honda VFR700F 699 51.5 4.6 80–85 hp 31.5 in 460 lb
1985 Honda VFR750F 748 48 4.9 100 hp 31.7 in 480 lb
1985 Honda VT700C Shadow 699 57 4.1 62 hp 28.7 in 470 lb
1985 Honda VT1100C Shadow 1099 47 5.0 67 hp 28.7 in 580 lb
1985 Honda CN250 Helix 244 72 3.3 19 hp 27.6 in 350 lb
1985 Honda CMX250C Rebel 234 61.5 3.8 18 hp 26.6 in 306 lb
1985 Honda XR350R 349 56 4.2 33 hp 36.4 in 265 lb
1985 Honda XR600R 591 48 4.9 43 hp 36.8 in 290 lb
1985 Honda Z50R 49 77.5 3.0 4 hp 22.0 in 110 lb
1985 Kawasaki EX250 Ninja 250R 249 77.5 3.0 29 hp 30.5 in 304 lb
1985 Kawasaki EN450 454 LTD 454 61.5 3.8 50 hp 27.6 in 390 lb
1985 Kawasaki KDX200 198 81 2.9 24 hp 36.0 in 225 lb
1985 Kawasaki KLR600 592 55 4.3 43 hp 35.0 in 345 lb
1985 Kawasaki KE100 99 73.5 3.2 11 hp 31.1 in 211 lb
1985 Kawasaki ZG1000 Concours 998 49.5 4.7 100 hp 31.1 in 670 lb
1985 Kawasaki ZN1300 Voyager 1286 38 6.2 120 hp 29.9 in 820 lb
1985 Kawasaki ZL900 Eliminator 908 42 5.6 105 hp 30.3 in 510 lb
1985 Kawasaki GPZ900R Ninja 908 41.5 5.7 115 hp 31.5 in 505 lb
1985 KTM 600 Enduro 598 55 4.3 45 hp 37.0 in 280 lb
1985 Laverda RGS1000 Corsa 981 42 5.6 90 hp 31.5 in 515 lb
1985 Moto Guzzi California II 850 844 46 5.1 70 hp 30.7 in 560 lb
1985 Piaggio Vespa PX125E 124 85 2.8 10 hp 31.1 in 240 lb
1985 Piaggio Vespa PX200E 198 75 3.1 12 hp 31.1 in 250 lb
1985 Suzuki DR200 199 68 3.5 15 hp 32.0 in 278 lb
1985 Suzuki DR600 589 53.5 4.4 40 hp 35.8 in 330 lb
1985 Suzuki GSX‑R750 749 44 5.3 106–112 hp 32.3 in 448 lb
1985 Suzuki GSX‑R1100 1127 41.5 5.7 130 hp 31.9 in 490 lb
1985 Suzuki GV1200 Madura 1165 37 6.4 110 hp 28.7 in 650 lb
1985 Suzuki GV700 Madura 699 42.5 5.5 75 hp 28.7 in 540 lb
1985 Suzuki VS700 Intruder 699 45 5.2 55 hp 27.6 in 560 lb
1985 Suzuki VS750 Intruder 747 53.5 4.4 55 hp 27.6 in 560 lb
1985 Triumph Bonneville T140 (late) 744 48 4.9 55 hp 31.5 in 430 lb
1985 Yamaha FJ1100 1101 42.5 5.5 125 hp 31.7 in 518 lb
1985 Yamaha FZ750 749 46 5.1 100 hp 31.7 in 465 lb
1985 Yamaha Radian 600 598 51.5 4.6 66 hp 31.3 in 430 lb
1985 Yamaha SR400 399 61.5 3.8 33 hp 31.1 in 380 lb
1985 Yamaha SR500 499 58 4.1 33 hp 31.3 in 395 lb
1985 Yamaha TT350 346 60 3.9 21 hp 34.3 in 273 lb
1985 Yamaha XT350 346 60 3.9 21 hp 34.3 in 273 lb
1985 Yamaha XT600 Ténéré 595 56 4.2 43 hp 34.6 in 343 lb
1985 Yamaha Virago 700 699 45 5.2 50 hp 28.5 in 505 lb
1985 Yamaha Virago 750 748 55 4.3 55 hp 28.5 in 465 lb
1985 Yamaha Virago 1000 981 44 5.3 62 hp 28.5 in 520 lb
1985 Yamaha V‑Max 1198 40.5 5.8 145 hp 30.5 in 631 lb
1985 Aprilia RX250 246 60 3.9 28 hp 34.3 in 300 lb
1985 Aprilia ETX600 Tuareg 562 55 4.3 46 hp 33.9 in 380 lb
1985 Benelli 900 Sei Sport 905 38 6.2 80 hp 31.9 in 485 lb
1985 Beta TR33 200 198 66 3.6 21 hp 33.1 in 215 lb
1985 BMW K75S 740 49.5 4.7 68 hp 31.1 in 474 lb
1985 BMW R65LS 649 51.5 4.6 45 hp 31.5 in 460 lb
1985 Cagiva 350 Alazzurra 349 60 3.9 30 hp 31.5 in 380 lb
1985 CZ 350 Typ 472.6 350 59 4.0 22 hp 31.1 in 310 lb
1985 Dnepr MT‑10 (sidecar) 650 48 4.9 30 hp 31.5 in 520 lb
1985 Dnepr MT‑12 (sidecar) 745 47 5.0 32 hp 31.5 in 540 lb
1985 Ducati 1000 SS Hailwood Replica 973 40 5.9 84 hp 31.5 in 470 lb
1985 Ducati 900 SS Hailwood Replica 864 42 5.6 68 hp 31.3 in 455 lb
1985 Fantic 125 Strada LC 124 70 3.4 20 hp 32.3 in 255 lb
1985 Garelli XR125 Tiger 123 78 3.0 11 hp 32.3 in 240 lb
1985 Gilera RX125 Arizona 124 74 3.2 14 hp 32.3 in 275 lb
1985 Harley‑Davidson FLHX Electra Glide Special 1337 42 5.6 67 hp 28.0 in 790 lb
1985 Harley‑Davidson FLTC/I Tour Glide Classic 1337 43 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 785 lb
1985 Harley‑Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster 997 49 4.8 61 hp 28.0 in 520 lb
1985 Harley‑Davidson XLS 1000 Roadster 997 51.5 4.6 55 hp 28.0 in 525 lb
1985 Hercules K125 Military 124 75 3.1 12 hp 32.3 in 260 lb
1985 Honda CB125T2 124 85 2.8 13 hp 31.1 in 275 lb
1985 Honda CB250N 249 69 3.4 26 hp 31.5 in 330 lb
1985 Honda CB250RS 248 67 3.5 26 hp 31.5 in 320 lb
1985 Honda CBX550F 572 54 4.4 56 hp 31.5 in 420 lb
1985 Honda CBX550F2 572 54 4.4 56 hp 31.5 in 425 lb
1985 Honda CBX550F (reduced effect) 572 56 4.2 50 hp 31.5 in 420 lb
1985 Honda CH250 Elite/Spacy 249 72 3.3 19 hp 29.9 in 240 lb
1985 Honda CM125C 124 85 2.8 10 hp 28.7 in 255 lb
1985 MZ TS125 123 67 3.5 11 hp 31.1 in 240 lb
1985 Piaggio Vespa PX150E 149 80 3.0 9 hp 31.1 in 245 lb
1985 Suzuki GS450L 448 52 4.5 37 hp 30.9 in 390 lb

1985 Best & Worst Fuel Economy Performers

Top 10 Best MPG (1985)
Honda Z50R ~77–78 MPG
Kawasaki KDX200 ~81 MPG
Kawasaki KLR600 ~55 MPG
Kawasaki KE100 ~73–74 MPG
Honda CN250 Helix ~72 MPG
Suzuki DR200 ~68 MPG
Suzuki DR600 ~53–54 MPG
Yamaha SR400 ~61–62 MPG
Honda CMX250C Rebel ~61–62 MPG
BMW K75 family ~49–50 MPG

 

Bottom 10 Worst MPG (1985)
Suzuki GV1200/700 Madura ~37–43 MPG
Kawasaki ZN1300 Voyager ~38 MPG
Kawasaki ZL900 Eliminator ~42 MPG
Honda GL1200 Limited SE‑i ~41–43 MPG
Yamaha V‑Max ~40–41 MPG
Suzuki GSX‑R1100 ~41–42 MPG
Yamaha FJ1100/FZ750 ~41–46 MPG
Moto Guzzi California II ~46 MPG
Ducati Mille S2 ~40 MPG
BMW R100RS ~42 MPG

 

1985 Fuel Economy Myth‑Busters

  • Small two‑strokes can be frugal: 50–125cc platforms routinely delivered 60–100+ MPG in urban duty, trading emissions for simplicity.
  • Big tourers can sip: GL1200, Concours, and BMW K‑series hold mid‑30s to ~50 MPG with smooth throttle and clean aero; owner spreads are normal.
  • Pace drives MPG: FJ/FZ/GSX‑R class stays 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 KLR/NX and R‑GS 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.

 

 

1985 Fuel Economy Strategies

  • Commute class: 50–300cc singles/scooters (Rebel 250, GN/DR 125–250, Helix, Vespa PX) sustain 70–95 MPG with proper pressures, chain care, and air filters.
  • Touring discipline: GL1200/Concours/K100LT hold mid‑30s to ~50 MPG at 60–70 mph cruise, light luggage, and clean fairings; carb sync pays off.
  • ADV setup: KLR/NX and R‑GS recover MPG by reducing aero drag, avoiding oversized knobbies, and steady pacing.
  • Performance pacing: FJ/FZ/GSX‑R respond to short‑shifting and smooth throttle; expect mid‑40s to low‑50s MPG off‑track.
  • Maintenance multipliers: Fresh plugs, balanced carbs, correct chain alignment, and wheel bearings reduce losses on carb‑era bikes.

 

 

What Was New and Popular in 1985 Motorcycles

1985 cemented the sportbike revolution with GSX‑R750/1100, matured sport‑touring around FJ/FZ and Concours, and kept luxo‑touring ascendant with GL1200 trims. Dual‑sport practicality expanded through KLR/NX families, and cruisers diversified with Virago, Vulcan, Intruder, and Madura lines.

  • Sportbike leap: GSX‑R series reshaped performance and weight targets, setting the tone for the late ’80s.
  • Sport‑tour confidence: FJ/FZ and Concours paired pace with range and comfort, popular in North America and Europe.
  • Luxo‑tour benchmarking: GL1200 Aspencade and SE‑i elevated convenience and tech, with stable highway economy.
  • ADV practicality: KLR/NX and R‑GS delivered “ride anywhere” capability with strong MPG and durability.
  • Cruiser variety: Virago, Vulcan, Intruder, and Madura offered distinctive powertrains and ergonomics with dependable MPG.
  • Global breadth: Europe’s Benelli/Gilera/Cagiva and scooters (Vespa PX) rounded out accessible, fuel‑savvy choices.

Overall, 1985 blended speed, distance, and everyday economy—often in the same garage—thanks to broad global availability and refined engineering across segments.

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