1986 Motorcycle Fuel Economy Guide

September 21, 2016 Michael Le Pard MPG Guide, News

Posted on October 6, 2025 by Michael Le Pard

1986 Motorcycle and Scooter Models

A guide to motorcycle gas mileage (MPG and L/100km) and efficiency.
1986 Motorcycle MPG Fuel Economy Guide
World Changing Event: January 28, 1986 – The Space Shuttle Challenger disaster occurred on Tuesday, January 28, 1986, when it broke apart 73 seconds into its flight, leading to the deaths of its seven crew members. The spacecraft disintegrated over the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of central Florida, at 11:38 am EST (16:38 UTC). Disintegration of the entire vehicle began after an O-ring seal in its right solid rocket booster (SRB) failed at liftoff. The O-ring failure caused a breach in the SRB joint it sealed, allowing pressurized hot gas from within the solid rocket motor to reach the outside and impinge upon the adjacent SRB attachment hardware and external fuel tank. This led to the separation of the right-hand SRB’s aft attachment and the structural failure of the external tank. Aerodynamic forces promptly broke up the orbiter. The crew compartment and many other vehicle fragments were eventually recovered from the ocean floor after a lengthy search and recovery operation. Although the exact timing of the death of the crew is unknown, several crew members are known to have survived the initial breakup of the spacecraft. However, the astronauts did not survive the impact of the crew compartment with the ocean surface. The disaster resulted in a 32-month hiatus in the shuttle program.

1986 Motorcycle and Scooter Model Data

Year Make Model Engine (cc) MPG (US) L/100km Horsepower Seat Height Weight
1986 Aprilia RX125 124 76 3.1 10 hp 31.1 in 265 lb
1986 Aprilia RX125 (reduced effect) 124 80 2.9 8 hp 31.1 in 265 lb
1986 Aprilia Tuareg 250 248 58 4.0 28 hp 34.3 in 310 lb
1986 Aprilia ETX350 E 349 60 3.9 30 hp 33.9 in 320 lb
1986 Aprilia ETX600 Tuareg 562 55 4.3 46 hp 33.9 in 380 lb
1986 Benelli 125 Sport 125 70 3.4 12 hp 31.1 in 265 lb
1986 Benelli 250 2C 231 60 3.9 22 hp 31.5 in 320 lb
1986 Benelli 304 231 60 3.9 27 hp 31.5 in 330 lb
1986 Benelli 654 Sport 604 57 4.1 50 hp 31.5 in 405 lb
1986 Benelli 900 Sei Sport 905 38 6.2 80 hp 31.9 in 485 lb
1986 Beta TR34 125 124 70 3.4 20 hp 33.1 in 210 lb
1986 Beta TR34 260 261 65 3.6 22 hp 33.1 in 220 lb
1986 Bimota YB6 1003 36 6.5 145 hp 32.1 in 420 lb
1986 Bimota DB1 SR 748 40 5.9 95 hp 31.9 in 380 lb
1986 BMW K100RS 987 47 5.0 90 hp 31.5 in 540 lb
1986 BMW K100RT 987 47 5.0 90 hp 31.5 in 540 lb
1986 BMW K75C 740 49.5 4.7 68 hp 31.1 in 474 lb
1986 BMW K75T 740 49.5 4.7 68 hp 30.7 in 470 lb
1986 BMW R65 649 50 4.7 45 hp 31.5 in 460 lb
1986 BMW R65 (reduced effect) 649 52 4.5 40 hp 31.5 in 460 lb
1986 BMW R80 797 47 5.0 50 hp 31.5 in 480 lb
1986 BMW R80GS 797 47 5.0 50 hp 33.1 in 480 lb
1986 BMW R80GS Paris‑Dakar 797 45 5.2 50 hp 33.1 in 490 lb
1986 BMW R80RT 797 47 5.0 50 hp 31.5 in 500 lb
1986 BMW R100RS 979 42 5.6 60 hp 31.5 in 525 lb
1986 Buell RR1000 1000 40 5.9 78 hp 31.9 in 460 lb
1986 Cagiva 650 Alazzurra 649 57 4.1 53 hp 31.5 in 400 lb
1986 Cagiva 650 Alazzurra (reduced effect) 649 59 4.0 47 hp 31.5 in 400 lb
1986 Cagiva 650 Elefant 649 50 4.7 50 hp 33.9 in 430 lb
1986 Chang‑Jiang 750 BG (sidecar) 745 45 5.2 24 hp 31.5 in 500 lb
1986 Donghai SM 750 (sidecar) 745 44 5.4 24 hp 31.5 in 500 lb
1986 Dnepr MT‑11 (sidecar) 650 48 4.9 32 hp 31.5 in 520 lb
1986 Dnepr MT‑16 (sidecar) 650 47 5.0 32 hp 31.5 in 520 lb
1986 Ducati 750 F1 748 44 5.3 76 hp 31.5 in 400 lb
1986 Ducati 750 Paso 748 42 5.6 73 hp 31.5 in 430 lb
1986 Ducati 1000 S2 973 40 5.9 84 hp 31.5 in 465 lb
1986 Enfield Bullet 350 346 90 2.6 18 hp 31.5 in 360 lb
1986 Enfield Bullet 350 De Luxe 346 90 2.6 18 hp 31.5 in 360 lb
1986 Fantic 125 Raider LC 124 70 3.4 25 hp 32.3 in 260 lb
1986 Fantic 250 Raider LC 249 62 3.8 28 hp 33.1 in 280 lb
1986 Gilera NGR250 249 52 4.5 30 hp 31.5 in 360 lb
1986 Gilera NGR250 (reduced effect) 249 54 4.4 24 hp 31.5 in 360 lb
1986 Gilera RV200 183 65 3.6 18 hp 31.3 in 310 lb
1986 Gilera RX200 Arizona 183 63 3.7 18 hp 33.1 in 315 lb
1986 Harley‑Davidson FLHT 1340 Electra Glide 1337 42.5 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 785 lb
1986 Harley‑Davidson FLHTC 1340 Electra Glide Classic 1337 42.5 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 791 lb
1986 Harley‑Davidson FLTC 1340 Tour Glide Classic 1337 43 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 785 lb
1986 Harley‑Davidson FXR 1340 Super Glide 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 27.6 in 640 lb
1986 Harley‑Davidson FXRS 1340 Low Rider 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 27.6 in 650 lb
1986 Harley‑Davidson FXRS 1340 Low Rider Custom 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 27.6 in 650 lb
1986 Harley‑Davidson FXRS 1340 Low Rider Sport Edition 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 27.6 in 650 lb
1986 Harley‑Davidson FXRT 1340 Sport Glide 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 27.6 in 650 lb
1986 Harley‑Davidson FXST 1340 Softail 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 26.8 in 650 lb
1986 Harley‑Davidson FXSTC 1340 Softail Custom 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 26.8 in 650 lb
1986 Harley‑Davidson XLH Sportster 1100 Evolution 1101 49.5 4.7 60 hp 28.0 in 520 lb
1986 Harley‑Davidson XLH Sportster 1100 Evolution De Luxe 1101 49.5 4.7 60 hp 28.0 in 525 lb
1986 Harley‑Davidson XLH Sportster 883 Evolution 883 51.5 4.6 49 hp 27.0 in 540 lb
1986 Harley‑Davidson XL1200 Sportster 1200 47 5.0 67 hp 28.0 in 560 lb
1986 Hercules K125 Military 124 75 3.1 12 hp 32.3 in 260 lb
1986 Honda GL1200 Aspencade 1182 41 5.7 94 hp 30.7 in 728 lb
1986 Honda GL1200 SE‑i 1182 43 5.5 94 hp 30.7 in 770 lb
1986 Honda CB700SC Nighthawk S 699 50 4.7 75 hp 31.3 in 475 lb
1986 Honda CBX650E 653 52 4.5 67 hp 31.5 in 430 lb
1986 Honda VF500F Interceptor 498 55 4.3 70 hp 30.7 in 390 lb
1986 Honda VFR700F 699 51.5 4.6 80–85 hp 31.5 in 460 lb
1986 Honda VFR750F 748 48 4.9 100 hp 31.7 in 480 lb
1986 Honda VT700C Shadow 699 57 4.1 62 hp 28.7 in 470 lb
1986 Honda VT1100C Shadow 1099 47 5.0 67 hp 28.7 in 580 lb
1986 Honda CN250 Helix 244 72 3.3 19 hp 27.6 in 350 lb
1986 Honda CMX450C Rebel 450 447 60 3.9 27 hp 27.6 in 364 lb
1986 Honda XR600R 591 48 4.9 43 hp 36.8 in 290 lb
1986 Honda Z50R 49 77.5 3.0 4 hp 22.0 in 110 lb
1986 Kawasaki EX250F Ninja 250R 249 77.5 3.0 29 hp 30.5 in 304 lb
1986 Kawasaki EN450A 454 LTD 454 61.5 3.8 50 hp 27.6 in 390 lb
1986 Kawasaki KDX200 198 81 2.9 24 hp 36.0 in 225 lb
1986 Kawasaki KE100 99 73.5 3.2 11 hp 31.1 in 211 lb
1986 Kawasaki KLR250 249 80 2.9 23 hp 33.7 in 258 lb
1986 Kawasaki KL600 592 55 4.3 43 hp 35.0 in 345 lb
1986 Kawasaki ZG1000 Concours 998 49.5 4.7 100 hp 31.1 in 670 lb
1986 Kawasaki ZG1200 Voyager XII 1196 40 5.9 97 hp 29.9 in 780 lb
1986 Kawasaki ZN1300 Voyager 1286 38 6.2 120 hp 29.9 in 820 lb
1986 Kawasaki ZL600 Eliminator 592 48 4.9 50 hp 29.5 in 430 lb
1986 Kawasaki ZL900 Eliminator 908 42 5.6 105 hp 30.3 in 510 lb
1986 Kawasaki ZX1000 Ninja 998 39.5 5.9 135 hp 31.7 in 540 lb
1986 Kawasaki ZX900 Ninja 908 41.5 5.7 115 hp 31.5 in 505 lb
1986 Kawasaki VN750A Vulcan 750 749 53.5 4.4 61 hp 28.6 in 485 lb
1986 KTM 600 Enduro 598 55 4.3 45 hp 37.0 in 280 lb
1986 Laverda RGS1000 Corsa 981 42 5.6 90 hp 31.5 in 515 lb
1986 Moto Guzzi California 1000 949 46 5.1 70 hp 30.7 in 575 lb
1986 Peugeot XP50 49 95 2.5 4 hp 31.1 in 190 lb
1986 Piaggio Vespa PX125E 124 85 2.8 10 hp 31.1 in 240 lb
1986 Piaggio Vespa PX150E 149 80 3.0 9 hp 31.1 in 245 lb
1986 Piaggio Vespa PX200E 198 75 3.1 12 hp 31.1 in 250 lb
1986 Suzuki DR200SE 199 68 3.5 15 hp 32.0 in 278 lb
1986 Suzuki DR600 589 53.5 4.4 40 hp 35.8 in 330 lb
1986 Suzuki GN125 125 87.5 2.7 10 hp 30.7 in 275 lb
1986 Suzuki GN250 249 72.5 3.2 20 hp 30.7 in 300 lb
1986 Suzuki GS400 399 57 4.1 36 hp 30.9 in 380 lb
1986 Suzuki GS550 549 59 4.0 49 hp 31.5 in 420 lb
1986 Suzuki GSX‑R750 749 44 5.3 106–112 hp 32.3 in 448 lb
1986 Suzuki GSX‑R750R 749 44 5.3 112–115 hp 32.3 in 448 lb
1986 Suzuki GSX‑R1100 1127 41.5 5.7 130 hp 31.9 in 490 lb
1986 Suzuki GV1400 Cavalcade 1360 34 6.9 88 hp 30.7 in 850 lb
1986 Suzuki Madura GV1200GL 1165 37 6.4 110 hp 28.7 in 650 lb
1986 Suzuki Madura GV700GL 699 42.5 5.5 75 hp 28.7 in 540 lb
1986 Suzuki Savage 650 (S40) 652 53.5 4.4 31 hp 28.0 in 381 lb
1986 Suzuki Intruder 700GLP 699 45 5.2 55 hp 27.6 in 560 lb
1986 Suzuki Intruder 750 (VS750) 747 53.5 4.4 55 hp 27.6 in 560 lb
1986 Triumph Bonneville 750 (late) 744 48 4.9 55 hp 31.5 in 430 lb
1986 Yamaha FJ1200 1188 41.5 5.7 122 hp 31.7 in 518 lb
1986 Yamaha FJ600 598 56 4.2 72 hp 31.3 in 441 lb
1986 Yamaha FZ600 599 51.5 4.6 74–86 hp 31.7 in 412 lb
1986 Yamaha FZ700 697 47 5.0 90–95 hp 31.5 in 430 lb
1986 Yamaha FZ750 749 46 5.1 100 hp 31.7 in 465 lb
1986 Yamaha Radian 600 598 51.5 4.6 66 hp 31.3 in 430 lb
1986 Yamaha SR400 399 61.5 3.8 33 hp 31.1 in 380 lb
1986 Yamaha SR500 499 58 4.1 33 hp 31.3 in 395 lb
1986 Yamaha TT350 346 60 3.9 21 hp 34.3 in 273 lb
1986 Yamaha TT600 595 56 4.2 43 hp 35.8 in 309 lb
1986 Yamaha XJ600 598 56 4.2 61 hp 31.1 in 430 lb
1986 Yamaha XJ900 891 49.5 4.7 90 hp 31.7 in 509 lb
1986 Yamaha XT350 346 60 3.9 21 hp 34.3 in 273 lb
1986 Yamaha XT600 Ténéré 595 56 4.2 43 hp 34.6 in 343 lb
1986 Yamaha Virago 535 535 61.5 3.8 40 hp 28.1 in 425 lb
1986 Yamaha Virago 700 699 45 5.2 50 hp 28.5 in 505 lb
1986 Yamaha Virago 750 748 55 4.3 55 hp 28.5 in 465 lb
1986 Yamaha Virago 1000 981 44 5.3 62 hp 28.5 in 520 lb
1986 Yamaha V‑Max 1198 40.5 5.8 145 hp 30.5 in 631 lb
1986 Amazonas AME 1600 1600 32 7.4 65 hp 31.5 in 840 lb
1986 Aprilia RX250 246 60 3.9 28 hp 34.3 in 300 lb
1986 Aprilia TX 311 M (trial) 277 65 3.6 20 hp 33.1 in 220 lb
1986 Benelli 654 T 604 58 4.0 50 hp 31.5 in 405 lb
1986 Beta TR33 125 124 70 3.4 19 hp 33.1 in 205 lb
1986 BMW K100 (base) 987 47 5.0 90 hp 31.5 in 530 lb
1986 BMW K100LT 987 47 5.0 90 hp 30.3 in 650 lb
1986 BMW K100RS Motorsport 987 47 5.0 90 hp 31.5 in 540 lb
1986 BMW K75S 740 49.5 4.7 68 hp 31.1 in 474 lb
1986 BMW K75S Special 740 49.5 4.7 68 hp 31.1 in 474 lb
1986 Cagiva 650 Alazzurra (reduced effect) 649 59 4.0 47 hp 31.5 in 400 lb
1986 CZ 175 173 69 3.4 12 hp 31.1 in 285 lb
1986 Dnepr MT‑11 (with sidecar) 650 48 4.9 32 hp 31.5 in 520 lb
1986 Dnepr MT‑16 (with sidecar) 650 47 5.0 32 hp 31.5 in 520 lb
1986 Ducati 1000 SS Mike Hailwood Replica 973 40 5.9 84 hp 31.5 in 470 lb
1986 Gilera RX200 Enduro 183 63 3.7 18 hp 33.1 in 315 lb
1986 Harley‑Davidson FLHS Electra Glide Sport 1337 42.5 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 780 lb
1986 Harley‑Davidson FLHT/I Electra Glide Standard 1337 42.5 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 785 lb
1986 Harley‑Davidson FLHTC/I Electra Glide Classic 1337 42.5 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 791 lb
1986 Harley‑Davidson FLST/I Heritage Softail 1337 41.5 5.7 49 hp 27.5 in 657 lb
1986 Harley‑Davidson FXWG Wide Glide 1339 41 5.7 67 hp 27.8 in 650 lb
1986 Harley‑Davidson XLH 883 Evolution (reduced effect) 883 53 4.4 42 hp 27.0 in 540 lb
1986 Hercules K125 Military 124 75 3.1 12 hp 32.3 in 260 lb
1986 Honda CB125T2 124 85 2.8 13 hp 31.1 in 275 lb
1986 Honda CB125T2 (reduced effect) 124 90 2.6 11 hp 31.1 in 275 lb
1986 Honda CB250N 249 69 3.4 26 hp 31.5 in 330 lb
1986 Honda CB450N 447 60 3.9 43 hp 31.1 in 380 lb
1986 Honda CB450N (reduced effect) 447 62 3.8 27 hp 31.1 in 380 lb
1986 Honda CBX650E (reduced effect) 653 54 4.4 50 hp 31.5 in 430 lb
1986 Honda CBX750F 747 52 4.5 72 hp 31.5 in 465 lb
1986 Honda CM125C 124 85 2.8 10 hp 28.7 in 255 lb
1986 Honda CT110 105 79 3.0 7 hp 31.1 in 200 lb
1986 Honda Elite 150 153 70 3.4 11 hp 29.9 in 240 lb
1986 Honda TLR200 Reflex 195 61.5 3.8 13 hp 31.5 in 220 lb
1986 Kawasaki KD80 80 75.5 3.1 9 hp 28.7 in 160 lb
1986 Kawasaki KX400 398 53.5 4.4 40 hp 36.0 in 240 lb
1986 Kawasaki Z440 443 57 4.1 38 hp 31.5 in 415 lb
1986 Kawasaki Z1000 998 42 5.6 92 hp 31.7 in 540 lb
1986 Kawasaki ZX‑6 599 49.5 4.7 100 hp 32.1 in 401 lb
1986 MZ ETZ 250 243 53 4.4 19 hp 31.1 in 310 lb
1986 Piaggio Vespa PX150E 149 80 3.0 9 hp 31.1 in 245 lb
1986 Suzuki GSX250 Traditional 250 43 5.5 36 hp 31.1 in 386 lb
1986 Suzuki GSX1100F Katana 1127 25 9.6 112 hp 31.7 in 535 lb
1986 Yamaha FJ1200 1UX 1188 41.5 5.7 122 hp 31.7 in 518 lb
1986 Yamaha SRX250 249 64 3.7 32 hp 30.9 in 280 lb
1986 Yamaha SRX400 399 58 4.1 33 hp 31.1 in 380 lb
1986 Yamaha SRX600 595 56 4.2 43 hp 33.9 in 390 lb

 

1986 Best & Worst Fuel Economy Performers

Top 10 Best MPG (1986)
Honda Z50R ~77–78 MPG
Kawasaki KDX200 ~81 MPG
Kawasaki KLR250 ~80 MPG
Kawasaki KE100 ~73–74 MPG
Honda CN250 Helix ~72 MPG
Suzuki GN125 ~87–88 MPG
Suzuki GN250 ~72–73 MPG
Honda CMX450C Rebel ~60 MPG
Yamaha SR400 ~61–62 MPG
BMW K75 family ~49–50 MPG

 

Bottom 10 Worst MPG (1986)
Suzuki GV1400 Cavalcade ~34 MPG
Kawasaki ZX1000 / big‑bore superbikes ~39–42 MPG
Yamaha V‑Max ~40–41 MPG
Honda GL1200 SE‑i ~41–43 MPG
Kawasaki Voyager (ZN/ZX) ~38–40 MPG
Suzuki GSX‑R1100 ~41–42 MPG
Yamaha FZ750/FJ1200 ~41–46 MPG
Moto Guzzi California 1000 ~46 MPG
Ducati 1000 S2 ~40 MPG
Laverda RGS1000 Corsa ~42 MPG

 

1986 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 R‑GS/KLR 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.

 

1986 Fuel Economy Strategies

  • Commute class: 50–300cc singles/scooters (Rebel 450, GN125/250, 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/KL/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 1986 Motorcycles

1986 matured the sport‑touring template, consolidated midweight sportbikes, and expanded dual‑sport practicality. Japanese innovation dominated global segments, while halo machines like the FJ1200 and GSX‑R1100 pushed performance into everyday riding.

  • Sport‑tour momentum: Yamaha FJ1200 evolved from the FJ1100 into a mile‑eating platform, shaping the category’s balance of comfort and pace.
  • 600 class growth: FZ600/700, VF/VFR middleweights defined accessible speed and daily friendliness across markets.
  • Touring confidence: GL1200 (Aspencade/SE‑i), Concours, BMW K‑series paired long‑range economy with reliability and tech.
  • ADV expansion: KLR/KL platforms and R‑GS lineage made “ride anywhere” mainstream with strong MPG and durability.
  • Cruiser culture: Virago family, Vulcan 750, and Harley FXR/Softail lines balanced comfort, customization, and predictable MPG.
  • Halo superbikes: GSX‑R750/1100 and FZ750 pushed speed and tech, trading some MPG for performance.

Overall, 1986 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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