1987 Motorcycle Fuel Economy Guide

Sep 21, 2016 Michael Le Pard MPG Guide, News

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

1987 Motorcycle and Scooter Models

A guide to motorcycle gas mileage (MPG and L/100km) and efficiency.
1987 Motorcycle MPG Fuel Economy Guide
World Changing Event: Black Monday – Refers to Monday October 19, 1987, when stock markets around the world crashed, shedding a huge value in a very short time. The crash began in Hong Kong and spread west to Europe before hitting the United States and Canada. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) dropped by 508 points (22.61%) to 1738.74. Potential causes for the decline include program trading, overvaluation, illiquidity, and market psychology. By the end of October, stock markets in were down in the United States 23%, Canada 23%, United Kingdom 26%, Spain 31%, Australia 42%,Hong Kong 46% and New Zealand 60%.


1987 Motorcycle and Scooter Model Data

Year Make Model Engine (cc) MPG (US) L/100km Horsepower Seat Height Weight
1987 Aprilia AF1 125 Replica 124 68 3.5 28 hp 31.1 in 300 lb
1987 Aprilia ETX 350 AE 349 60 3.9 30 hp 33.5 in 320 lb
1987 Aprilia Tuareg 125 ES 124 74 3.2 14 hp 32.3 in 275 lb
1987 Aprilia Tuareg 6.35 Wind 349 56 4.2 30 hp 34.3 in 330 lb
1987 Aprilia TX 311 M (trial) 277 65 3.6 20 hp 33.1 in 220 lb
1987 Benelli 900 Sei 905 38 6.2 80 hp 31.9 in 485 lb
1987 Benelli BX 125 Enduro 123 70 3.4 12 hp 33.1 in 260 lb
1987 Benelli 304 231 60 3.9 27 hp 31.5 in 330 lb
1987 Beta TR34 125 124 70 3.4 20 hp 33.1 in 210 lb
1987 Beta TR34 260 261 65 3.6 22 hp 33.1 in 220 lb
1987 Bimota YB6 1003 36 6.5 145 hp 32.1 in 420 lb
1987 Bimota DB1 SR 748 40 5.9 95 hp 31.9 in 380 lb
1987 BMW K100LT 987 47 5.0 90 hp 30.3 in 650 lb
1987 BMW K100RS 987 47 5.0 90 hp 31.5 in 540 lb
1987 BMW K100RT 987 47 5.0 90 hp 31.5 in 540 lb
1987 BMW K75C 740 49.5 4.7 68 hp 31.1 in 474 lb
1987 BMW K75S 740 49.5 4.7 68 hp 31.1 in 474 lb
1987 BMW K75T 740 49.5 4.7 68 hp 30.7 in 470 lb
1987 BMW R65 649 50 4.7 45 hp 31.5 in 460 lb
1987 BMW R80 797 47 5.0 50 hp 31.5 in 480 lb
1987 BMW R80RT 797 47 5.0 50 hp 31.5 in 500 lb
1987 BMW R80GS 797 47 5.0 50 hp 33.1 in 480 lb
1987 BMW R80GS Paris‑Dakar 797 45 5.2 50 hp 33.1 in 490 lb
1987 BMW R100GS 979 42 5.6 60 hp 33.1 in 540 lb
1987 BMW R100RS 979 42 5.6 60 hp 31.5 in 525 lb
1987 Buell RR1000 1000 40 5.9 78 hp 31.9 in 460 lb
1987 Cagiva 650 Alazzurra 649 57 4.1 53 hp 31.5 in 400 lb
1987 Cagiva 650 Elefant 649 50 4.7 50 hp 33.9 in 430 lb
1987 Chang‑Jiang 750 BG (sidecar) 745 45 5.2 24 hp 31.5 in 500 lb
1987 Donghai SM 750 (sidecar) 745 44 5.4 24 hp 31.5 in 500 lb
1987 Dnepr MT‑11 (sidecar) 650 48 4.9 32 hp 31.5 in 520 lb
1987 Dnepr MT‑16 (sidecar) 650 47 5.0 32 hp 31.5 in 520 lb
1987 Ducati 650 Indiana 649 50 4.7 45 hp 28.9 in 410 lb
1987 Ducati 750 F1 Laguna Seca 748 42 5.6 76 hp 31.5 in 400 lb
1987 Ducati 750 Paso 748 42 5.6 73 hp 31.5 in 430 lb
1987 Enfield Bullet 350 346 90 2.6 18 hp 31.5 in 360 lb
1987 Enfield Bullet 350 De Luxe 346 90 2.6 18 hp 31.5 in 360 lb
1987 Fantic 125 Sport HP1 124 70 3.4 25 hp 32.3 in 260 lb
1987 Gilera 350 Dakota 349 60 3.9 30 hp 34.3 in 320 lb
1987 Gilera NGR 250 249 52 4.5 30 hp 31.5 in 360 lb
1987 Gilera NGR 250 (reduced effect) 249 54 4.4 24 hp 31.5 in 360 lb
1987 Gilera RV 200 183 65 3.6 18 hp 31.3 in 310 lb
1987 Gilera RX 200 Arizona 183 63 3.7 18 hp 33.1 in 315 lb
1987 Harley‑Davidson FLHS Electra Glide Sport 1340 42.5 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 780 lb
1987 Harley‑Davidson FLHT Electra Glide Standard 1337 42.5 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 785 lb
1987 Harley‑Davidson FLHTC Electra Glide Classic 1337 42.5 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 791 lb
1987 Harley‑Davidson FLTC Tour Glide Classic 1337 43 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 785 lb
1987 Harley‑Davidson FLST Heritage Softail 1337 41.5 5.7 49 hp 27.5 in 657 lb
1987 Harley‑Davidson FXR 1340 Super Glide 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 27.6 in 640 lb
1987 Harley‑Davidson FXRS Low Rider 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 27.6 in 650 lb
1987 Harley‑Davidson FXRT Sport Glide 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 27.6 in 650 lb
1987 Harley‑Davidson FXST Softail 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 26.8 in 650 lb
1987 Harley‑Davidson FXSTC Softail Custom 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 26.8 in 650 lb
1987 Harley‑Davidson XLH Sportster 1100 Evolution 1101 49.5 4.7 60 hp 28.0 in 520 lb
1987 Harley‑Davidson XLH Sportster 883 Evolution 883 51.5 4.6 49 hp 27.0 in 540 lb
1987 Honda CBR600F 599 48 4.9 85–95 hp 31.5 in 455 lb
1987 Honda CBR1000F 998 41 5.7 130–135 hp 31.3 in 540 lb
1987 Honda CN250 Helix 244 72 3.3 19 hp 27.6 in 350 lb
1987 Honda CMX250C Rebel 234 61.5 3.8 18 hp 26.6 in 306 lb
1987 Honda VT1100C Shadow Spirit 1099 47 5.0 67 hp 28.7 in 580 lb
1987 Honda NT650 Hawk GT 647 50 4.7 58 hp 31.3 in 415 lb
1987 Honda VFR700F 699 51.5 4.6 80–85 hp 31.5 in 460 lb
1987 Honda VFR750F 748 48 4.9 100 hp 31.7 in 480 lb
1987 Honda XL600R 591 48 4.9 43 hp 36.8 in 290 lb
1987 Honda XR250R 249 65.5 3.6 24 hp 35.0 in 260 lb
1987 Honda Z50R 49 77.5 3.0 4 hp 22.0 in 110 lb
1987 Husqvarna TE510 503 55 4.3 44 hp 37.0 in 260 lb
1987 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (EX250) 249 77.5 3.0 29 hp 30.5 in 304 lb
1987 Kawasaki Ninja 500R (EX500) 498 56 4.2 50 hp 31.7 in 388 lb
1987 Kawasaki ZX‑6 (600) 599 49.5 4.7 98–100 hp 32.1 in 401 lb
1987 Kawasaki ZX1000 Ninja 998 39.5 5.9 125–135 hp 31.7 in 540 lb
1987 Kawasaki Concours GTR1000 998 49.5 4.7 100 hp 31.1 in 670 lb
1987 Kawasaki ZL1000 Eliminator 997 42 5.6 100 hp 29.5 in 540 lb
1987 Kawasaki VN750 Vulcan 749 53.5 4.4 61 hp 28.6 in 485 lb
1987 Kawasaki VN1500 Vulcan 1470 44.5 5.3 67 hp 28.0 in 675 lb
1987 Kawasaki KLR250 249 80 2.9 23 hp 33.7 in 258 lb
1987 Kawasaki KLR650 651 58 4.1 40 hp 35.0 in 432 lb
1987 Kawasaki KE100 99 73.5 3.2 11 hp 31.1 in 211 lb
1987 KTM 600 Enduro 598 55 4.3 45 hp 37.0 in 280 lb
1987 Laverda Ghost 650 668 45 5.2 70 hp 31.3 in 430 lb
1987 Moto Guzzi California 1000 949 46 5.1 70 hp 30.7 in 575 lb
1987 Peugeot XP 50 49 95 2.5 4 hp 31.1 in 190 lb
1987 Piaggio Vespa PX125E 124 85 2.8 10 hp 31.1 in 240 lb
1987 Piaggio Vespa PX200E 198 75 3.1 12 hp 31.1 in 250 lb
1987 Suzuki DR200SE 199 68 3.5 15 hp 32.0 in 278 lb
1987 Suzuki DR600 589 53.5 4.4 40 hp 35.8 in 330 lb
1987 Suzuki DR750S Big 747 47 5.0 50 hp 35.8 in 430 lb
1987 Suzuki GN125 125 87.5 2.7 10 hp 30.7 in 275 lb
1987 Suzuki GN250 249 72.5 3.2 20 hp 30.7 in 300 lb
1987 Suzuki GS400 399 57 4.1 36 hp 30.9 in 380 lb
1987 Suzuki GSX‑R750 749 44 5.3 110–112 hp 32.3 in 448 lb
1987 Suzuki GSX‑R750R 749 44 5.3 112–115 hp 32.3 in 448 lb
1987 Suzuki GSX‑R1100 1127 41.5 5.7 130 hp 31.9 in 490 lb
1987 Suzuki GV1400 Cavalcade 1360 34 6.9 88 hp 30.7 in 850 lb
1987 Suzuki Intruder 750 (VS750) 747 53.5 4.4 55 hp 27.6 in 560 lb
1987 Suzuki Intruder 1400 (VS1400) 1360 46 5.1 61 hp 27.6 in 639 lb
1987 Suzuki Savage 650 (S40) 652 53.5 4.4 31 hp 28.0 in 381 lb
1987 Triumph Daytona 750 (early Hinckley) 748 44 5.3 98 hp 31.3 in 465 lb
1987 Yamaha FJ1100 1101 42.5 5.5 125 hp 31.7 in 518 lb
1987 Yamaha FZ600 599 51.5 4.6 74–86 hp 31.7 in 412 lb
1987 Yamaha FZ700 697 47 5.0 90–95 hp 31.5 in 430 lb
1987 Yamaha FZR1000 Genesis 1002 42.5 5.5 145 hp 31.5 in 510 lb
1987 Yamaha FZR400 Genesis 399 52 4.5 64 hp 31.1 in 385 lb
1987 Yamaha RD350F 347 46 5.1 55 hp 31.1 in 365 lb
1987 Yamaha SDR200 199 62 3.8 35 hp 31.1 in 280 lb
1987 Yamaha SRX250 249 64 3.7 32 hp 30.9 in 280 lb
1987 Yamaha SRX400 399 58 4.1 33 hp 31.1 in 380 lb
1987 Yamaha SRX600 595 56 4.2 43 hp 33.9 in 390 lb
1987 Yamaha TZR125 124 85 2.8 15 hp 31.1 in 275 lb
1987 Yamaha TZR250 249 50 4.7 45 hp 31.5 in 320 lb
1987 Yamaha XT225 Serow 223 74 3.2 18 hp 31.9 in 238 lb
1987 Yamaha XT600Z Ténéré 1VJ 595 56 4.2 43 hp 34.6 in 343 lb
1987 Yamaha Virago 535 535 61.5 3.8 40 hp 28.1 in 425 lb
1987 Yamaha Virago 750 748 55 4.3 55 hp 28.5 in 465 lb
1987 Yamaha Virago 1000 981 44 5.3 62 hp 28.5 in 520 lb
1987 Yamaha V‑Max 1198 40.5 5.8 140–145 hp 30.5 in 631 lb
1987 Aprilia Tuareg Rally 250 248 58 4.0 28 hp 34.3 in 310 lb
1987 Aprilia Tuareg Rally 350 349 56 4.2 30 hp 34.3 in 330 lb
1987 Aprilia RX250 246 60 3.9 28 hp 34.3 in 300 lb
1987 Benelli 900 Sei Sport 905 38 6.2 80 hp 31.9 in 485 lb
1987 Benelli 250 2C 231 60 3.9 22 hp 31.5 in 320 lb
1987 Beta KR250 239 62 3.8 26 hp 33.1 in 240 lb
1987 BMW K75S Special 740 49.5 4.7 68 hp 31.1 in 474 lb
1987 BMW R65 (reduced effect) 649 52 4.5 40 hp 31.5 in 460 lb
1987 Cagiva 650 Alazzurra (reduced effect) 649 59 4.0 47 hp 31.5 in 400 lb
1987 CZ 175 173 69 3.4 12 hp 31.1 in 285 lb
1987 Ducati 350 F3 349 52 4.5 35 hp 31.1 in 360 lb
1987 Gilera RX200 Enduro 183 63 3.7 18 hp 33.1 in 315 lb
1987 Harley‑Davidson FLHT/I Electra Glide Standard 1337 42.5 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 785 lb
1987 Harley‑Davidson FLHTC/I Electra Glide Classic 1337 42.5 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 791 lb
1987 Harley‑Davidson FXRS Low Rider Custom 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 27.6 in 650 lb
1987 Harley‑Davidson FXRS Low Rider Sport Edition 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 27.6 in 650 lb
1987 Harley‑Davidson XLH Sportster 883 Evolution De Luxe 883 51.5 4.6 49 hp 27.0 in 540 lb
1987 Hercules K125 Military 124 75 3.1 12 hp 32.3 in 260 lb
1987 Honda CB450S 447 60 3.9 43 hp 31.1 in 380 lb
1987 Honda CB450S (reduced effect) 447 62 3.8 27 hp 31.1 in 380 lb
1987 Honda CBX650E 653 52 4.5 67 hp 31.5 in 430 lb
1987 Honda CB700SC Nighthawk S 699 50 4.7 75 hp 31.3 in 475 lb
1987 Honda CBR1000F Hurricane 998 41 5.7 135 hp 30.7 in 564 lb
1987 Honda VFR750R RC30 (homologation) 748 40 5.9 112 hp 31.5 in 470 lb
1987 MZ ETZ 250 243 53 4.4 19 hp 31.1 in 310 lb
1987 Piaggio Vespa PX150E 149 80 3.0 9 hp 31.1 in 245 lb
1987 Suzuki GSX1100F Katana 1127 25 9.6 112 hp 31.7 in 535 lb
1987 Yamaha FJ1200 1UX 1188 41.5 5.7 125 hp 31.7 in 518 lb
1987 Yamaha FZR750R Genesis 749 44 5.3 106 hp 31.5 in 450 lb
1987 Yamaha SRX250F 249 64 3.7 32 hp 30.9 in 280 lb
1987 Yamaha TZR125 Naked 124 85 2.8 15 hp 31.1 in 275 lb
1987 Yamaha XV400 Virago 399 62 3.8 33 hp 28.1 in 410 lb
1987 Yamaha Radian 600 598 51.5 4.6 66 hp 31.3 in 430 lb

1987 Honda RC30

1987 Best & Worst Fuel Economy Performers

Top 10 Best MPG (1987)
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 CMX250C Rebel ~61–62 MPG
Yamaha XT225 Serow ~74 MPG
BMW K75 family ~49–50 MPG

 

Bottom 10 Worst MPG (1987)
Suzuki GV1400 Cavalcade ~34 MPG
Kawasaki ZX1000 / big‑bore superbikes ~39–42 MPG
Yamaha V‑Max ~40–41 MPG
Ducati 750 Paso ~42 MPG
Honda VT1100C Shadow ~47 MPG
BMW R100GS (ADV setup) ~40–42 MPG
Yamaha FZR1000 Genesis ~42–43 MPG
Suzuki GSX‑R1100 ~41–42 MPG
Harley‑Davidson FL touring ~41–43 MPG
Kawasaki ZL1000 Eliminator ~42 MPG

 

1987 Fuel Economy Myth‑Busters

  • Small two‑strokes can be frugal: 50–125cc platforms routinely deliver 60–100+ MPG in urban duty, trading emissions for simplicity.
  • Big tourers can sip: GL/Concours/K‑series can hold mid‑30s to ~50 MPG with smooth throttle, clean aero, and proper pressures; owner spreads are normal.
  • Pace drives MPG: FZR/CBR/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 R80/100GS, KLR, NX 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.

 

 

1987 Fuel Economy Strategies

  • Commute class: 50–300cc singles/scooters (Rebel 250, GN125/250, Helix, Vespa) sustain 70–95 MPG with proper pressures, chain care, and air filters.
  • Touring discipline: GL1500 predecessors, 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/Transalp/R‑GS recover MPG by reducing aero drag, avoiding oversized knobbies, and steady pacing.
  • Performance pacing: FZR/CBR/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 1987 Motorcycles

1987 solidified the 600 sport class, expanded dual‑sport practicality, and kept luxo‑touring ascendant, while Japanese innovation dominated global segments. Performance cruisers like V‑Max stayed culturally loud, and specials like RC‑class homologations and GSX‑R trims sharpened the sport edge.

  • 600 class momentum: FZ/FZR600 and CBR600F set the daily‑fast template for the next decade.
  • Touring range: Concours and BMW K‑series paired long‑range economy with reliability; GL family matured luxury.
  • ADV growth: R80/100GS lineage and KLR/Transalp/NX made “ride anywhere” mainstream.
  • Standards revival: Hawk GT, Zephyr‑class, and SRX series highlighted approachable torque and sensible MPG.
  • Cruiser culture: Virago/Softail kept comfort and customization front‑and‑center; Eliminator’s one‑year ZL1000 stands out.
  • Halo superbikes: FZR1000, GSX‑R750/1100, and CBR1000F pushed tech and speed, trading some MPG for performance.

Overall, 1987 blended speed, distance, and everyday economy—often in the same garage—thanks to broad global availability and refined engineering across segments.

2026 Newest Bike Reviews

TMW 2026 Motorcycle Model Review Guides