
Published October 6, 2025 by Michael Le Pard , Editor‑in‑Chief
1988 Motorcycle and Scooter Models
A guide to motorcycle gas mileage (MPG and L/100km) and efficiency.
World Changing Event: July 1, 1988 – Now-famous slogan “Just Do It” appeared in a 1988 Nike ad campaign. The advertising agency who created the campaign credits the inspiration for the slogan to “Let’s do it”, the last words spoken by Gary Gilmore before he was executed by firing squad. It was chosen by Advertising Age as one of the top five ad slogans of the 20th century and the campaign has been enshrined in the Smithsonian Institution.
1988 Motorcycle and Scooter Model Data
Year | Make | Model | Engine (cc) | MPG (US) | L/100km | Horsepower | Seat Height | Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1988 | Aprilia | AF1 125 Replica | 124 | 68 | 3.5 | 28 hp | 31.1 in | 300 lb |
1988 | Aprilia | Tuareg 4.35 | 349 | 60 | 3.9 | 30 hp | 33.5 in | 320 lb |
1988 | Aprilia | Tuareg 6.35 Wind | 562 | 55 | 4.3 | 46 hp | 33.9 in | 380 lb |
1988 | Benelli | 900 Sei | 905 | 38 | 6.2 | 80 hp | 31.9 in | 485 lb |
1988 | Beta | TR34 125 | 124 | 70 | 3.4 | 20 hp | 33.1 in | 210 lb |
1988 | Beta | TR34 260 | 261 | 65 | 3.6 | 22 hp | 33.1 in | 220 lb |
1988 | Bimota | YB6 | 1003 | 36 | 6.5 | 145 hp | 32.1 in | 420 lb |
1988 | Bimota | DB1 SR | 748 | 40 | 5.9 | 95 hp | 31.9 in | 380 lb |
1988 | BMW | K100LT | 987 | 47 | 5.0 | 90 hp | 30.3 in | 650 lb |
1988 | BMW | K100RS | 987 | 47 | 5.0 | 90 hp | 31.5 in | 540 lb |
1988 | BMW | K100RT | 987 | 47 | 5.0 | 90 hp | 31.5 in | 540 lb |
1988 | BMW | K75C | 740 | 49.5 | 4.7 | 68 hp | 31.1 in | 474 lb |
1988 | BMW | K75S | 740 | 49.5 | 4.7 | 68 hp | 31.1 in | 474 lb |
1988 | BMW | R100GS | 979 | 42 | 5.6 | 60 hp | 33.1 in | 540 lb |
1988 | BMW | R100RS | 979 | 42 | 5.6 | 60 hp | 31.5 in | 525 lb |
1988 | BMW | R100RT | 979 | 42 | 5.6 | 60 hp | 31.5 in | 525 lb |
1988 | BMW | R65 | 649 | 50 | 4.7 | 45 hp | 31.5 in | 460 lb |
1988 | BMW | R65GS | 649 | 50 | 4.7 | 45 hp | 33.1 in | 470 lb |
1988 | BMW | R80 | 797 | 47 | 5.0 | 50 hp | 31.5 in | 480 lb |
1988 | BMW | R80GS | 797 | 47 | 5.0 | 50 hp | 33.1 in | 480 lb |
1988 | BMW | R80RT | 797 | 47 | 5.0 | 50 hp | 31.5 in | 500 lb |
1988 | Buell | RR1000 | 1000 | 40 | 5.9 | 78 hp | 31.9 in | 460 lb |
1988 | Cagiva | Freccia 125 C9 | 125 | 68 | 3.5 | 28 hp | 30.7 in | 285 lb |
1988 | Cagiva | T4 350 E | 343 | 60 | 3.9 | 30 hp | 33.9 in | 320 lb |
1988 | Cagiva | T4 500 E | 451 | 58 | 4.0 | 34 hp | 34.3 in | 320 lb |
1988 | Cagiva | Elefant 750 | 748 | 48 | 4.9 | 50 hp | 33.9 in | 430 lb |
1988 | Chang‑Jiang | 750 BG (sidecar) | 745 | 45 | 5.2 | 24 hp | 31.5 in | 500 lb |
1988 | Chang‑Jiang | 750 FY (sidecar) | 745 | 45 | 5.2 | 24 hp | 31.5 in | 500 lb |
1988 | Chang‑Jiang | 750 J‑1 (sidecar) | 745 | 45 | 5.2 | 24 hp | 31.5 in | 500 lb |
1988 | Donghai | SM 750 (sidecar) | 745 | 44 | 5.4 | 24 hp | 31.5 in | 500 lb |
1988 | Dnepr | MT‑11 (sidecar) | 650 | 48 | 4.9 | 32 hp | 31.5 in | 520 lb |
1988 | Dnepr | MT‑16 (sidecar) | 650 | 47 | 5.0 | 32 hp | 31.5 in | 520 lb |
1988 | Ducati | 750 F1 | 748 | 44 | 5.3 | 76 hp | 31.5 in | 400 lb |
1988 | Ducati | 750 Santa Monica | 748 | 42 | 5.6 | 76 hp | 31.5 in | 400 lb |
1988 | Ducati | 750 Paso | 748 | 42 | 5.6 | 73 hp | 31.5 in | 430 lb |
1988 | Enfield | Bullet 350 | 346 | 90 | 2.6 | 18 hp | 31.5 in | 360 lb |
1988 | Enfield | Bullet 350 De Luxe | 346 | 90 | 2.6 | 18 hp | 31.5 in | 360 lb |
1988 | Enfield | Bullet 350 Superstar | 346 | 90 | 2.6 | 18 hp | 31.5 in | 360 lb |
1988 | Fantic | 125 Sport HP1 | 124 | 70 | 3.4 | 25 hp | 32.3 in | 260 lb |
1988 | GasGas | Enducross 125 | 125 | 70 | 3.6 | 22 hp | 34.3 in | 235 lb |
1988 | GasGas | Enducross 250 | 249 | 62 | 3.8 | 28 hp | 35.0 in | 250 lb |
1988 | Gilera | 350 Dakota | 349 | 60 | 3.9 | 30 hp | 34.3 in | 320 lb |
1988 | Gilera | 500 Dakota | 492 | 55 | 4.3 | 45 hp | 34.6 in | 350 lb |
1988 | Gilera | NGR 250 | 249 | 52 | 4.5 | 30 hp | 31.5 in | 360 lb |
1988 | Harley‑Davidson | FLHS Electra Glide Sport | 1337 | 42.5 | 5.5 | 67 hp | 28.0 in | 780 lb |
1988 | Harley‑Davidson | FLHTC Electra Glide Classic | 1337 | 42.5 | 5.5 | 67 hp | 28.0 in | 791 lb |
1988 | Harley‑Davidson | FLTC Tour Glide Classic | 1337 | 43 | 5.5 | 67 hp | 28.0 in | 785 lb |
1988 | Harley‑Davidson | FLST Heritage Softail | 1337 | 41.5 | 5.7 | 49 hp | 27.5 in | 657 lb |
1988 | Harley‑Davidson | FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic | 1337 | 41.5 | 5.7 | 49 hp | 26.9 in | 657 lb |
1988 | Harley‑Davidson | FXSTC Softail Custom | 1337 | 44 | 5.3 | 67 hp | 26.8 in | 650 lb |
1988 | Harley‑Davidson | FXSTS Springer Softail | 1337 | 44 | 5.3 | 67 hp | 26.9 in | 650 lb |
1988 | Harley‑Davidson | FXLR Low Rider Custom | 1337 | 45 | 5.2 | 67 hp | 27.6 in | 650 lb |
1988 | Harley‑Davidson | FXRT Sport Glide | 1337 | 44 | 5.3 | 67 hp | 27.6 in | 650 lb |
1988 | Honda | CBR1000F Hurricane | 998 | 54 | 4.4 | 135 hp | 31.3 in | 540 lb |
1988 | Honda | CBR600F Hurricane | 599 | 48 | 4.9 | 85–100 hp | 31.5 in | 455 lb |
1988 | Honda | NT650 Hawk GT | 647 | 50 | 4.7 | 58 hp | 31.3 in | 415 lb |
1988 | Honda | NX250 | 249 | 65 | 3.6 | 29 hp | 32.0 in | 293 lb |
1988 | Honda | NX650 | 644 | 54 | 4.4 | 44 hp | 34.3 in | 365 lb |
1988 | Honda | GL1500 Gold Wing | 1520 | 47 | 5.0 | 100 hp | 28.7 in | 800 lb |
1988 | Honda | CMX250C Rebel | 234 | 61.5 | 3.8 | 18 hp | 26.6 in | 306 lb |
1988 | Honda | VFR750F | 748 | 48 | 4.9 | 100 hp | 31.7 in | 480 lb |
1988 | Honda | XR600R | 591 | 48 | 4.9 | 43 hp | 36.8 in | 290 lb |
1988 | Honda | Z50R | 49 | 77.5 | 3.0 | 4 hp | 22.0 in | 110 lb |
1988 | Husqvarna | TE510 | 503 | 55 | 4.3 | 44 hp | 37.0 in | 260 lb |
1988 | Kawasaki | EX250 Ninja 250R | 249 | 77.5 | 3.0 | 29 hp | 30.5 in | 304 lb |
1988 | Kawasaki | EX500 Ninja 500R | 498 | 56 | 4.2 | 50 hp | 31.7 in | 388 lb |
1988 | Kawasaki | ZX‑6 (600) | 599 | 49.5 | 4.7 | 100 hp | 32.1 in | 401 lb |
1988 | Kawasaki | ZX1000 Ninja | 998 | 39.5 | 5.9 | 135 hp | 31.7 in | 540 lb |
1988 | Kawasaki | Concours ZG1000 | 998 | 54 | 4.4 | 100 hp | 31.1 in | 670 lb |
1988 | Kawasaki | VN750 Vulcan | 749 | 53.5 | 4.4 | 61 hp | 28.6 in | 485 lb |
1988 | Kawasaki | VN1500 Vulcan | 1470 | 44.5 | 5.3 | 67 hp | 28.0 in | 675 lb |
1988 | Kawasaki | KLR250 | 249 | 80 | 2.9 | 23 hp | 33.7 in | 258 lb |
1988 | Kawasaki | KLR650 | 651 | 58 | 4.1 | 40 hp | 35.0 in | 432 lb |
1988 | Kawasaki | KE100 | 99 | 73.5 | 3.2 | 11 hp | 31.1 in | 211 lb |
1988 | KTM | 600 Enduro | 598 | 55 | 4.3 | 45 hp | 37.0 in | 280 lb |
1988 | Laverda | Ghost 650 | 668 | 45 | 5.2 | 70 hp | 31.3 in | 430 lb |
1988 | Moto Guzzi | California 1000 | 949 | 46 | 5.1 | 70 hp | 30.7 in | 575 lb |
1988 | Peugeot | XP 50 | 49 | 95 | 2.5 | 4 hp | 31.1 in | 190 lb |
1988 | Piaggio | Vespa PX125E | 124 | 85 | 2.8 | 10 hp | 31.1 in | 240 lb |
1988 | Piaggio | Vespa PX200E | 198 | 75 | 3.1 | 12 hp | 31.1 in | 250 lb |
1988 | Suzuki | DR200SE | 199 | 68 | 3.5 | 15 hp | 32.0 in | 278 lb |
1988 | Suzuki | DR600 | 589 | 53.5 | 4.4 | 40 hp | 35.8 in | 330 lb |
1988 | Suzuki | DR750S Big | 747 | 47 | 5.0 | 50 hp | 35.8 in | 430 lb |
1988 | Suzuki | GN125 | 125 | 87.5 | 2.7 | 10 hp | 30.7 in | 275 lb |
1988 | Suzuki | GN250 | 249 | 72.5 | 3.2 | 20 hp | 30.7 in | 300 lb |
1988 | Suzuki | GS400 | 399 | 57 | 4.1 | 36 hp | 30.9 in | 380 lb |
1988 | Suzuki | GSX600F Katana | 599 | 55 | 4.3 | 86 hp | 31.7 in | 458 lb |
1988 | Suzuki | GSX‑R750 | 749 | 52.5 | 4.5 | 106–112 hp | 32.3 in | 448 lb |
1988 | Suzuki | GV1400 Cavalcade | 1360 | 34 | 6.9 | 88 hp | 30.7 in | 850 lb |
1988 | Suzuki | Intruder 750 (VS750) | 747 | 53.5 | 4.4 | 55 hp | 27.6 in | 560 lb |
1988 | Suzuki | Intruder 1400 (VS1400) | 1360 | 46 | 5.1 | 61 hp | 27.6 in | 639 lb |
1988 | Suzuki | Savage 650 (S40) | 652 | 53.5 | 4.4 | 31 hp | 28.0 in | 381 lb |
1988 | SYM | Jet 50 | 49 | 95 | 2.5 | 4 hp | 30.7 in | 185 lb |
1988 | Triumph | Daytona 750 | 748 | 44 | 5.3 | 98 hp | 31.3 in | 465 lb |
1988 | Triumph | Daytona 1000 | 998 | 39.5 | 5.9 | 135 hp | 31.7 in | 500 lb |
1988 | Yamaha | FZR400 | 399 | 41 | 5.7 | 64 hp | 31.1 in | 385 lb |
1988 | Yamaha | FZR600 | 599 | 51.5 | 4.6 | 90 hp | 31.7 in | 412 lb |
1988 | Yamaha | FZR1000 | 1002 | 42.5 | 5.5 | 145 hp | 31.5 in | 510 lb |
1988 | Yamaha | XJ600 | 598 | 56 | 4.2 | 61 hp | 31.1 in | 430 lb |
1988 | Yamaha | XJ900 | 891 | 49.5 | 4.7 | 90 hp | 31.7 in | 509 lb |
1988 | Yamaha | XT350 | 346 | 60 | 3.9 | 21 hp | 34.3 in | 273 lb |
1988 | Yamaha | XT600 Ténéré | 595 | 56 | 4.2 | 43 hp | 34.6 in | 343 lb |
1988 | Yamaha | Virago 535 | 535 | 61.5 | 3.8 | 40 hp | 28.1 in | 425 lb |
1988 | Yamaha | Virago 750 | 748 | 55 | 4.3 | 55 hp | 28.5 in | 465 lb |
1988 | Yamaha | Virago 1000 | 981 | 44 | 5.3 | 62 hp | 28.5 in | 520 lb |
1988 | Yamaha | V‑Max | 1198 | 40.5 | 5.8 | 140 hp | 30.5 in | 631 lb |
1988 | Aprilia | TX 125 | 124 | 78 | 3.0 | 12 hp | 31.1 in | 260 lb |
1988 | Aprilia | TX 311 M (trial) | 277 | 65 | 3.6 | 20 hp | 33.1 in | 220 lb |
1988 | Benelli | BX 125 Enduro | 123 | 70 | 3.4 | 12 hp | 33.1 in | 260 lb |
1988 | Benelli | 304 | 231 | 60 | 3.9 | 27 hp | 31.5 in | 330 lb |
1988 | Beta | KR 250 | 239 | 62 | 3.8 | 26 hp | 33.1 in | 240 lb |
1988 | BMW | K100RS ABS | 980 | 47 | 5.0 | 90 hp | 31.5 in | 540 lb |
1988 | Cagiva | T4 350 R (trial) | 343 | 60 | 3.9 | 28 hp | 33.9 in | 310 lb |
1988 | Chang‑Jiang | SM 750 (sidecar) | 745 | 44 | 5.4 | 24 hp | 31.5 in | 500 lb |
1988 | Ducati | 750 F1 Laguna Seca | 748 | 42 | 5.6 | 76 hp | 31.5 in | 400 lb |
1988 | Gilera | NGR 250 (reduced effect) | 249 | 54 | 4.4 | 24 hp | 31.5 in | 360 lb |
1988 | Gilera | RV 200 | 183 | 65 | 3.6 | 18 hp | 31.3 in | 310 lb |
1988 | Gilera | RX 200 Arizona | 183 | 63 | 3.7 | 18 hp | 33.1 in | 315 lb |
1988 | Gilera | XR1 125 | 124 | 70 | 3.4 | 12 hp | 33.1 in | 255 lb |
1988 | Harley‑Davidson | FLHT Electra Glide Standard | 1337 | 42.5 | 5.5 | 67 hp | 28.0 in | 785 lb |
1988 | Harley‑Davidson | FLHTC Electra Glide Classic (with sidecar) | 1337 | 42.5 | 5.5 | 67 hp | 28.0 in | 820 lb |
1988 | Harley‑Davidson | FXRS Low Rider | 1337 | 44 | 5.3 | 67 hp | 27.6 in | 650 lb |
1988 | Honda | CBR250R | 249 | 60 | 3.9 | 45 hp | 30.7 in | 350 lb |
1988 | Honda | CBR400RR | 399 | 55 | 4.3 | 59 hp | 31.1 in | 390 lb |
1988 | Honda | VFR750R RC30 | 748 | 40 | 5.9 | 112 hp | 31.5 in | 470 lb |
1988 | Honda | VFR400R NC24 | 399 | 52 | 4.5 | 59 hp | 31.1 in | 390 lb |
1988 | Honda | NX250 AX‑1 (Japan/Oceania) | 249 | 64 | 3.7 | 29 hp | 32.1 in | 293 lb |
1988 | Honda | NT650V Revere | 647 | 50 | 4.7 | 58 hp | 31.3 in | 430 lb |
1988 | Honda | NT600V Revere | 598 | 52 | 4.5 | 50 hp | 31.3 in | 425 lb |
1988 | Honda | VT600C Shadow | 583 | 54 | 4.4 | 44 hp | 27.6 in | 430 lb |
1988 | Honda | GB400TT Clubman | 399 | 58 | 4.1 | 33 hp | 31.1 in | 380 lb |
1988 | Honda | NX350 Sahara | 349 | 60 | 3.9 | 30 hp | 34.3 in | 320 lb |
1988 | Honda | NX500 Dominator | 497 | 55 | 4.3 | 44 hp | 34.6 in | 350 lb |
1988 | Honda | XL600V Transalp (early EU) | 583 | 50 | 4.7 | 50 hp | 33.9 in | 436 lb |
1988 | Honda | XL600V Naked | 583 | 50 | 4.7 | 50 hp | 33.1 in | 430 lb |
1988 | Kawasaki | KZ1000P Police | 998 | 42 | 5.6 | 102 hp | 31.7 in | 661 lb |
1988 | Suzuki | GSX1100F Katana | 1127 | 25 | 9.6 | 112 hp | 31.7 in | 535 lb |
1988 | Suzuki | GSX‑R1100 | 1127 | 38 | 6.2 | 130 hp | 31.9 in | 490 lb |
1988 Best & Worst Fuel Economy Performers
Top 10 Best MPG (1988) | |
---|---|
Honda Z50R | ~77–78 MPG |
Kawasaki KDX200 | ~81 MPG |
Kawasaki KLR250 | ~80 MPG |
Kawasaki KE100 | ~73–74 MPG |
Honda XR80R / XR100R | ~74–75 MPG |
Aprilia/Cagiva/Gilera 50–125cc two‑strokes | ~68–100+ MPG |
Suzuki GN125 | ~87–88 MPG |
Suzuki GN250 | ~72–73 MPG |
Honda CMX250C Rebel | ~61–62 MPG |
BMW K75 family | ~49–50 MPG |
Bottom 10 Worst MPG (1988) | |
---|---|
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 GL1500 Gold Wing | ~47 MPG (owner range ~34–47) |
Kawasaki VN1500 Vulcan | ~44–45 MPG |
BMW R100GS (loaded/ADV use) | ~40–42 MPG |
Suzuki GSX‑R750 (spirited pace) | ~50–53 MPG |
Harley‑Davidson FL touring | ~41–43 MPG |
Yamaha FZR1000 | ~42–43 MPG |
1988 Fuel Economy Myth‑Busters
- Small two‑strokes can be frugal: 50–125cc commuter and sport platforms routinely delivered 60–100+ MPG in urban duty, even though emissions were higher than four‑strokes.
- Big tourers can sip: GL1500 Gold Wing, Concours, and BMW K‑series could hold mid‑30s to ~50 MPG with smooth throttle and clean aero; owner spreads were normal.
- Pace drives MPG: FZR/CBR/GSX‑R class machines could 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 R100GS/KLR/NX reduced economy; de‑dragging recovered several MPG.
- Carb health is king: Balanced carbs, correct jetting, and fresh plugs often recovered 3–8 MPG on carb‑era machines.
1988 Fuel Economy Strategies
- Commute class: 50–300cc singles/scooters (Rebel 250, GN125/250, Vespa PX) sustained 70–95 MPG with proper pressures, chain care, and air filters.
- Touring discipline: GL1500, Concours, K100LT held mid‑30s to ~50 MPG at 60–70 mph cruise, light luggage, and clean fairings; carb sync paid off.
- ADV setup: KLR/NX/Transalp/R100GS recovered MPG by reducing aero drag, avoiding oversized knobbies, and steady pacing.
- Performance pacing: FZR/CBR/GSX‑R responded 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 reduced losses on carb‑era bikes.
What Was New and Popular in 1988 Motorcycles
1988 consolidated the 600 sport class, matured luxo‑touring with the GL1500, and expanded dual‑sport practicality (NX/Transalp, KLR), while Japanese makes led innovation and volume across segments around the world.
- 600 class momentum: Yamaha FZR600 and Honda CBR600F defined usable speed and daily friendliness.
- Touring leap: GL1500 set comfort and range benchmarks; Kawasaki Concours and BMW K‑series remained efficient long‑haulers.
- ADV/dual‑sport growth: KLR250/650, NX250/650, Transalp extended the “ride anywhere” ethos with solid economy.
- Standards renaissance: NT650 Hawk GT, GS500/GSX600F, Zephyr‑class set approachable torque and sensible MPG.
- Cruiser culture: Virago and Harley Softail/Tour Glide families balanced comfort and predictable mpg.
- Halo superbikes: FZR1000, GSX‑R750, CBR1000F delivered tech and speed, trading some MPG for performance.
Overall, 1988 let riders mix speed, distance, and everyday economy—often in the same garage—thanks to broad, global model availability and refined engineering across segments.