1989 Motorcycle Fuel Economy Guide

Sep 21, 2016 Michael Le Pard MPG Guide, News

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

1989 Motorcycle and Scooter Models

A guide to motorcycle gas mileage (MPG and L/100km) and efficiency.

1989 Motorcycle MPG Fuel Economy Guide
World Changing Event: November 9, 1989 – Mr. Schabowski accidentally states in a live broadcast press conference that new rules for traveling from East Germany to West Germany will be put in effect “immediately”. After hearing the broadcast, East Germans began gathering at the wall, at the six checkpoints between East and West, demanding that border guards immediately open the gates. The surprised and overwhelmed guards made many hectic telephone calls to their superiors about the problem. At first, they were ordered to find the “more aggressive” people gathered at the gates and stamp their passports with a special stamp that barred them from returning to East Germany—in effect, revoking their citizenship. However, this still left thousands of people demanding to be let through “as Schabowski said we can.” It soon became clear that no one among the East German authorities would take personal responsibility for issuing orders to use lethal force, so the vastly outnumbered soldiers had no way to hold back the huge crowd of East German citizens and opens the gates to West Germany allowing free travel for the first time in decades. On November 17, 1989 – Germans began tearing the wall down.


1989 Motorcycle and Scooter Model Data

Year Make Model Engine (cc) MPG (US) L/100km Horsepower Seat Height Weight
1989 Aprilia AF1 125 Sintesi Replica 124 68 3.5 28 hp 31.1 in 300 lb
1989 Aprilia Tuareg 600 Wind 562 55 4.3 46 hp 33.9 in 380 lb
1989 Aprilia ETX 350 349 60 3.9 30 hp 33.5 in 320 lb
1989 Benelli 900 Sei 905 38 6.2 80 hp 31.9 in 485 lb
1989 Beta TR34 125 124 70 3.4 20 hp 33.1 in 210 lb
1989 Beta TR34 260 251 65 3.6 22 hp 33.1 in 220 lb
1989 Beta TR35 260 64 3.7 22 hp 33.1 in 220 lb
1989 Bimota YB6 EXUP 1003 36 6.5 145 hp 32.1 in 420 lb
1989 Bimota DB1 SR 748 40 5.9 95 hp 31.9 in 380 lb
1989 BMW K1 987 47 5.0 100 hp 31.5 in 518 lb
1989 BMW K100LT ABS 987 47 5.0 90 hp 30.3 in 650 lb
1989 BMW K100LT Base 987 47 5.0 90 hp 30.3 in 650 lb
1989 BMW K100RS 987 47 5.0 90 hp 31.5 in 540 lb
1989 BMW K75 740 49.5 4.7 68 hp 31.1 in 474 lb
1989 BMW K75S 740 49.5 4.7 68 hp 31.1 in 474 lb
1989 BMW K75 Low Seat 740 49.5 4.7 68 hp 30.3 in 470 lb
1989 BMW R65 649 50 4.7 45 hp 31.5 in 460 lb
1989 BMW R65GS 649 50 4.7 45 hp 33.1 in 470 lb
1989 BMW R80 797 47 5.0 50 hp 31.5 in 480 lb
1989 BMW R80RT 797 47 5.0 50 hp 31.5 in 500 lb
1989 BMW R80GS 797 47 5.0 50 hp 33.1 in 480 lb
1989 BMW R100GS 979 34.5 6.8 60 hp 33.1 in 540 lb
1989 BMW R100GS Paris‑Dakar 979 40 5.9 60 hp 33.1 in 550 lb
1989 BMW R100RT 979 42 5.6 60 hp 31.5 in 525 lb
1989 Buell RR1200 1203 40 5.9 80 hp 31.9 in 470 lb
1989 Buell RS1200 1203 41 5.7 76 hp 31.9 in 465 lb
1989 Cagiva 125 Freccia C12R 125 68 3.5 28 hp 30.7 in 285 lb
1989 Cagiva 125 Cruiser 125 70 3.4 12 hp 30.7 in 265 lb
1989 Cagiva T4 350 E 343 60 3.9 30 hp 33.9 in 320 lb
1989 Cagiva T4 500 E 451 58 4.0 34 hp 34.3 in 320 lb
1989 Cagiva Elefant 750 748 48 4.9 50 hp 33.9 in 430 lb
1989 Chang‑Jiang 750 BG (sidecar) 745 45 5.2 24 hp 31.5 in 500 lb
1989 Chang‑Jiang 750 FY (sidecar) 745 45 5.2 24 hp 31.5 in 500 lb
1989 Chang‑Jiang 750 J‑1 (sidecar) 745 45 5.2 24 hp 31.5 in 500 lb
1989 Donghai SM 750 (sidecar) 745 44 5.4 24 hp 31.5 in 500 lb
1989 Dnepr MT‑11 (sidecar) 650 48 4.9 32 hp 31.5 in 520 lb
1989 Dnepr MT‑16 (sidecar) 650 47 5.0 32 hp 31.5 in 520 lb
1989 Ducati 350 F3 349 52 4.5 35 hp 31.1 in 360 lb
1989 Ducati 750 Paso 748 42 5.6 73 hp 31.5 in 430 lb
1989 Ducati 750 Sport 748 44 5.3 65 hp 31.1 in 396 lb
1989 Ducati 851 Strada 851 40 5.9 100 hp 31.5 in 430 lb
1989 Ducati 906 Paso 904 40 5.9 90 hp 31.5 in 430 lb
1989 Enfield Bullet 350 346 90 2.6 18 hp 31.5 in 360 lb
1989 Enfield Bullet 350 De Luxe 346 90 2.6 18 hp 31.5 in 360 lb
1989 Enfield Bullet 350 Superstar 346 90 2.6 18 hp 31.5 in 360 lb
1989 Fantic 125 Sport HP1 124 70 3.4 25 hp 32.3 in 260 lb
1989 GasGas Enducross 125 125 70 3.6 22 hp 34.3 in 235 lb
1989 GasGas Enducross 250 249 62 3.8 28 hp 35.0 in 250 lb
1989 GasGas Nomada 249 60 3.9 26 hp 34.6 in 255 lb
1989 Gilera RC600 600 51 4.6 46 hp 36.0 in 360 lb
1989 Gilera XRT 600 554 50 4.7 46 hp 35.8 in 360 lb
1989 Gilera XRT 600 (reduced effect) 554 52 4.5 44 hp 35.8 in 360 lb
1989 Gilera Saturno 500 492 55 4.3 45 hp 31.3 in 345 lb
1989 Harley‑Davidson FLHS Electra Glide Sport 1337 42.5 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 780 lb
1989 Harley‑Davidson FLHTC Electra Glide Classic 1337 42.5 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 791 lb
1989 Harley‑Davidson FLTC Tour Glide Classic 1337 43 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 785 lb
1989 Harley‑Davidson FLHTCU Electra Glide Ultra Classic 1337 42.5 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 800 lb
1989 Harley‑Davidson FLST Heritage Softail 1337 41.5 5.7 49 hp 27.5 in 657 lb
1989 Harley‑Davidson FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic 1337 41.5 5.7 49 hp 26.9 in 657 lb
1989 Harley‑Davidson FXSTC Softail Custom 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 26.8 in 650 lb
1989 Harley‑Davidson FXSTS Springer Softail 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 26.9 in 650 lb
1989 Harley‑Davidson FXLR Low Rider Custom 1337 45 5.2 67 hp 27.6 in 650 lb
1989 Harley‑Davidson FXR 1340 Super Glide 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 27.6 in 640 lb
1989 Harley‑Davidson XLH 1200 Sportster 1198 47 5.0 67 hp 28.0 in 553 lb
1989 Harley‑Davidson XLH 883 883 51.5 4.6 49 hp 27.0 in 540 lb
1989 Honda CBR600F 599 48 4.9 85–100 hp 31.5 in 455 lb
1989 Honda CBR1000F 998 41 5.7 135 hp 31.3 in 540 lb
1989 Honda CB‑1 399 55 4.3 55 hp 31.1 in 385 lb
1989 Honda NT650 Hawk GT 647 50 4.7 58 hp 31.3 in 415 lb
1989 Honda NX650 Dominator 644 54 4.4 44 hp 34.3 in 365 lb
1989 Honda NX250 249 65 3.6 29 hp 32.0 in 293 lb
1989 Honda XL600V Transalp 583 50 4.7 50 hp 33.9 in 436 lb
1989 Honda ST1100 Pan European 1084 49 4.8 100 hp 31.3 in 688 lb
1989 Honda PC800 Pacific Coast 800 48 4.9 57 hp 30.1 in 640 lb
1989 Honda GL1500 Gold Wing Standard 1520 47 5.0 100 hp 28.7 in 800 lb
1989 Honda CMX250C Rebel 234 61.5 3.8 18 hp 26.6 in 306 lb
1989 Honda VFR750F 748 48 4.9 100 hp 31.7 in 480 lb
1989 Honda VFR400R (NC30) 399 52 4.5 59 hp 31.1 in 390 lb
1989 Honda Z50R 49 77.5 3.0 4 hp 22.0 in 110 lb
1989 Kawasaki EX250 Ninja 250R 249 77.5 3.0 29 hp 30.5 in 304 lb
1989 Kawasaki EX500 Ninja 500R 498 56 4.2 50 hp 31.7 in 388 lb
1989 Kawasaki ZX‑6 599 49.5 4.7 100 hp 32.1 in 401 lb
1989 Kawasaki ZZR600 599 46 5.1 90 hp 31.7 in 430 lb
1989 Kawasaki ZX‑9R 899 41.5 5.7 139 hp 32.1 in 430 lb
1989 Kawasaki ZX1000 998 39.5 5.9 135 hp 31.7 in 540 lb
1989 Kawasaki ZX‑11 (ZZR1100) 1052 38.5 6.1 145 hp 31.5 in 540 lb
1989 Kawasaki Concours GTR1000 998 49.5 4.7 100 hp 31.1 in 670 lb
1989 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 VN1500 1470 44.5 5.3 67 hp 28.0 in 675 lb
1989 Kawasaki Vulcan 750 VN750 749 53.5 4.4 61 hp 28.6 in 485 lb
1989 Kawasaki KE100 99 73.5 3.2 11 hp 31.1 in 211 lb
1989 Kawasaki KLR250 249 80 2.9 23 hp 33.7 in 258 lb
1989 Kawasaki KLR650 651 58 4.1 40 hp 35.0 in 432 lb
1989 Suzuki DR200SE 199 68 3.5 15 hp 32.0 in 278 lb
1989 Suzuki DR600 589 53.5 4.4 40 hp 35.8 in 330 lb
1989 Suzuki DR750S Big 747 47 5.0 50 hp 35.8 in 430 lb
1989 Suzuki GN125 125 87.5 2.7 10 hp 30.7 in 275 lb
1989 Suzuki GN250 249 72.5 3.2 20 hp 30.7 in 300 lb
1989 Suzuki GS400 399 57 4.1 36 hp 30.9 in 380 lb
1989 Suzuki GS500E 487 55 4.3 47 hp 31.1 in 386 lb
1989 Suzuki GSX600F Katana 599 55 4.3 86 hp 31.7 in 458 lb
1989 Suzuki GSX‑R750 749 52.5 4.5 112 hp 32.3 in 448 lb
1989 Suzuki GV1400 Cavalcade 1360 34 6.9 88 hp 30.7 in 850 lb
1989 Suzuki VX800 798 40 5.9 63 hp 31.5 in 480 lb
1989 Suzuki Intruder 750 (VS750) 747 53.5 4.4 55 hp 27.6 in 560 lb
1989 Suzuki Intruder 1400 (VS1400) 1360 46 5.1 61 hp 27.6 in 639 lb
1989 Suzuki Savage 650 (S40) 652 53.5 4.4 31 hp 28.0 in 381 lb
1989 Triumph Daytona 750 748 44 5.3 98 hp 31.3 in 465 lb
1989 Triumph Daytona 1000 998 39.5 5.9 135 hp 31.7 in 500 lb
1989 Triumph Trophy 900 885 40.5 5.8 98 hp 31.5 in 485 lb
1989 Yamaha FJ600 598 56 4.2 72 hp 31.3 in 441 lb
1989 Yamaha FJ1100 1101 42.5 5.5 125 hp 31.7 in 518 lb
1989 Yamaha FZR600 599 51.5 4.6 90 hp 31.7 in 412 lb
1989 Yamaha FZR1000 1002 42.5 5.5 145 hp 31.5 in 510 lb
1989 Yamaha XJ600 598 56 4.2 61 hp 31.1 in 430 lb
1989 Yamaha XJ900 891 49.5 4.7 90 hp 31.7 in 509 lb
1989 Yamaha XT350 346 60 3.9 21 hp 34.3 in 273 lb
1989 Yamaha XT600 Ténéré 595 56 4.2 43 hp 34.6 in 343 lb
1989 Yamaha Virago 125 (XV125) 124 86.5 2.7 11 hp 27.9 in 282 lb
1989 Yamaha Virago 535 (XV535) 535 61.5 3.8 40 hp 28.1 in 425 lb
1989 Yamaha Virago 750 (XV750) 748 55 4.3 55 hp 28.5 in 465 lb
1989 Yamaha Virago 1000 (XV1000) 981 44 5.3 62 hp 28.5 in 520 lb
1989 Yamaha V‑Max 1198 40.5 5.8 140 hp 30.5 in 631 lb
1989 BMW K75RT 740 49.5 4.7 68 hp 31.1 in 496 lb
1989 Ducati 750 F1 Laguna Seca 748 42 5.6 76 hp 31.5 in 400 lb
1989 Harley‑Davidson FLHTP Electra Glide Police 1337 42 5.6 67 hp 28.0 in 790 lb
1989 Harley‑Davidson FXRS Low Rider 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 27.6 in 650 lb
1989 Honda CBR400RR 399 55 4.3 59 hp 31.1 in 390 lb
1989 Honda VFR750R RC30 748 40 5.9 112 hp 31.5 in 470 lb
1989 Kawasaki GPZ900R Ninja 908 42 5.6 115 hp 31.5 in 505 lb
1989 Suzuki GSX1100F Katana 1127 25 9.6 112 hp 31.7 in 535 lb
1989 Suzuki GSX‑R1100 1127 38 6.2 130 hp 31.9 in 490 lb
1989 Yamaha FZR400RR 399 52 4.5 64 hp 31.1 in 385 lb
1989 Yamaha TZR250 249 40 5.9 45 hp 31.5 in 320 lb
1989 Yamaha TDR250 249 48 4.9 45 hp 33.1 in 320 lb

 

KEVIN SCHWANTZ 1989 RGV500 COMPLETE RESTORATION

1989 Best & Worst Fuel Economy Performers

Top 10 Best MPG (1989)
Yamaha Virago 125 86–87 MPG
Aprilia/Cagiva/Gilera 50–125cc two‑strokes 68–100+ MPG
Kawasaki KLR250 ~80 MPG
Honda Z50R ~77–78 MPG
Kawasaki Ninja 250R (EX250) ~77–78 MPG
Honda CMX250C Rebel / CB‑class 250s 61–71 MPG
Suzuki GN125 ~87–88 MPG
Suzuki GN250 ~72–73 MPG
Suzuki DR200SE ~68 MPG
BMW K75 family ~49–50 MPG

 

Bottom 10 Worst MPG (1989)
Suzuki GV1400 Cavalcade ~34 MPG
Triumph Daytona 1000 ~39–40 MPG
Kawasaki ZX‑11 (ZZR1100) ~38–39 MPG
Ducati 851 Strada ~38–40 MPG
Honda CBR1000F ~41–42 MPG
Yamaha FJ1100 / FZR1000 ~42–43 MPG
BMW R100GS Paris‑Dakar ~40 MPG
Yamaha V‑Max ~40–41 MPG
Suzuki VX800 ~40 MPG
Kawasaki ZX1000 ~39–40 MPG

 

 

1989 Fuel Economy Myth‑Busters

  • Small two‑strokes can be frugal: 50–125cc platforms (AF1/Mito/ETX) routinely deliver 60–100+ MPG in urban duty, even with higher emissions than four‑strokes.
  • Big tourers can sip: ST1100, PC800, Concours, and GL1500 often hold mid‑30s to ~50 MPG with smooth throttle, clean aero, and proper pressures.
  • Owner MPG spreads are normal: Carb health, tires, gearing, and luggage explain ranges like FJ1100/FZR1000 ~38–43 MPG and GL1500 ~34–47 MPG.
  • Performance pacing matters: 600–1000cc sportbikes (CBR600F, FZR600/1000, ZX‑6/9) stay high‑30s to mid‑40s MPG off‑track with relaxed cruise and gentle roll‑ons.
  • Airhead tuning swings MPG: R100 GS/RS/RT timing, jet needles, and pannier drag can push economy from mid‑30s into mid‑40s when sorted.

 

 

1989 Fuel Economy Strategies

  • Commute class: 125–300cc singles/scooters (Virago 125, CB/CMX 250, AF1/Mito) sustain 70–100+ MPG; maintain tire pressures, chain, and air filters.
  • Touring discipline: ST1100, PC800, Concours, GL1500 hold mid‑30s to ~50 MPG with 60–70 mph cruise, light luggage, and clean aero; carb sync pays off.
  • ADV setup: KLR/DR/XT and Transalp/NX platforms deliver 50–60+ MPG by steady pacing, reduced drag, and avoiding oversized knobbies for long pavement stints.
  • Performance pacing: 600–900cc sportbikes remain efficient off‑track with short‑shifting and sub‑high‑RPM cruising; expect mid‑30s to low‑40s MPG.
  • Maintenance multipliers: Fresh plugs, balanced carbs, correct chain alignment, and wheel bearings can recover 3–8 MPG on carb‑era machines.

 

 

What Was New and Popular in 1989 Motorcycles

1989 leaned into usable performance, long‑range touring, and emerging dual‑sport practicality. Riders favored middleweights and bulletproof tourers that balanced fun with real‑world MPG, while halo superbikes set the tech tone for the 90s.

  • 600 class heat: Honda CBR600F and Yamaha FZR600 delivered accessible pace with ~48–52 MPG off‑track; Kawasaki ZX‑6 refined the formula.
  • Sport‑tour confidence: ST1100, PC800, and Concours built reputations for range, reliability, and mid‑40s MPG; GL1500 matured long‑haul comfort.
  • ADV/dual‑sport utility: KLR/DR/XT platforms and Euro singles (Transalp/NX/RC600) found global fans, commonly reporting 50–60+ MPG.
  • Standards renaissance: NT650 Hawk GT, VX800, Zephyr‑class standards highlighted approachable torque and everyday economy.
  • Cruiser culture: Harley Softail/Tour Glide and Yamaha Virago families drew riders with comfort, customization, and steady economy.
  • Exotics and superbikes: ZX‑11, FZR1000 EXUP, RC30, and Bimota YB6 pushed speed and tech, trading some MPG for performance halo.

Overall, 1989 made it easy to choose range and practicality without giving up excitement. From 250 commuters to liter tourers, the year’s sweet spot was usability backed by fuel‑savvy engineering.

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