1990 Motorcycle Fuel Economy Guide

Sep 21, 2016 Michael Le Pard MPG Guide, News

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

1990 Motorcycle and Scooter Models

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

1990 Motorcycle MPG Fuel Economy Guide
World Changing Event: February 11, 1990 – Nelson Mandela is released from Victor Verster Prison, near Cape Town, South Africa, after 27 years behind bars for his violent actions as a part of the ANC to end aparthaid. He served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999 and was the first South African president to be elected in a fully representative democratic election. As president he frequently gave priority to reconciliation and he led his party in the negotiations that led to multi-racial democracy in 1994. In South Africa, Mandela is often known as father. He has received more than 250 awards over four decades, including the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize. Mandela Day is on July 18th, which is an annual international day adopted by the United Nations when individuals, communities and organisations are asked to donate 67 minutes to doing something for others, commemorating the 67 years that Nelson Mandela gave to the struggle for social justice.


1991 Motorcycle and Scooter Model Data

Year Make Model Engine (cc) MPG (US) L/100km Horsepower Seat Height Weight
1990 Aprilia AF1 125 Sintesi 124 68 3.5 28 hp 31.1 in 300 lb
1990 Aprilia Pegaso 125 125 82 2.9 14 hp 31.5 in 275 lb
1990 Aprilia Pegaso 600 562 55 4.3 46 hp 32.3 in 380 lb
1990 Aprilia Tuareg 600 Wind 562 55 4.3 46 hp 33.9 in 380 lb
1990 Benelli 900 Sei 905 38 6.2 80 hp 31.9 in 485 lb
1990 Beta TR35 125 124 70 3.4 20 hp 33.1 in 210 lb
1990 Beta TR35 260 251 65 3.6 22 hp 33.1 in 220 lb
1990 Bimota YB6 1002 36 6.5 145 hp 32.1 in 420 lb
1990 Bimota DB1 SR 748 40 5.9 95 hp 31.9 in 380 lb
1990 BMW K1 987 47 5.0 100 hp 31.5 in 518 lb
1990 BMW K100LT ABS 987 47 5.0 90 hp 30.3 in 650 lb
1990 BMW K100RS 987 47 5.0 90 hp 31.5 in 540 lb
1990 BMW K75 740 49.5 4.7 68 hp 31.1 in 474 lb
1990 BMW K75RT 740 49.5 4.7 68 hp 31.1 in 496 lb
1990 BMW K75S 740 49.5 4.7 68 hp 31.1 in 474 lb
1990 BMW R65 649 50 4.7 45 hp 31.5 in 460 lb
1990 BMW R65GS 649 50 4.7 45 hp 33.1 in 470 lb
1990 BMW R80 797 47 5.0 50 hp 31.5 in 480 lb
1990 BMW R80RT 797 47 5.0 50 hp 31.5 in 500 lb
1990 BMW R80GS 797 47 5.0 50 hp 33.1 in 480 lb
1990 BMW R100GS 979 42 5.6 60 hp 33.1 in 540 lb
1990 BMW R100GS Paris‑Dakar 979 40 5.9 60 hp 33.1 in 550 lb
1990 BMW R100RS 979 42 5.6 60 hp 31.5 in 525 lb
1990 BMW R100RT 979 42 5.6 60 hp 31.5 in 525 lb
1990 Buell RR1200 1203 40 5.9 80 hp 31.9 in 470 lb
1990 Buell RS1200 1203 41 5.7 76 hp 31.9 in 465 lb
1990 Cagiva Freccia 125 C12R 125 68 3.5 28 hp 30.7 in 285 lb
1990 Cagiva 125 Cruiser 125 70 3.4 12 hp 30.7 in 265 lb
1990 Cagiva Elefant 350 349 60 3.9 30 hp 33.9 in 320 lb
1990 Cagiva Elefant 750 748 48 4.9 50 hp 33.9 in 430 lb
1990 Cagiva Elefant 900 i.e. 904 45 5.2 80 hp 33.1 in 470 lb
1990 Chang‑Jiang 750 BG (sidecar) 745 45 5.2 24 hp 31.5 in 500 lb
1990 Chang‑Jiang 750 FY (sidecar) 745 45 5.2 24 hp 31.5 in 500 lb
1990 Chang‑Jiang 750 J‑1 (sidecar) 745 45 5.2 24 hp 31.5 in 500 lb
1990 Dnepr MT‑11 (sidecar) 650 48 4.9 32 hp 31.5 in 520 lb
1990 Dnepr MT‑16 (sidecar) 650 47 5.0 32 hp 31.5 in 520 lb
1990 Ducati 350 F3 349 52 4.5 35 hp 31.1 in 360 lb
1990 Ducati 750 Paso 748 42 5.6 73 hp 31.5 in 430 lb
1990 Ducati 750 Sport 748 44 5.3 65 hp 31.1 in 396 lb
1990 Ducati 851 Strada 851 40 5.9 100 hp 31.5 in 430 lb
1990 Ducati 906 Paso 904 40 5.9 90 hp 31.5 in 430 lb
1990 Ducati 900SS 904 42 5.6 80 hp 31.5 in 414 lb
1990 Royal Enfield Bullet 350 346 90 2.6 18 hp 31.5 in 360 lb
1990 Royal Enfield Bullet 500 499 85 2.8 27 hp 31.5 in 380 lb
1990 Fantic 125 Sport HP1 124 70 3.4 25 hp 32.3 in 260 lb
1990 Gilera RC 600 554 51 4.6 46 hp 36.0 in 360 lb
1990 Gilera Saturno 500 492 55 4.3 45 hp 31.3 in 345 lb
1990 Gilera XRT 600 554 50 4.7 46 hp 35.8 in 360 lb
1990 Harley‑Davidson FLHS Electra Glide Sport 1337 42.5 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 780 lb
1990 Harley‑Davidson FLHTC Electra Glide Classic 1337 42.5 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 791 lb
1990 Harley‑Davidson Tour Glide Ultra Classic 1337 42.5 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 800 lb
1990 Harley‑Davidson FLST Heritage Softail 1337 41.5 5.7 49 hp 27.5 in 657 lb
1990 Harley‑Davidson FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic 1337 41.5 5.7 49 hp 26.9 in 657 lb
1990 Harley‑Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy 1337 41.5 5.7 49 hp 27.5 in 657 lb
1990 Harley‑Davidson FXST Softail 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 26.8 in 650 lb
1990 Harley‑Davidson FXSTC Softail Custom 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 26.8 in 650 lb
1990 Harley‑Davidson FXSTS Springer Softail 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 26.9 in 650 lb
1990 Harley‑Davidson FXLR Low Rider Custom 1337 45 5.2 67 hp 27.6 in 650 lb
1990 Harley‑Davidson FXRS Low Rider 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 27.6 in 650 lb
1990 Harley‑Davidson FXRS SP Low Rider SE 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 27.6 in 650 lb
1990 Harley‑Davidson FXRT Sport Glide 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 27.6 in 650 lb
1990 Harley‑Davidson XLH 883 Hugger 883 51.5 4.6 49 hp 27.0 in 540 lb
1990 Harley‑Davidson XLH 883 Deluxe 883 51.5 4.6 49 hp 27.5 in 545 lb
1990 Harley‑Davidson XLH 1200 Sportster 1198 47 5.0 67 hp 28.0 in 553 lb
1990 Honda CBR600F 599 48 4.9 100 hp 31.8 in 455 lb
1990 Honda CBR1000F 998 42 5.6 135 hp 31.3 in 540 lb
1990 Honda CBR400RR 399 55 4.3 59 hp 31.1 in 390 lb
1990 Honda VFR750F 748 48 4.9 100 hp 31.7 in 480 lb
1990 Honda VFR750R RC30 748 40 5.9 112 hp 31.5 in 470 lb
1990 Honda VFR400R NC30 399 52 4.5 59 hp 31.1 in 390 lb
1990 Honda NT650 Bros (Hawk GT) 647 50 4.7 58 hp 31.3 in 415 lb
1990 Honda NX650 Dominator 644 54 4.4 44 hp 34.3 in 365 lb
1990 Honda XL600V Transalp 583 50 4.7 50 hp 33.9 in 436 lb
1990 Honda ST1100 Pan European ABS 1084 49 4.8 100 hp 31.3 in 688 lb
1990 Honda GL1500 Gold Wing Standard 1520 47 5.0 100 hp 28.7 in 800 lb
1990 Honda GL1500SE Gold Wing SE 1520 47 5.0 100 hp 28.7 in 820 lb
1990 Honda PC800 Pacific Coast 800 48 4.9 57 hp 30.1 in 640 lb
1990 Honda CMX250C Rebel 234 61.5 3.8 18 hp 26.6 in 306 lb
1990 Honda XR80R 79 74.5 3.2 5 hp 26.0 in 145 lb
1990 Honda XR100R 99 73.5 3.2 9 hp 30.0 in 170 lb
1990 Honda XR200R 200 63.5 3.7 17 hp 34.3 in 240 lb
1990 Honda XR250R 249 65.5 3.6 24 hp 35.0 in 260 lb
1990 Honda XR500R 498 49.5 4.7 40 hp 36.8 in 285 lb
1990 Honda XR600R 591 48 4.9 43 hp 36.8 in 290 lb
1990 Honda XR650L (early EU) 644 48 4.9 40 hp 37.0 in 349 lb
1990 Husqvarna TE610 577 55 4.3 46 hp 36.6 in 275 lb
1990 Kawasaki ZR550 Zephyr 553 47 5.0 50 hp 30.7 in 430 lb
1990 Kawasaki ZX‑6 599 49.5 4.7 100 hp 32.1 in 401 lb
1990 Kawasaki ZZR600 599 46 5.1 90 hp 31.7 in 430 lb
1990 Kawasaki ZX‑11 (ZZR1100) 1052 38.5 6.1 145 hp 31.5 in 540 lb
1990 Kawasaki ZX‑9R 899 41.5 5.7 139 hp 32.1 in 430 lb
1990 Kawasaki EX250 Ninja 250R 249 77.5 3.0 29 hp 30.5 in 304 lb
1990 Kawasaki EX500 Ninja 500R 498 56 4.2 50 hp 31.7 in 388 lb
1990 Kawasaki Concours GTR1000 998 49.5 4.7 100 hp 31.1 in 670 lb
1990 Kawasaki VN1500 Vulcan 88 1470 44.5 5.3 67 hp 28.0 in 675 lb
1990 Kawasaki EN500 Vulcan 500 498 61.5 3.8 50 hp 28.0 in 439 lb
1990 Kawasaki VN750 Vulcan 749 53.5 4.4 61 hp 28.6 in 485 lb
1990 Kawasaki KE100 99 73.5 3.2 11 hp 31.1 in 211 lb
1990 Kawasaki KLR250 249 80 2.9 23 hp 33.7 in 258 lb
1990 Kawasaki KLR650 651 58 4.1 40 hp 35.0 in 432 lb
1990 KTM 620 LC4 Enduro (early) 609 56 4.2 50 hp 36.0 in 320 lb
1990 Laverda Ghost 650 668 45 5.2 70 hp 31.3 in 430 lb
1990 Moto Guzzi California 1100 1064 46 5.1 74 hp 30.7 in 590 lb
1990 Suzuki DR200SE 199 68 3.5 15 hp 32.0 in 278 lb
1990 Suzuki DR250S 249 70 3.6 26 hp 35.0 in 280 lb
1990 Suzuki DR350S 349 67 3.5 35 hp 36.2 in 286 lb
1990 Suzuki DR600 589 53.5 4.4 40 hp 35.8 in 330 lb
1990 Suzuki DR750S Big 747 47 5.0 50 hp 35.8 in 430 lb
1990 Suzuki GN125 125 87.5 2.7 10 hp 30.7 in 275 lb
1990 Suzuki GN250 249 72.5 3.2 20 hp 30.7 in 300 lb
1990 Suzuki GS400 399 57 4.1 36 hp 30.9 in 380 lb
1990 Suzuki GS500E 487 55 4.3 47 hp 31.1 in 386 lb
1990 Suzuki GSX600F Katana 599 55 4.3 86 hp 31.7 in 458 lb
1990 Suzuki GSX‑R750 749 52.5 4.5 112 hp 32.3 in 448 lb
1990 Suzuki VX800 798 40 5.9 63 hp 31.5 in 480 lb
1990 Suzuki Intruder 750 (VS750) 747 53.5 4.4 55 hp 27.6 in 560 lb
1990 Suzuki Intruder 1400 (VS1400) 1360 46 5.1 61 hp 27.6 in 639 lb
1990 Suzuki Savage 650 (S40) 652 53.5 4.4 31 hp 28.0 in 381 lb
1990 Triumph Daytona 750 748 44 5.3 98 hp 31.3 in 465 lb
1990 Triumph Daytona 1000 998 39.5 5.9 135 hp 31.7 in 500 lb
1990 Triumph Trophy 900 885 40.5 5.8 98 hp 31.5 in 485 lb
1990 Triumph Trophy 1200 1180 34 6.9 108 hp 31.3 in 590 lb
1990 Yamaha FJ600 598 56 4.2 72 hp 31.3 in 441 lb
1990 Yamaha FJ1200 1188 41.5 5.7 125 hp 31.7 in 518 lb
1990 Yamaha FZR600 599 51.5 4.6 90 hp 31.7 in 412 lb
1990 Yamaha FZR1000 EXUP 1002 42.5 5.5 145 hp 31.5 in 510 lb
1990 Yamaha FZR250R 249 60 3.9 45 hp 30.7 in 330 lb
1990 Yamaha FZR400RR SP 399 52 4.5 64 hp 31.1 in 385 lb
1990 Yamaha R1‑Z 249 58 4.0 45 hp 30.7 in 320 lb
1990 Yamaha RD350R 347 46 5.1 55 hp 31.1 in 365 lb
1990 Yamaha TDR250 249 48 4.9 45 hp 33.1 in 320 lb
1990 Yamaha TZR250 249 40 5.9 45 hp 31.5 in 320 lb
1990 Yamaha TZR250 SP 249 40 5.9 50 hp 31.5 in 320 lb
1990 Yamaha TT350 346 60 3.9 21 hp 34.3 in 273 lb
1990 Yamaha TT600 600 47 5.0 45 hp 35.8 in 309 lb
1990 Yamaha XJ900F 891 49.5 4.7 90 hp 31.7 in 509 lb
1990 Yamaha XJ600 (Diversion/Seca II) 598 53.5 4.4 61 hp 31.1 in 430 lb
1990 Yamaha XT225 Serow 225 52 4.5 20 hp 31.9 in 238 lb
1990 Yamaha XT600E 595 56 4.2 43 hp 34.6 in 343 lb
1990 Yamaha XT600Z Ténéré 3AJ 595 56 4.2 43 hp 34.6 in 343 lb
1990 Yamaha XTZ750 Super Ténéré 749 45 5.2 69 hp 34.6 in 463 lb
1990 Yamaha Virago 125 124 86.5 2.7 11 hp 27.9 in 282 lb
1990 Yamaha Virago 250 249 72.5 3.2 21 hp 27.0 in 302 lb
1990 Yamaha Virago 535 535 61.5 3.8 40 hp 28.1 in 425 lb
1990 Yamaha Virago 750 748 55 4.3 50 hp 28.5 in 505 lb
1990 Yamaha Virago 1100 1063 42.5 5.5 62 hp 28.5 in 540 lb
1990 Yamaha V‑Max 1198 40.5 5.8 140 hp 30.5 in 631 lb
1990 Beta TR34 125 124 70 3.4 20 hp 33.1 in 210 lb
1990 Beta TR34 260 251 65 3.6 22 hp 33.1 in 220 lb
1990 BMW K100LT (Base) 987 47 5.0 90 hp 30.3 in 650 lb
1990 Cagiva T4 500 E 451 58 4.0 34 hp 34.3 in 320 lb
1990 Chang‑Jiang Donghai SM 750 (sidecar) 745 44 5.4 24 hp 31.5 in 500 lb
1990 Enfield Bullet 350 De Luxe 346 90 2.6 18 hp 31.5 in 360 lb
1990 Enfield Bullet 350 Superstar 346 90 2.6 18 hp 31.5 in 360 lb
1990 Gilera XRT 600 (reduced effect) 554 52 4.5 44 hp 35.8 in 360 lb
1990 Harley‑Davidson FLHTCU Electra Glide Ultra Classic 1337 42.5 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 800 lb
1990 Harley‑Davidson FLHTCU Electra Glide Ultra Classic (reduced effect) 1337 42.5 5.5 60 hp 28.0 in 800 lb
1990 Harley‑Davidson FLTC Tour Glide Classic 1337 43 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 785 lb
1990 Harley‑Davidson FLTC Tour Glide Classic (reduced effect) 1337 43 5.5 60 hp 28.0 in 785 lb
1990 Harley‑Davidson FXR 1340 Super Glide 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 27.6 in 640 lb
1990 Harley‑Davidson Low Rider Convertible 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 27.6 in 650 lb
1990 Honda C90 Cub 90 96 2.5 7 hp 30.7 in 185 lb
1990 GasGas Enducross 125 125 70 3.6 22 hp 34.3 in 235 lb
1990 GasGas Enducross 250 249 62 3.8 28 hp 35.0 in 250 lb
1990 GasGas Nomada 249 60 3.9 26 hp 34.6 in 255 lb
1990 Suzuki GSX1100F Katana 1128 25 9.6 112 hp 31.7 in 535 lb

 

1990 Best & Worst Fuel Economy Performers

Top 10 Best MPG (1990)
Yamaha Virago 125 86–87 MPG
Aprilia/Cagiva/Gilera 50–125cc two‑strokes 68–100+ MPG
Kawasaki KLR250 ~80 MPG
Honda XR80R / XR100R ~74–75 MPG
Kawasaki Ninja 250R (EX250) ~77–78 MPG
Honda CMX250C / 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 (1990)
Triumph Trophy 1200 ~34 MPG
Triumph Daytona 1000 ~39–40 MPG
Kawasaki ZX‑11 (ZZR1100) ~38–39 MPG
Honda CBR1000F ~41–42 MPG
Ducati 851 Strada ~38–40 MPG
Yamaha FJ1200 (owner avg) ~38–41 MPG
Yamaha V‑Max ~40–41 MPG
BMW R100GS Paris‑Dakar ~40 MPG
Suzuki VX800 ~40 MPG
Suzuki GSX1100F Katana ~25 MPG

1990 Fuel Economy Myth‑Busters

  • Small two‑strokes can be frugal: 50–125cc machines (AF1/Mito/Zip/DT) routinely deliver 60–100+ MPG in urban duty, despite higher emissions than four‑strokes.
  • Big tourers can sip: ST1100, PC800, Concours, and GL1500 can hold mid‑30s to ~50 MPG with smooth throttle, clean aero, and proper pressures.
  • Owner MPG spreads are normal: Carb health, tires, and luggage explain ranges like FJ1200 ~38–41 MPG and GL1500 ~34–47 MPG in rider datasets.
  • 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/RT timing, jet needles, and pannier drag can push economy from mid‑30s into mid‑40s when sorted.

 

1990 Fuel Economy Strategies

  • Commute class: 125–300cc singles/scooters (Virago 125, CB/CMX 250, AF1/Mito/Zip) 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 families deliver 50–60+ MPG by steady pacing and reduced drag; avoid 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 1990 Motorcycles

1990 leaned into usable performance, long‑range touring, and dual‑sport practicality. Riders favored middleweights and bulletproof tourers that balanced fun with real‑world MPG, while halo superbikes set the design and tech tone.

  • 600 class heat: Honda CBR600F and Yamaha FZR600 delivered accessible pace with ~48–52 MPG off‑track; Kawasaki’s ZX‑6/ZZR600 pushed refinement.
  • Sport‑tour confidence: ST1100, PC800, and Concours built reputations for range, reliability, and mid‑40s MPG when ridden smoothly; GL1500 matured touring comfort.
  • ADV/dual‑sport utility: KLR/DR/XT platforms and Euro singles (NX/Transalp, XTZ750) found global fans, commonly reporting 50–60+ MPG.
  • Standards renaissance: Zephyr 550, VX800, NT650 Bros/Hawk GT 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, YB/DB‑series Bimota raised the bar on speed and tech, trading some MPG for performance.

Overall, 1990 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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