1991 Motorcycle Fuel Economy Guide

Sep 21, 2016 Michael Le Pard MPG Guide, News

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

1991 Motorcycle and Scooter Models

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

1991 Motorcycle MPG Fuel Economy Guide
World Changing Event: Fall of the Soviet Union (U.S.S.R.) 1922–1991 – December 21, 1991 the Soviet Union ceases to exist. The dissolution was the disintegration of the federal political structures and central government of the Soviet Union, resulting in the independence of all 15 republics of the Soviet Union. The direct cause was the failed attempt by Mikhail Gorbachev, the leader of the USSR from March 11, 1985, to revitalize the Soviet economy through a process of limited political liberalisation within the confines of a totalitarian communist one-party state (glasnost/perestroika). Events leading up to the dissolution: attempted coup led by Vice President Gennady Yanayev fails (Aug), Congress of People’s Deputies of the Soviet Union self-dissolves and The Soviet Union recognizes the independence of the Baltic states (Sept), Mikhail Gorbachev resigns as president of the Soviet Union (Dec).

1991 Motorcycle and Scooter Model Data

Year Make Model Engine (cc) MPG (US) L/100km Horsepower Seat Height Weight
1991 Aprilia AF1 125 Futura 124 68 3.5 28 hp 31.1 in 300 lb
1991 Aprilia Pegaso 125 125 82 2.9 14 hp 31.5 in 275 lb
1991 Aprilia Pegaso 600 562 55 4.3 46 hp 32.3 in 380 lb
1991 Benelli Sei 900 904 38 6.2 80 hp 31.9 in 485 lb
1991 Bimota SB6 1074 35 6.7 146 hp 32.1 in 418 lb
1991 Bimota SB7 749 38 6.2 140 hp 32.1 in 406 lb
1991 BMW K1 987 47 5.0 100 hp 31.5 in 518 lb
1991 BMW K100LT ABS 987 47 5.0 90 hp 30.3 in 650 lb
1991 BMW K75 740 49.5 4.7 68 hp 31.1 in 474 lb
1991 BMW K75RT 740 49.5 4.7 68 hp 31.1 in 496 lb
1991 BMW K75S 740 49.5 4.7 68 hp 31.1 in 474 lb
1991 BMW R100GS Paris‑Dakar 979 36 6.5 60 hp 33.1 in 540 lb
1991 BMW R100RT 979 42 5.6 60 hp 31.5 in 525 lb
1991 Buell RS1200 1203 41 5.7 76 hp 31.9 in 465 lb
1991 Cagiva Mito 125 125 68 3.5 28 hp 30.7 in 285 lb
1991 Cagiva Elefant 900 i.e. 904 45 5.2 80 hp 33.1 in 470 lb
1991 Ducati 750SS 748 44 5.3 65 hp 31.1 in 396 lb
1991 Ducati 851 SP3 888 38 6.2 115 hp 31.5 in 430 lb
1991 Ducati 907 i.e. Paso 904 40 5.9 90 hp 31.5 in 430 lb
1991 Ducati 900SS 904 42 5.6 80 hp 31.5 in 414 lb
1991 Gilera RC 600 C 558 51 4.6 46 hp 36.0 in 360 lb
1991 Gilera Saturno 500 492 55 4.3 45 hp 31.3 in 345 lb
1991 Harley‑Davidson FLHS Electra Glide Sport 1337 42.5 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 780 lb
1991 Harley‑Davidson FLHTC Electra Glide Classic 1337 42.5 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 791 lb
1991 Harley‑Davidson FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic 1337 41.5 5.7 49 hp 26.9 in 657 lb
1991 Harley‑Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy 1337 41.5 5.7 49 hp 27.5 in 657 lb
1991 Harley‑Davidson FXDB Dyna Glide Sturgis 1337 45 5.2 67 hp 27.6 in 650 lb
1991 Harley‑Davidson FXSTC Softail Custom 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 26.8 in 650 lb
1991 Harley‑Davidson XLH 883 883 51.5 4.6 49 hp 27.0 in 540 lb
1991 Harley‑Davidson XLH 1200 1198 47 5.0 67 hp 28.0 in 553 lb
1991 Honda GL1500SE Gold Wing 1520 47 5.0 100 hp 28.7 in 820 lb
1991 Honda GL1500A Aspencade 1520 45 5.2 100 hp 28.7 in 820 lb
1991 Honda ST1100 / ST1100A 1084 48 4.9 100 hp 31.3 in 688 lb
1991 Honda PC800 Pacific Coast 800 48 4.9 57 hp 30.1 in 640 lb
1991 Honda VFR750F 748 48 4.9 100 hp 31.7 in 480 lb
1991 Honda CB750 Nighthawk 747 50.5 4.7 75 hp 30.9 in 474 lb
1991 Honda CB250 Nighthawk 234 71 3.3 18 hp 29.3 in 302 lb
1991 Honda CMX250C Rebel 234 61.5 3.8 18 hp 26.6 in 306 lb
1991 Honda CBR600F2 599 48 4.9 100 hp 31.8 in 455 lb
1991 Honda XR250L 249 67 3.5 24 hp 35.0 in 267 lb
1991 Honda XR600R 591 46 5.1 43 hp 36.8 in 290 lb
1991 Honda Z50R 49 77.5 3.0 4 hp 22.0 in 110 lb
1991 Jawa 350 Oilmaster (sidecar) 343 65 3.6 23 hp 31.1 in 420 lb
1991 Chang‑Jiang 750 BG (sidecar) 745 45 5.2 24 hp 31.5 in 500 lb
1991 Dnepr MT‑11 (sidecar) 650 48 4.9 32 hp 31.5 in 520 lb
1991 Kawasaki KE100 99 73.5 3.2 11 hp 31.1 in 211 lb
1991 Kawasaki KLR250 249 80 2.9 23 hp 33.7 in 258 lb
1991 Kawasaki KLR650 651 58 4.1 40 hp 35.0 in 432 lb
1991 Kawasaki EX250 Ninja 250R 249 77.5 3.0 29 hp 30.5 in 304 lb
1991 Kawasaki EX500 Ninja 500R 498 56 4.2 50 hp 31.7 in 388 lb
1991 Kawasaki ZX‑6 599 49.5 4.7 100 hp 32.1 in 401 lb
1991 Kawasaki ZX‑7R 748 45 5.2 120 hp 32.3 in 448 lb
1991 Kawasaki ZX‑11 (ZZR1100) 1052 38.5 6.1 145 hp 31.5 in 540 lb
1991 Kawasaki ZX‑9R 899 41.5 5.7 139 hp 32.1 in 430 lb
1991 Kawasaki Concours GTR1000 998 49.5 4.7 100 hp 31.1 in 670 lb
1991 Kawasaki VN1500 Vulcan 88 1470 44.5 5.3 67 hp 28.0 in 675 lb
1991 Kawasaki EN500 Vulcan 500 498 61.5 3.8 50 hp 28.0 in 439 lb
1991 Kawasaki VN750 Vulcan 749 53.5 4.4 61 hp 28.6 in 485 lb
1991 KTM 620 LC4 Enduro 609 56 4.2 50 hp 36.0 in 320 lb
1991 Laverda Ghost Strike 650 668 45 5.2 70 hp 31.3 in 430 lb
1991 Moto Guzzi California 1100 1064 46 5.1 74 hp 30.7 in 590 lb
1991 Royal Enfield Bullet 500 499 85 2.8 27 hp 31.5 in 380 lb
1991 Suzuki DR200SE 199 68 3.5 15 hp 32.0 in 278 lb
1991 Suzuki DR250S 249 70 3.6 26 hp 35.0 in 280 lb
1991 Suzuki DR350S 349 67 3.5 35 hp 36.2 in 286 lb
1991 Suzuki DR600 589 53.5 4.4 40 hp 35.8 in 330 lb
1991 Suzuki DR800S 779 45 5.2 54 hp 35.8 in 470 lb
1991 Suzuki GN125 125 87.5 2.7 10 hp 30.7 in 275 lb
1991 Suzuki GN250 249 72.5 3.2 20 hp 30.7 in 300 lb
1991 Suzuki GS500E 487 55 4.3 47 hp 31.1 in 386 lb
1991 Suzuki GSX600F Katana 599 55 4.3 86 hp 31.7 in 458 lb
1991 Suzuki GSX1100F Katana 1128 25 9.6 112 hp 31.7 in 535 lb
1991 Suzuki GSX‑R750 749 52.5 4.5 112 hp 32.3 in 448 lb
1991 Suzuki Intruder 800 (VS800) 805 53.5 4.4 61 hp 27.6 in 600 lb
1991 Suzuki Intruder 1400 (VS1400) 1360 46 5.1 61 hp 27.6 in 639 lb
1991 Suzuki Savage 650 (S40) 652 53.5 4.4 31 hp 28.0 in 381 lb
1991 Triumph Daytona 750 748 44 5.3 98 hp 31.3 in 465 lb
1991 Triumph Daytona 1000 998 39.5 5.9 135 hp 31.7 in 500 lb
1991 Triumph Trophy 900 885 40.5 5.8 98 hp 31.5 in 485 lb
1991 Triumph Trophy 1200 1180 34 6.9 108 hp 31.3 in 590 lb
1991 Yamaha FJ600 598 56 4.2 72 hp 31.3 in 441 lb
1991 Yamaha FJ1200 1188 41.5 5.7 125 hp 31.7 in 518 lb
1991 Yamaha FZR600 599 51.5 4.6 90 hp 31.7 in 412 lb
1991 Yamaha FZR1000 1002 42.5 5.5 145 hp 31.5 in 510 lb
1991 Yamaha XJ600 Diversion / Seca II 598 53.5 4.4 61 hp 31.1 in 430 lb
1991 Yamaha XJ900 891 49.5 4.7 90 hp 31.7 in 509 lb
1991 Yamaha XT350 346 60 3.9 21 hp 34.3 in 273 lb
1991 Yamaha XT600 Ténéré 595 56 4.2 43 hp 34.6 in 343 lb
1991 Yamaha Virago 125 124 86.5 2.7 11 hp 27.9 in 282 lb
1991 Yamaha Virago 250 249 72.5 3.2 21 hp 27.0 in 302 lb
1991 Yamaha Virago 535 535 61.5 3.8 40 hp 28.1 in 425 lb
1991 Yamaha Virago 750 748 55 4.3 50 hp 28.5 in 505 lb
1991 Yamaha Virago 1100 1063 42.5 5.5 62 hp 28.5 in 540 lb
1991 Yamaha V‑Max 1198 40.5 5.8 140 hp 30.5 in 631 lb
1991 Aprilia Tuareg 600 Wind 562 55 4.3 46 hp 33.9 in 380 lb
1991 Aprilia Tuareg 600 Wind (reduced effect) 562 55 4.3 43 hp 33.9 in 380 lb
1991 BMW K100RS FL ABS 987 47 5.0 90 hp 31.5 in 540 lb
1991 BMW K100LT Limited Edition 987 47 5.0 90 hp 30.3 in 650 lb
1991 BMW K75RT ABS 740 49.5 4.7 68 hp 31.1 in 496 lb
1991 BMW K75S ABS 740 49.5 4.7 68 hp 31.1 in 474 lb
1991 BMW R100R 979 44 5.3 60 hp 31.5 in 500 lb
1991 BMW R100RS 979 42 5.6 60 hp 31.5 in 525 lb
1991 BMW R80 797 47 5.0 50 hp 31.5 in 480 lb
1991 BMW R80GS 797 47 5.0 50 hp 33.1 in 480 lb
1991 BMW R80RT 797 47 5.0 50 hp 31.5 in 500 lb
1991 Cagiva 125 Cruiser 125 70 3.4 12 hp 30.7 in 265 lb
1991 Chang‑Jiang 750 FY (sidecar) 745 45 5.2 24 hp 31.5 in 500 lb
1991 Chang‑Jiang 750 J‑1 (sidecar) 745 45 5.2 24 hp 31.5 in 500 lb
1991 Dnepr MT‑16 (sidecar) 650 47 5.0 32 hp 31.5 in 520 lb
1991 Gilera Apache 125 124 70 3.6 12 hp 33.1 in 260 lb
1991 Harley‑Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU) 1337 42.5 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 800 lb
1991 Harley‑Davidson Tour Glide Ultra Classic 1337 42.5 5.5 67 hp 28.0 in 800 lb
1991 Harley‑Davidson FXLR Low Rider Custom 1337 45 5.2 67 hp 27.6 in 650 lb
1991 Harley‑Davidson FXRS Low Rider 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 27.6 in 650 lb
1991 Harley‑Davidson FXRS SP Low Rider Special Edition 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 27.6 in 650 lb
1991 Harley‑Davidson FXRT Sport Glide 1337 44 5.3 67 hp 27.6 in 650 lb
1991 Royal Enfield Bullet 500 (reduced effect) 499 85 2.8 24 hp 31.5 in 380 lb
1991 Yamaha TDM850 849 45 5.2 80 hp 32.3 in 480 lb
1991 Yamaha TZR250R 249 40 5.9 45 hp 31.5 in 320 lb
1991 Yamaha XT225 Serow 225 52 4.5 20 hp 31.9 in 238 lb

 

 

1991 Best & Worst Fuel Economy Performers

Top 10 Best MPG (1991)
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 CB250/CMX250 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 (1991)
Triumph Trophy 1200 ~34 MPG
Triumph Daytona 1200 ~35 MPG
Honda CB1000 Super Four ~34 MPG
Honda GL1500 Gold Wing (owner range) ~34–41 MPG
Kawasaki ZX‑11 (ZZR1100) ~38–39 MPG
Triumph Daytona 1000 ~39–40 MPG
Ducati 851/888 SP ~38–40 MPG
Yamaha V‑Max ~40–41 MPG
Harley‑Davidson FLSTC Heritage Softail ~41–42 MPG
Suzuki GSX1100F Katana ~25 MPG

 

 

1991 Fuel Economy Myth‑Busters

  • Small two‑strokes can be frugal: 50–125cc machines (AF1/Mito/Zip) routinely deliver 60–100+ MPG in urban duty, even with 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, luggage, gearing, and aero explain ranges across CB/VFR/GL platforms; setup matters more than the brochure.
  • Performance pacing matters: 600–1000cc sportbikes (CBR600F2, 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.

 

 

1991 Fuel Economy Strategies

  • Commute class: 125–300cc singles/scooters (Virago 125, CB/CMX250, AF1/Mito/Zip) sustain 70–100+ MPG; keep tire pressures, chain tension, and air filters on schedule.
  • Touring discipline: ST1100, PC800, Concours, GL1500 hit mid‑30s to ~50 MPG with 60–70 mph cruise, light luggage, and clean aero; carb sync on older models pays off.
  • ADV setup: KLR/DR/XT families deliver 50–60+ MPG by steady pacing, reduced drag, and avoiding oversized knobbies for long pavement stints.
  • Performance pacing: 600–900cc sportbikes stay efficient off‑track with short‑shifted riding and sub‑high‑RPM cruising; expect mid‑30s to low‑40s MPG.
  • Maintenance multipliers: Fresh plugs, balanced carbs, correct chain alignment, and proper wheel bearings can recover 3–8 MPG on carb era machines.

 

What Was New and Popular in 1991 Motorcycles

1991 blended sharper sport machines, practical middleweights, and dual‑sport utility. Riders gravitated to platforms balancing excitement with everyday usability and respectable MPG across Europe, North America, and beyond.

  • 600 class heat: Honda CBR600F2 and Yamaha FZR600 set the benchmark for usable performance and ~48–52 MPG off‑track.
  • Middleweight rise: Suzuki GS500E, Honda CB750 Nighthawk, and Yamaha XJ600 Diversion offered value with mid‑40s to mid‑50s MPG and friendly ergonomics.
  • Sport‑tour confidence: ST1100, PC800, Concours, and GL1500 stayed long‑range staples with ~35–50 MPG when ridden smoothly.
  • ADV/dual‑sport utility: KLR/DR/XT families were commuter/adventure favorites, commonly reporting 50–60+ MPG; airhead BMWs remained beloved for simplicity.
  • Cruiser culture: Harley touring/Softail lines and Yamaha Virago models drew riders with steady economy, comfort, and customization potential.
  • Exotics and superbikes: Ducati 851/888 SP and Kawasaki ZX‑11 pushed performance boundaries, trading some MPG for speed and tech halo.

Overall, 1991 let riders chase speed or savor daily economy—often in the same garage. Popularity favored usability, reliability, and fuel‑savvy platforms, while halo superbikes set the tone for the decade’s performance arms race.

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