1998 Motorcycle Fuel Economy Guide

Year	Make	Model	Engine (cc)	MPG (US)	L/100km	Horsepower	Seat Height	Weight
1998	Aprilia	Pegaso 650	652 cc	49	4.8	48 hp	32.5 in	390 lb
1998	Aprilia	RS 125	125 cc	70	3.4	28 hp	31.1 in	306 lb
1998	Aprilia	RS 250	249 cc	40	5.9	72 hp	31.5 in	309 lb
1998	Aprilia	RSV Mille	998 cc	37	6.4	128 hp	32.3 in	430 lb
1998	Benelli	Sei 900	904 cc	38	6.2	80 hp	31.9 in	485 lb
1998	Bimota	SB6R	1074 cc	35	6.7	156 hp	32.1 in	418 lb
1998	Bimota	Vdue 500	499 cc	36	6.5	110 hp	31.5 in	357 lb
1998	BMW	F650 Funduro	652 cc	56	4.2	50 hp	31.5 in	415 lb
1998	BMW	F650 ST	652 cc	56	4.2	50 hp	30.7 in	413 lb
1998	BMW	K1200RS	1171 cc	44	5.3	130 hp	32.3 in	570 lb
1998	BMW	K1200LT	1171 cc	44	5.3	100 hp	30.3 in	834 lb
1998	BMW	R1100GS	1085 cc	45	5.2	80 hp	33.1 in	525 lb
1998	BMW	R1100RT	1085 cc	45	5.2	90 hp	31.7 in	571 lb
1998	BMW	R1200C	1170 cc	46	5.1	61 hp	29.9 in	554 lb
1998	Buell	M2 Cyclone	1203 cc	43	5.5	76 hp	31.3 in	423 lb
1998	Buell	S3T Thunderbolt	1203 cc	40	5.9	76 hp	31.9 in	465 lb
1998	Cagiva	Mito 125	125 cc	65	3.6	28 hp	31.5 in	284 lb
1998	Cagiva	Canyon 600	601 cc	48	4.9	44 hp	33.1 in	396 lb
1998	Ducati	Monster 600	583 cc	45	5.2	53 hp	30.3 in	386 lb
1998	Ducati	Monster 600 Dark	583 cc	45	5.2	53 hp	30.3 in	386 lb
1998	Ducati	748 Biposto	748 cc	38	6.2	98 hp	31.5 in	430 lb
1998	Ducati	916 Biposto	916 cc	36	6.5	114 hp	31.9 in	430 lb
1998	Ducati	916 SPS	996 cc	35	6.7	123 hp	31.9 in	430 lb
1998	Ducati	ST2	944 cc	43	5.5	83 hp	32.3 in	474 lb
1998	Harley-Davidson	XLH 883 Sportster	883 cc	51	4.6	49 hp	28.0 in	563 lb
1998	Harley-Davidson	XL1200 Sportster	1199 cc	47	5.0	67 hp	28.0 in	563 lb
1998	Harley-Davidson	FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide	1338 cc	46	5.1	67 hp	26.8 in	650 lb
1998	Harley-Davidson	FLHR Road King	1338 cc	42	5.6	67 hp	27.3 in	760 lb
1998	Harley-Davidson	FLHTC Electra Glide Classic	1338 cc	43	5.5	67 hp	28.0 in	791 lb
1998	Harley-Davidson	Softail Fat Boy FLSTF	1338 cc	42	5.6	67 hp	26.9 in	730 lb
1998	Honda	CB250 Nighthawk	234 cc	70	3.4	18 hp	29.3 in	302 lb
1998	Honda	CB600 Hornet	599 cc	53	4.4	95 hp	31.5 in	414 lb
1998	Honda	CB750 Nighthawk	747 cc	51	4.6	75 hp	31.0 in	463 lb
1998	Honda	CBR600F3	599 cc	47	5.0	100 hp	31.7 in	406 lb
1998	Honda	CBR900RR Fireblade	918 cc	42	5.6	130 hp	31.3 in	425 lb
1998	Honda	VFR800Fi Interceptor	781 cc	46	5.1	105 hp	31.7 in	470 lb
1998	Honda	PC800 Pacific Coast	800 cc	48	4.9	57 hp	30.1 in	640 lb
1998	Honda	Shadow ACE 750	745 cc	53	4.4	45 hp	27.6 in	542 lb
1998	Honda	ST1100	1084 cc	48	4.9	100 hp	31.3 in	650 lb
1998	Honda	VTR1000F Superhawk	996 cc	25	9.4	110 hp	31.5 in	420 lb
1998	Husqvarna	TE 410	400 cc	55	4.3	40 hp	36.5 in	260 lb
1998	Kawasaki	Ninja 250R	249 cc	78	3.0	29 hp	30.5 in	304 lb
1998	Kawasaki	Ninja 500R	498 cc	56	4.2	50 hp	31.7 in	388 lb
1998	Kawasaki	ZX-6R	599 cc	50	4.7	108 hp	32.1 in	401 lb
1998	Kawasaki	ZX-7R	748 cc	45	5.2	120 hp	32.3 in	448 lb
1998	Kawasaki	ZX-9R	899 cc	42	5.6	139 hp	32.1 in	430 lb
1998	Kawasaki	Concours GTR1000	998 cc	50	4.7	100 hp	31.1 in	670 lb
1998	Kawasaki	KLR650	651 cc	58	4.1	40 hp	35.0 in	432 lb
1998	Kawasaki	Vulcan 1500 Classic	1470 cc	45	5.2	67 hp	27.6 in	684 lb
1998	KTM	640 Duke	625 cc	54	4.4	54 hp	33.1 in	335 lb
1998	KTM	LC4 620 Enduro	609 cc	56	4.2	50 hp	36.0 in	320 lb
1998	Laverda	Ghost Strike 650	668 cc	45	5.2	70 hp	31.3 in	430 lb
1998	Moto Guzzi	California 1100 EV	1064 cc	46	5.1	74 hp	30.7 in	590 lb
1998	MV Agusta	F4 (pre‑series)	749 cc	36	6.5	126 hp	32.7 in	419 lb
1998	Norton	Commander 588	588 cc	40	5.9	80 hp	30.9 in	515 lb
1998	Piaggio	Hexagon 250	244 cc	63	3.7	22 hp	30.7 in	330 lb
1998	Piaggio	Zip 50	49 cc	110	2.1	4 hp	30.1 in	165 lb
1998	Royal Enfield	Bullet 500	499 cc	85	2.8	27 hp	31.5 in	380 lb
1998	Suzuki	Bandit 600 (GSF600)	599 cc	56	4.2	78 hp	31.1 in	430 lb
1998	Suzuki	Bandit 1200 (GSF1200)	1157 cc	42	5.6	98 hp	31.1 in	485 lb
1998	Suzuki	DR200SE	199 cc	68	3.5	15 hp	32.0 in	278 lb
1998	Suzuki	DR650SE	644 cc	52	4.5	43 hp	34.8 in	366 lb
1998	Suzuki	GSX‑R600	599 cc	52	4.5	104 hp	31.9 in	412 lb
1998	Suzuki	GSX‑R750	749 cc	48	4.9	120 hp	32.1 in	430 lb
1998	Suzuki	TL1000R	996 cc	37	6.4	135 hp	32.1 in	435 lb
1998	Suzuki	SV650 (proto EU)	645 cc	50	4.7	72 hp	31.5 in	395 lb
1998	Triumph	Daytona T595 (955i)	955 cc	37	6.4	128 hp	31.7 in	434 lb
1998	Triumph	Speed Triple T509	885 cc	40	5.9	108 hp	31.5 in	430 lb
1998	Triumph	Tiger 900	885 cc	40	5.9	85 hp	33.1 in	485 lb
1998	Triumph	Trophy 1200	1180 cc	44	5.3	108 hp	31.3 in	590 lb
1998	Vespa	PX 150	151 cc	90	2.6	10 hp	30.7 in	240 lb
1998	Vespa	ET4 125	124 cc	95	2.5	11 hp	30.7 in	245 lb
1998	Yamaha	YZF‑R1	998 cc	41	5.7	150 hp	32.3 in	385 lb
1998	Yamaha	YZF750	749 cc	47	5.0	125 hp	32.1 in	430 lb
1998	Yamaha	FZS600 Fazer	599 cc	52	4.5	95 hp	31.5 in	432 lb
1998	Yamaha	XJ600 Seca II	598 cc	54	4.4	61 hp	31.1 in	430 lb
1998	Yamaha	Virago 750	748 cc	55	4.3	50 hp	28.5 in	505 lb
1998	Yamaha	Royal Star Venture	1294 cc	43	5.5	75 hp	29.1 in	760 lb
1998	Yamaha	V‑Max	1198 cc	41	5.8	140 hp	30.5 in	631 lb
1998	Aprilia	RSV Mille SP (homologation)	998 cc	36	6.5	135 hp	32.3 in	430 lb
1998	BMW	R1100S (early release EU)	1085 cc	45	5.2	98 hp	32.3 in	505 lb
1998	Ducati	Monster 900	904 cc	42	5.6	80 hp	30.9 in	408 lb
1998	Ducati	Monster 900 Cromo	904 cc	42	5.6	80 hp	30.9 in	408 lb
1998	Ducati	ST4	916 cc	40	5.9	105 hp	32.3 in	474 lb
1998	Harley-Davidson	XL1200C Sportster Custom	1199 cc	47	5.0	67 hp	28.0 in	553 lb
1998	Harley-Davidson	FXSTC Softail Custom	1338 cc	42	5.6	67 hp	26.9 in	690 lb
1998	Honda	CBR600F3 Smokin’ Joe’s Replica	599 cc	47	5.0	100 hp	31.7 in	406 lb
1998	Honda	Shadow ACE Tourer 1100	1099 cc	45	5.2	65 hp	28.0 in	650 lb
1998	Honda	Shadow Spirit 1100	1099 cc	45	5.2	65 hp	28.0 in	640 lb
1998	Kawasaki	ZZR1100 (ZX‑11)	1052 cc	39	6.0	145 hp	31.5 in	540 lb
1998	Suzuki	GSX‑R1100W	1074 cc	37	6.4	143 hp	31.9 in	487 lb
1998	Suzuki	Intruder 1400	1360 cc	42	5.6	61 hp	27.6 in	639 lb
1998	Triumph	Adventurer 900	885 cc	44	5.3	70 hp	29.9 in	507 lb
1998	Triumph	Legend TT 900	885 cc	45	5.2	70 hp	30.9 in	507 lb
1998	Yamaha	YZF600R Thundercat	599 cc	48	4.9	100 hp	31.7 in	412 lb
1998	Yamaha	XV1100 Virago	1063 cc	47	5.0	62 hp	28.5 in	540 lb
1998	Zhongshen	ZS125	124 cc	95	2.5	11 hp	30.7 in	265 lb

 

1998 Best & Worst Fuel Economy Performers

Top 10 Best MPG (1998)
Vespa ET4 125	95 MPG
Piaggio Zip 50	110 MPG
Yamaha Virago 125	86 MPG
Royal Enfield Bullet 500	85 MPG
Kawasaki KLR250	80 MPG
Kawasaki KLX300	79 MPG
Kawasaki Ninja 250R	78 MPG
Honda XR80R	75 MPG
BMW G650 (Funduro family)	56 MPG
Suzuki DR200SE	68 MPG

 

Bottom 10 Worst MPG (1998)
Honda VTR1000F Superhawk	25 MPG
Ducati 916/996 SPS	35 MPG
Bimota SB6R	35 MPG
Aprilia RSV Mille	37 MPG
Triumph Daytona T595 (955i)	37 MPG
Kawasaki ZX‑11	39 MPG
Yamaha V‑Max	41 MPG
Honda CBR900RR	42 MPG
Kawasaki ZX‑9R	42 MPG
BMW K1200LT	44 MPG

 

 

1998 Fuel Economy Myth‑Busters

• Myth: Two-strokes always waste fuel.
  Busted: Small‑bore 50–125cc two‑strokes can exceed 60–90 MPG in urban duty, though emissions are higher.
• Myth: Big sport‑tourers can’t crack mid‑40s MPG.
  Busted: ST1100, Concours and R1100RT regularly sit ~44–50 MPG with smooth throttle and proper pressures.
• Myth: High performance equals sub‑30 MPG.
  Busted: Street‑paced R1/CBR/FZR often see mid‑30s to low‑40s MPG off‑track.
• Myth: Dual‑sports are inefficient off‑road.
  Busted: KLR/DR/XR singles deliver 50–60+ MPG on mixed surfaces with conservative gearing and throttle.

 

 

1998 Fuel Economy Strategies

• Commute smart: 125–300cc standards/scooters (Virago 125, RS125, ET4) excel at 70–100+ MPG in cities.
• Touring discipline: Moderate speeds, correct psi, and light luggage keep ST1100/Concours near 45–50 MPG.
• ADV setup: Reduce aero drag on GS/Funduro/KLR; geared for torque, these sustain ~50–60 MPG.
• Performance pacing: Hold steady cruise, avoid prolonged high RPM; 600–1000cc sportbikes stay ~38–43 MPG.

 

 

What Was New and Popular in 1998 Motorcycles

1998 was a pivot toward accessible performance and modern design. The year saw groundbreaking launches and refined stalwarts across sport, touring, and everyday riders, with fuel economy increasingly part of the buying conversation.

• Liter‑bike revolution: Yamaha’s YZF‑R1 reset the superbike class with low weight and huge power, becoming the icon of 1998.
• Middleweight growth: Fazer 600, Hornet 600, Bandit 600, and Speed Triple T509 offered real‑world versatility and strong MPG.
• V‑twin era: Ducati 916/748 and Suzuki TL1000R kept the twin renaissance alive, balancing torque with track pedigree.
• Sport‑tour confidence: Honda ST1100, BMW R1100RT, and Kawasaki Concours maintained long‑range comfort with mid‑40s MPG.
• Dual‑sport utility: KLR650, DR650, XR series, and Funduro made commuting/adventure practical and economical.
• Classic and cruiser culture: Harley touring and Softail lines, Yamaha Virago/Royal Star, and BMW R1200C drew riders to style and simplicity.
• Small‑displacement surge: 125–250cc standards and scooters (RS125, ET4, Zip 50) dominated urban markets with 70–100+ MPG.

Overall, 1998 blended cutting‑edge superbike performance with practical middleweights and frugal commuters. Riders could chase lap times or enjoy daily economy—often in the same garage.