Motorcycles in the U.S. aren’t usually purchased for their fuel efficiency. They’re more of a lifestyle choice here, rather than a cheap or affordable mode of transportation like they are for most of the world. That means desirability, power, speed – all of these take precedence over fuel consumption when a two-wheeler is purchased in the USA. However, there are times when the compromise is worth it.
When you’re looking for a fuel-efficient motorcycle, the usual impression is that it’s going to be a boring one. That’s how it gets its efficiency, right? But that’s not always the case. Take the Yamaha V-Star 250: it is a small cruiser with a V-twin engine and carburetors, and it is just as fuel efficient as its modern fuel-injected single-cylinder competition. The most fuel-efficient motorcycle, though, is much smaller.
Low Weight Is The Answer When The Question Is Fuel Efficiency
You can put all the tech in the world into a vehicle, and it still won’t have good fuel consumption if it weighs too much. Manufacturers have realized this, with tightening emission norms, so they use fancy materials and more advanced alloys to cut weight. However, if you’re going to look for the most fuel-efficient motorcycle in the U.S., you’re going to find the answer with a combination of light weight and good tech. When it comes to motorcycles, you’re not going to find anything lighter than a minimoto. And that’s where you’re going to find the most fuel-efficient motorcycle in the U.S.
The Honda Grom Has Impeccable Fuel-Efficiency
Yes, that tiny little thing is what will return an unbelievable 166.5 MPG if you ride it right. The real genius is in the fact that you’ll have a big grin plastered on your face all the while, and not because of the running costs. This is a truly enjoyable motorcycle, and it will have you giving in to intrusive thoughts. Luckily, it is too underpowered for you to get into real trouble, so you can have pretty much as much fun as you want while getting that high MPG figure.
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The Price Could Be More Fun-Sized
The Grom has become pricier over the years, with a price of $3,599 in 2026. For comparison, Honda’s cheapest full-size motorcycle, the XR150L, is more affordable. There are also competitors to the Grom, and they are more affordable as well. However, the Grom is priced the way it is for good reasons. It has a cult following, and the aftermarket is massive. So there will be buyers even at a price that doesn’t make sense to the casual observer.
A Five-Speed Gearbox Pairs With The Thumper Engine
The Grom got a few meaningful updates in 2025. One of them was the fifth cog in the gearbox. What didn’t change was the 123.9 cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine. It has fuel injection, but is a long-stroke design with a 10.0:1 compression ratio and only two valves, which goes some way in explaining why it generates a paltry 9.6 horsepower at 7,520 RPM and 7.74 pound-feet at 5,500 RPM. Did we mention that this has an industry-leading fuel efficiency of 166.5 MPG?
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A Simple Frame But Modern Suspension
A simple steel mono backbone underpins the Grom, and it is a simple design because nothing complex is required for something so small. Honda has gone above and beyond for the suspension, though. You get 31 mm inverted forks and a rear monoshock as well. There’s no adjustability at either end.
In a similar fashion, there are disc brakes at both ends – a 220 mm disc at the front and a 190 mm disc at the rear. A two-piston floating caliper does duty at the front, while a single-piston caliper is present at the rear. ABS is an optional extra. Tiny 12-inch wheels are as fun-sized as the Grom.
Half Size Bike But Outsize Fun
Putting down the numbers reveals exactly how small the Grom is: it is 69.2 inches long, 28.4 inches wide, and has a wheelbase of 47.2 inches. The seat is plenty high, at 30 inches – that is higher than a lot of full-size cruisers! The 7-inch ground clearance will put many regular full-size motorcycles to shame as well. Fuel capacity is 1.6 gallons (it doesn’t need to be any more), and curb weight is 227 pounds.
Modern Features Are Present
The Grom is a little more modern than its frame and engine when it comes to its features. A tiny LCD makes sure you have all the information you need at your fingertips. This includes a rev counter, fuel gauge, and gear indicator, on it. ABS is an optional extra, and costs $200 extra. There is also the Grom SP, which, unlike other Hondas with the ‘SP’ designation, is just a cosmetic upgrade, but for $100 more.
The other feature isn’t something that you’d usually think of as a feature: the panels are all easily removable, because customization is what the Grom is about. The sky is also not the limit for people who want to customize the Grom, because we have even come across a Grom powered by a Ducati Panigale engine!
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Small But Fierce Competition
There is a surprising amount of choice for the Grom. The most direct rival is the Kawasaki Z125 Pro ($3,799). It has similar specs and dimensions to the Grom, but unlike the Grom, ABS is not present even as an option. The Z styling is quite aggressive and very different to the Grom, though.
There is also the CFMoto Papio CL ($3,299), which is such a great value – it has both ABS and traction control! Another Chinese product in the market is the Benelli TNT 135 ($3,299). It has the most power here by far, at 13 horsepower and 8 pound-feet of torque.
Source: Honda Powersports, Honda News