• Articles
  • Motorcycles for Sale
  • Motorcycle Parts
  • Motorcycle Manuals
  • Models
  • Collectibles
  • Contact

The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

TDI Diesel mpg claims may be true

By Paul Crowe

After questioning the 150mpg claims of the Thunder Star TDI sportbike the other day I did a little research on the subject. It seems the TDI technology is pretty popular in Europe and VW claims their 3 cylinder TDI diesel gets 90mpg, and that’s in a car! The problem with TDI over here in the states is that the more highly refined low sulfur diesel fuel necessary for these engines isn’t readily available and the less refined fuel leads to higher emissions which will not meet EPA standards. Right now, VW can meet standards in 45 states. The TDI engines are also a lot quieter than the diesels we’re used to hearing making all of that clatter under the hood. So, the fuel isn’t available here because the engines don’t require it and the engines aren’t here because the fuel isn’t available. Hmm… do you see a problem? Actually, I’m not sure why the fuel hasn’t been available, it could be a refining capacity problem or low demand compared to Europe since gasoline is a lot higher priced over there. VW is working to make the diesels emission compliant anyway and the low sulfur fuel is supposed to be available by 2007. If that’s the case, we may be seeing more development in this direction for both cars and motorcycles and bikes similar to the Thunder Star 1200 could start showing up. I’m all for it. With mileage like that, I wonder why we haven’t seen a push in this direction sooner. TDI seems really interesting and I’ll be digging into it to find out more. Stay tuned.

Posted on March 2, 2005 Filed Under: Diesel Engines, Diesel Motorcycle, General


-- Subscribe to The Kneeslider --

Be the first to know when something’s new!


Be sure to check out The Kneeslider’s motorcycle collectibles listings.

Your purchases through ebay links on The Kneeslider may earn a commission for this site.




« Segway XT off road transporter
Daytona Bike Week TV coverage »

Comments

  1. john says

    June 4, 2007 at 4:24 pm

    don’t forget — if they’re figures for the UK, the imperial gallon is about 1.2 US gallons. so 90 mpg in the UK may actually mean only 75 mpg when converted to US.

Subscribe to The Kneeslider

Be the first to know when something's new!

Search articles on The Kneeslider


Do You need motorcycle parts?

Everything from normal maintenance items to hard to find out of production parts, look here first.
Be very specific for best results! Use part numbers if you have them.


Be sure to check out The Kneeslider’s new motorcycle models listings.



Your purchases through ebay links on The Kneeslider may earn a commission for this site.



From The Kneeslider Archives

Harley Davidson used to go racing and win!

Is Road Racing Part of Harley Davidson’s Core?

Ace Cycle Car

Ace Cycle Car Update

RSS What’s happening on HorsePowerSports

  • DeLorean Motor Company is Coming Back with an Electric
  • Ford Shares Open Source CAD Files for 3D Printing Truck Accessories
  • If You Need a New Car, Buy an Old One Instead

Army Navy Surplus online

Motorcycle Engine Powered Cars

Copyright © 2025 · The Kneeslider · Website by Crowe Computer Services
US Army veteran owned and operated
This website proudly Made in the USA!
Made in the USA