Most Reliable Motorbikes - (2024)

FAQs

What is the longest lasting motorcycle? ›

Honda motorcycles are built for dependability and longevity with many 30-year-old models still on the road. It isn't uncommon for riders to get more than 150,000 miles out of a well-maintained Honda bike. Their popular touring models like the Gold Wing can even last 300,000 miles!

Out of all the motorcycle manufacturers, the Japanese motorcycle brands, including Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Suzuki, produce the motorcycles that last the longest.

Air/oil-cooled motorcycles typically have fewer parts that need servicing, as they don't have a radiator or coolant system. This can make them a great choice for riders who want a low maintenance bike. Liquid-cooled motorcycles have more parts that need regular service.

The Average Lifespan of a Used Motorcycle

If a used model wasn't taken care of well by the previous owner, the bike will usually only last for about 20,000 more miles. However, if the model was well-maintained it would usually last for about 100,000 more miles.

Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, BMW, Harley-Davidson, Triumph, KTM, Ducati, and Indian are the top 10 most reliable motorcycle brands, according to our criteria. Each of these brands has its unique strengths and reputation in the motorcycle industry, and they offer a range of options for riders of all levels.

High mileage for a motorcycle can be anywhere from 15,000 miles to 50,000 miles depending on what type of bike it is, where it was ridden, and whether the previous or current owner kept up with maintenance requirements. However, don't just look at mileage when deciding whether a used motorcycle is a good purchase.

The Honda CBR500R is one of the safest motorcycles on the market right now, and it's tailored for beginners. It offers a manageable engine size (471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin four-stroke) and operates on a six-speed transmission.

Super-sport bikes are the fastest and the most dangerous motorcycle types to control. IIHS statistics show 1,169 fatalities involving this bike type in 2021, accounting for 20% of all motorcycle fatalities, despite making up only 6.3% of registered motorcycles!

In many cases, the owner's level of care for the bike is the single most important factor in determining how the machine holds up over the years. A motorcycle that's been well-cared-for may be good to make it to 100,000 miles or more.

Which is more reliable Kawasaki or Yamaha? ›

Yamaha was ranked at the top of the list for reliability, with only 11% of users reporting failures over a four-year period of ownership. For Kawasaki, this was 15%, with other brands like Honda and Suzuki also topping out the list.

Cruisers. A cruiser is a motorcycle with a low seat height, thick tires, and a V-twin engine. Overall, the cruiser is a great choice for beginners because they're stylish, comfortable, and has a relaxed power output to handle better at low speeds.