Used Motorcycle Lifespan | Plano, Texas (2024)

FAQs

How many miles should I look for in a used motorcycle? ›

1. Know the numbers, but look beyond them. Generally, high mileage on a motorcycle is anywhere from 20,000 to 50,000 miles. For sport bikes, the high mileage number will be on the low end (usually around 25,000), while cruisers and touring bikes typically become high mileage in the 40,000- to the 50,000-mile range.

The different categories of motorcycles can have different life expectancies. A used touring motorcycle, for example, will usually last for about 100,000 miles. A used sport bike, in contrast, will usually last for about 50,000 miles.

Here is the bottom line. 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.

Classic, Antique, and Vintage

These three words may sound synonymous with vintage, but in the world of motorcycles, they're far from the same thing. A common trait between the three categories is that all classic, vintage, and antique models are considered such if they're at least 25 years old.

Smaller motorcycles like sports bikes are considered to be high mileage at between 20,000 to 30,000 miles. Larger models like cruisers and touring bikes are deemed high mileage at around 50,000 miles. There's nothing wrong with buying a used bike, loads of people do it, but not if it breaks down after the first month.

While a motorcycle can be considered high-mileage anywhere from 20,000 to 50,000 miles, many of these bikes are still in great condition! You can easily find out if a used, high-mileage bike is in good shape by: Checking its motorcycle service records. Getting a vehicle history report.

Larger bikes like Harley-Davidson models can typically withstand more miles without rapid engine wear. For Harley-Davidson motorcycles, the high mileage threshold is around 45,000 to 60,000 miles.

There are a few factors that will determine the overall quality of a used bike, only of which may be the mileage. While mileage is a determining factor in the bike's overall value, even bikes with high mileage can be a great value, especially if the bike was meticulously cared for by its previous owner or owners.

Smaller Harley-Davidsons have an estimated high mileage of around 20,000 to 30,000 miles, whereas larger Harleys can drive for an average of 30,000 to 50,000 miles without their engines being worn down.

It's common for the terms 'vintage' and 'classic' to be interchanged when describing an older motorcycle. And while they share similarities, the general consensus is that a classic motorbike is considered to be classic when it's between 20 and 30 years old.

Can a motorcycle last 20 years? ›

Depending on the amount of wear and tear, riding habits, and the amount of regular care and maintenance, a motorcycle can last from 4 years to 40 years.

Durability and Reliability

As mentioned before, there's less to go wrong on bikes that aren't equipped with extra technology. Furthermore, many items today are largely considered disposable. They're made to last a few years and then be replaced. Vintage motorcycles, on the other hand, were built for longevity.

Several factors determine how long a motorcycle engine lasts, including the quality of the components, riding conditions, a motorcycle's make and model, and frequency of maintenance. Usually, a motorcycle engine is estimated to last between 50,000-250,000 miles or 12-15 years.

Which Bike Will Wear Out First? Assuming you're talking about a motorcycle aimed at normal street usage, you could probably assume any bike with under 10,000 miles on the odometer is low mileage and has lots of life left. As for high mileage, once you get to 20,000 miles, most modern motorcycles should still be fine.

Keep in mind, many riders put somewhere between 3,000 to 10,000 miles on their bike per year. If you keep up with maintenance and repairs, your bike should keep running strong well over 100,000 miles.