What is High Mileage for a Motorcycle? (2024)

FAQs

What is High Mileage for a Motorcycle? ›

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.

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 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.

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.

Highest mileage by type

That said, a bike that has never been maintained can be worn out within 25,000 miles, while bikes that are cared for perfectly (with some serious maintenance investments) can last 100,000 miles or more.

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.

While some bikes might start showing their age around 20,000 miles, meticulously maintained machines can easily clock in 50,000 or even 90,000 miles before major issues arise. Think of it as a marathon, not a sprint: a well-cared-for bike can go the distance.

The Bajaj Pulsar NS125, for instance, is renowned for its durability, with some owners claiming their bikes have lasted over 20 years! Therefore, check out our compiled list of the best 125cc engine bike that can last a long time.

On a comfortable motorcycle with a large gas tank, a determined enough rider can ride up to 1,000 miles in a 24-hour span—this is commonly referred to as an Iron Butt. However, it's more realistic for the average rider to travel between 200 and 400 miles in a day.

What is the highest mileage Harley-Davidson ever? ›

Dave Zien, the protagonist of this narrative, etched his name in history in 2009 when his 1991 Sport Glide reached the remarkable milestone of one million miles.

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.

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.

High mileage for a motorcycle is between 20,000 to 50,000 miles. 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.

HOW MANY MILES CAN A MOTORCYCLE LAST? A motorcycle can last anywhere between 20,000 to 90,000 miles, which is quite a large disparity. That's because this figure rests on a number of factors. A dirt bike, for example, usually won't last more than 20,000 miles.

Some sources say "average" motorcycle use is between 2,000 and 3,000 miles a year, with mileage on touring bikes in the 5,000 to 6,000 mile range. Here's why there's so much more to buying a used motorcycle than just mileage: A new rider purchased a new Sportster® and rode it hard the first year.

The general consensus is that 20,000-30,000 miles is high mileage for a standard motorcycle. However, for larger bikes like Harley-Davidson, it's not uncommon for them to get over 100,000 miles and beyond, especially if they're well-maintained.