When it comes to motorcycles, there is no definitive answer for what is considered high mileage. However, there are some general guidelines that can help determine if a used motorcycle has high mileage or not.
What is High Mileage?
In general, higher mileage motorcycles tend to require more frequent maintenance, repairs, and part replacements. They are also more likely to develop engine or transmission problems. However, well-maintained bikes can still run reliably at higher mileages. So mileage alone doesn’t necessarily mean a motorcycle is worn out.
Here are some rough estimates for what may be considered high mileage on different types of motorcycles:
- Cruisers – 40,000+ miles
- Touring – 60,000+ miles
- Sports bikes – 20,000+ miles
- Dirt bikes – 1,000+ hours of use
- Scooters – 30,000+ miles
But there are many factors that come into play…
Factors that Determine High Mileage
When evaluating if a used motorcycle has high mileage, you need to consider:
- Motorcycle type – Different styles are designed for more or less mileage. For example, touring bikes are built to rack up miles.
- Displacement – Larger engines generally have a longer lifespan.
- Transmission – Manual transmissions tend to last longer than automatics.
- Maintenance history – A well-maintained bike will typically have more life left.
- Ownership – Multiple owners, rentals, etc. often equate to harder use.
- Riding conditions – Highway miles are easier than stop-and-go traffic.
- Modifications – Customization can stress the engine or alter reliability.
- Manufacturing quality – Some brands build longer lasting motorcycles.
- Visible wear – Check for leaks, rust, worn parts, crash damage, etc.
Signs of High Mileage Wear
When test riding and inspecting a used motorcycle, look for these common signs of high mileage wear and tear:
- Excessive exhaust smoke
- Loss of engine compression
- Abnormal engine noises
- Oil leaks
- Loose steering or chassis parts
- Worn brake pads/rotors
- Damaged suspension components
- Cracks or dry rot in tires
- Faded paint and plastic
- Torn seat
- Corroded battery terminals
While some wear is expected even on lower mileage bikes, excessive issues can signify a motorcycle that is past its prime regardless of actual mileage.
How to Check Mileage on a Motorcycle
When buying a used motorcycle or assessing your own bike’s mileage, here are some tips:
- Check the odometer – Digital odometers are harder to manipulate than analog ones.
- Review maintenance logs – Match records with odometer readings if possible.
- Check public VIN databases – These can provide mileage histories.
- Look for wear consistency – Mileage should match the visible condition.
- Test ride performance – Assess engine power, shifting, brakes, etc.
- Inspect tires and brake pads – Significant wear indicates use.
- Consider ownership history – More owners can mean inaccurate odometers.
Mileage inconsistencies, tampering or rollbacks should raise red flags. Always be thorough when evaluating any used vehicle.
Value Impact of High Mileage
Higher mileage negatively affects motorcycle value. Some estimates on value reduction:
| Mileage | Value Decrease |
|---|---|
| Up to 10,000 miles | 0% |
| 10,000 – 20,000 miles | 10% – 20% |
| 20,000 – 40,000 miles | 20% – 30% |
| Over 40,000 miles | 30%+ |
Other factors like condition, maintenance and mods also impact price. But generally, fewer miles means a higher asking price.
Is Buying a High Mileage Motorcycle Worth it?
Sometimes you can find a great deal on a high mileage, used motorcycle. But is it worth it? Here are the pros and cons of buying high mileage bikes:
Pros
- Lower purchase price
- Typically still plenty of life left
- Chance to inspect maintenance quality
- Often reflect highway vs. city miles
Cons
- More frequent maintenance and repairs
- Hard to resell later for top dollar
- Fewer years until major rebuild needed
- Unknown orspotty maintenance history
- Higher likelihood of mechanical issues
If you have the mechanical skills and budget for extra upkeep, a high mileage motorcycle can be a good bargain. But evaluate costs down the road too.
Maximizing Durability on High Mileage Motorcycles
To help a high mileage motorcycle go the distance, be diligent about:
- Preventative maintenance – Stick to maintenance schedules for oil changes, tune-ups, fluid flushes, etc.
- Regular inspections – Watch for emerging issues before they become major repairs.
- Performance upgrades – Improved parts like brake pads can aid longevity.
- Careful operation – Avoid excessive RPMs and hard acceleration which add stress.
- Protective modifications – Add guards, covers, heavy duty components, etc.
- Careful storage – Use fuel stabilizers during downtime and keep protected.
With extra diligence and preventative care, a motorcycle can still deliver years of service despite already having high mileage.
When to Avoid High Mileage Motorcycles
While high mileage bikes can be a good bargain, they may be best avoided if:
- You want minimal maintenance needs
- Reliability is critical for everyday transportation
- You lack mechanical skills and budget for repairs
- The bike has significant visible wear and tear
- Maintenance records are unknown or sketchy
- Engine, transmission, or other issues are evident
For beginning riders, commuters, or those wanting minimal upkeep cost and hassle, a lower mileage motorcycle in good shape is likely the better choice.
Bottom Line
There is no definitive mileage that signals a motorcycle is past its prime. Well maintained bikes can perform reliably at high mileages. But in general, lower mileage means less wear and more years left of service.
If buying a used motorcycle, carefully assess overall condition and maintenance records – not just mileage. Extra diligence with preventative care helps high mileage bikes continue to deliver years of riding.