You should always keep mileage in mind when purchasing any kind of vehicle. But how many miles are too many for a motorcycle, and is that cause for concern?
This article should be useful if you’re looking for a used motorcycle or simply unsure of whether your bike has seen better days based on mileage.
We will go over other factors to consider when estimating a motorcycle’s potential lifespan as well as the precise mileage that is considered high. In addition, we’ll offer advice on how to keep a bike with a lot of mileage in good condition.
How Many Miles Are Deemed Too Many For A Motorcycle?
The mileage that is frequently cited as high for motorcycles is 40,000 miles. The number 25,000 is on Dor’s bicycle. The fact that sports bikes are ridden aggressively is the reason why there are fewer of them. Because of the strain that riding in that manner places on the engine, 25,000 miles is regarded as a high mileage for a sports bike.
Consider this before you buy a motorcycle if you’re worried about the mileage. A motorcycle is more than 13 years old if it has 40,000 miles on it and its owner typically rode it for 3000 miles annually. Was the bike properly maintained over such a long time? is what you should be more concerned about than mileage.
When it comes to used motorcycles, maintenance is significantly more crucial than mileage. Low mileage does not necessarily indicate that the motorcycle was well taken care of, nor does a high mileage indicate that the motorcycle is not worth the price. It might have been rusting from the inside while sitting on a garage for some time, for all we know.
Does The Number Of Miles Matter?
No, is the quick response. The value is one reason why many of us consider it before purchasing a bike or a car. These quotes were taken from various sources, including KBB, NADA, and a few others. These quotes take into account mileage and age. In this case, people erroneously believe that a bike with a higher price tag is superior.
Actually, mileage only has an impact on value. The odometer in a bike is just a number if it hasn’t been serviced frequently, and the bike will probably be in very bad shape. While a well-kept bike with more than 100,000 miles on it would be preferable and less of a problem over time.
When purchasing a vehicle, mileage is important, but it’s not the most crucial one. In motorcycles, this is especially true.
Does The Number Of Miles Real?
Mileage tampering is not unusual. There are several ways to fake the actual mileage, including switching the speedometer, unplugging it, and dialing it back. These kinds of features are even present in modern digital odometers. This crime affects motorcycles much more frequently.
A motorcycle’s speedometer is much simpler to tamper with than a car’s. So when the mileage goes past a number where it could significantly decrease the value, people tend to give a more favorable number, just to increase the resale value of the bike
As a result, consider what matters before drawing any conclusions from a motorcycle’s mileage.
What Is The Average Motorcycle Annual Mileage?
Compared to a car, a motorcycle typically travels fewer miles annually. The typical annual mileage for a car is between 10,000 and 15,000 miles, while that of a motorcycle is about 3,000 miles. For particular bike types, this may be lower.
How Crucial Is Checking The Mileage?
While a motorcycle’s mileage can help determine its worth, it does not always indicate whether an investment in it is worthwhile.
This is due to the fact that motorcycles with a high mileage figure can still be very valuable, especially if they receive regular maintenance over their entire lifespan. Other significant indicators of how much longer it has to live include the type of bike and how it was ridden.
How To Keep Your High-Mileage Motorcycle (5 Easy Ways)
Remember these pointers to keep your high-mileage motorcycle running like new!
Like A Pro, Get It Started!
The engine needs to be properly broken in if you recently purchased a bike and want to keep it running like new. If the engine on your old bike has been rebuilt, you should break it in just like a brand-new engine. The first 500 to 1,000 miles are when most motorcycles need to be broken in.
During this time, there is still a lot of internal friction inside the engine, so keep the following in mind:
- For the first 500 to 1,000 miles, don’t press the accelerator more than ¾.
- At any gear, avoid running the engine too fast.
- Avoid jackrabbit acceleration, abrupt stops, and strong starts.
- Keep your motor off the ground. When the engine starts to struggle, downshift always.
- Use the highest gear you can at all times.
Observe The Instructions In The Service Manual
Whether your bike has 2,000 miles on it or 60,000 miles on it makes no difference. You must adhere to and strictly follow the maintenance instructions in the service manual.
This will not only entail routine lubrication and oil changes, but also valve adjustment inspection, brake maintenance, and inspection or replacement of the transmission’s primary chains.
Check The Air Filter Frequently
One of the most fundamental maintenance tasks that every motorcyclist should be familiar with is checking the air filter.
You are essentially letting dirt and debris into the engine if your air filter is dirty, clogged, damaged, loose, or missing. This is not good.
If you ride your motorcycle in sand- and dust-filled environments, you should replace or clean the air filter on a regular basis.
Keep in mind that if an engine picks up even a tiny bit of dirt or grit, it will eventually fail or break down.
Substitute Coolant For Water
Use the recommended quantity of coolant and water in the radiator if your motorcycle is liquid-cooled.
The additives in coolant will lubricate the internal radiator parts. This aids in preventing corrosion and rust from accumulating inside radiator tubes.
In order to avoid overheating and water pump failure, you should also drain, flush, and replace the coolant at least every two years.
Periodically Check The Hard Drive
Even if there is nothing wrong with the bike, you should periodically check the motor chain, sprocket wear, and rear drive housing. Maintain the chains’ proper alignment and lubrication. Your high-mileage motorcycle will continue to run smoothly just from this.
Conclusion
The capabilities of a motorcycle will ultimately be less affected by mileage than by other factors. However, value will be impacted by mileage. Finding a bike with a lower mileage is preferable if you intend to keep the bike for a while before selling it. If not, try to concentrate more on maintenance than on mileage.
Actually, if you are diligent about maintenance, motorcycles will last a long time. A motorcycle has a 60,000-mile lifespan on average. Accordingly, it will likely last for more than 20 years. For maintenance, budget about $800 a year. When you purchase a motorcycle, be sure to maintain it properly. Motorcycles have a longevity of over 100,000 miles with proper maintenance.
