What is high mileage for a bike?

What is high mileage for a bike?

If you’re in the market for a used motorcycle, understanding the bike’s mileage and its impact on price and performance is one of the most important questions you’ll need to consider.

It probably sounds straightforward — less mileage is good and more mileage is less good, but those aren't the only variables to consider. Their are many other variables to consider as are also considered in case of car, like car repair warranty and manufacturing date etc.

The real question is: how much rideable-life can the bike you’re looking at realistically offer?

Most people know that a car with 150,000 miles on it will soon be headed for the scrap heap — but is the same thing true for motorcycles? Should an odometer drenched in zeros stop you from buying?

Let’s consider the key criteria that will help you find the answer.

Look beyond the numbers Generally speaking, when a motorcycle’s mileage reading crosses the 40,000 line, it's getting on a bit. For sport bikes, the number is closer to 25,000 because they tend to run hotter and at top speeds. Touring bikes, on the other hand, are officially in the high mileage zone once they reach 40,000 miles.

That gives you an indication of what to look for, but the truth is that mileage alone can’t give you deep insight into a bike’s real road-worthiness. Mileage is just one piece of the puzzle for any vehicle.

What really makes the difference is how it's been cared for across all those miles. For motorcycles in particular, the specific model can also be definitive.

What kind of motorcycle is it?

Some motorcycle types are built for punishment rather than just speed, and can go aong way before any maintenance is needed. AS the name suggests, touring cycles are buil for the long haul. A touring bike rider can easily put 10,000 on their machine every year. As long as proper maintenance is being adhered to along the way, the mileage racked up shouldn’t present a problem.

Sport bikes are the polar opposite. They burn at higher revs than touring bikes, plus they usually drive faster and brake harder. That’s why sport bikes hit the the ‘high’ mileage zone sooner than touring bikes. However, the same rule applies to sport bikes as touring bikes and

cruisers. If a sport motorcycle has had enough TLC it can operate more reliably than a tourer that’s rarely seen the inside of a garage.

Look at maintenance and storage It's often the case that the owner’s level of care determines how well the bike holds up over the years. A motorcycle that’s seen good care on a regular basis could well make it to the 100,000 mile mark, or beyond.

If you’re buying a used motorcycle, the seller should be able to give you basic information about how the bike has been maintained and stored. Some things you should ask about include:     

Did the bike receive regular oil changes?

Did the bike have air filters replaced regularly?

Was the bike stored outside or indoors?

Was the bike ridden regularly or did it sit unused for long periods?

And of course, copies of the service records should be easy to obtain

A motorcycle that’s sat idle for a long time may not be in pristine condition. Bikes are built for riding. If the owner hasn’t taken appropriate steps to prepare the bike for long storage, damage to seals and gaskets may have occurred, along with rusting and other parts ‘seizing up’ because of moisture and seasonal temperature extremes.

How was the bike treated by its owner(s)?

When a used bike has been owned by one or just a few people, that’s normally a good sign.

People tend to hold onto bikes that perform well for longer. If a bike has passed through many owners, it increases the likelihood that it suffered a collision that hasn't been reported, was maintained shoddily, or stored inappropriately. That’s why single-owner bikes are something every used bike buyer looks for — the holy grail of used vehicle buys.

But even if you do find one, you still have to see the big picture. HOw many miles did the owner rack up? Were they freewheel burners who kept the pedal to the metal and braked relentlessly? Did they push the bike to its limit on track day, or did they take it out for leisurely rides along country lanes?

If you are contemplating a purchase, don't let the odometer reading put you off. Ask the right questions and do your homework. You might just bag yourself a bargain.