The following article “How Long Do Motorcycles Last? High Mileage For A Motorcycle” is republished with permission from the AGVSPORT AU website.
In general, a motorcycle can last up to 15 years or 20,000-50,000 miles. But you can expect these numbers to go up or down depending on how you maintain and use your motorcycle. For example, if a motorcycle has not suffered any major accidents and has been well-maintained, it will continue performing optimally even beyond 100,000 miles.
With that said, there is no guaranteed lifespan of a motorcycle: No two motorbikes, even similar brands/models with the same engine size and manufacturer date, will have the exact same lifespan. This is because there are many factors that play a role in the longevity of a motorcycle.
How Many Years Does a Motorcycle Last?
The lifespan of a motorcycle varies significantly based on several factors, including the make and model, maintenance practices, riding conditions, and usage in terms of how gentle or how rough the user is when riding it.
On average, a properly-maintained motorbike, regardless of the brand/type, can last for 12 to 15 years. High-quality brands like Honda, Yamaha, and Harley-Davidson are known for producing long-lasting motorcycles that can easily exceed this range when properly cared for.
Motorcycles that receive regular maintenance, such as oil changes and timely replacement of worn-out parts, tend to have longer lifespans. Riding conditions also play a crucial role; bikes ridden in harsh environments or subjected to heavy use may experience more wear and tear, potentially shortening their lifespan.
What is Considered High Mileage for a Motorcycle?
Generally, high mileage for a motorcycle is considered to be anywhere between 20,000 and 50,000 miles, depending on the bike’s type and engine size. For smaller, lightweight motorcycles with engine size below 250cc (such as a dirt bike), the high mileage will be on the low end (usually no more than 20,000 miles). On the other hand, larger, well-maintained cruisers and touring motorcycles often have high mileage in the 40,000 to 50,000 miles range.
Therefore, reaching 50,000 miles might indicate that a motorcycle is nearing the end of its lifespan. However, this is only in theory as in some cases mileage doesn’t even matter when determining the lifespan of a motorcycle. It only offers an insight into how far the bike has traveled in its lifetime, and doesn’t often necessarily reflect the age of the motorcycle in terms of how long it has lasted since it was manufactured.
For example, a motorcycle bought in the 90s but used sparingly can have lower mileage than one bought five years ago but used daily. Besides, a motorcycle with 150,000 miles can be in better condition to last longer than one with only 10,000 miles, depending on other aspects like usage, maintenance, etc.
Factors that Will Influence the Motorcycle’s Longevity and “High Mileage” Threshold
Here are the factors that will help you gain a better understanding of what constitutes high mileage and longevity for a motorcycle.
Maintenance
In many cases, the level of maintenance is the single most significant factor in determining how the motorcycle holds up over the years. For example, a motorcycle that has been well-maintained may be in good condition to last up to 50,000 miles or more. Conversely, a poorly maintained motorcycle will exhibit signs of shortened lifespan (reach its high mileage) much sooner, regardless of the actual miles ridden.
Regular professional check-ups, routine oil changes, proper storage, and protection from extreme weather conditions are all indicative of a well-maintained motorcycle.
Handling
The way a motorcycle is handled, ridden, or used over its lifespan makes a huge difference when it comes to its longevity. Naturally, motorcycles ridden gently and responsibly will remain in good condition and last longer than expected.
Conversely, aggressive riding and frequent high-speed travel increases the risk of accidents, wear, and breakdowns, which can significantly reduce a motorcycle’s lifespan even with proper maintenance. Of course, a motorcycle with fewer breakdowns and accidents will more likely have an extended lifespan.
External factors, such as the condition of the roads, also play a role. Motorcycles ridden on rough roads may not last as long as those used on smoother surfaces regardless of how gentle you are with it.
Engine size
Engine size is another crucial consideration when assessing a motorcycle’s high mileage and potential longevity. Smaller engines, such as those in the 250cc range, often have a lower mileage of between 20,000 to 30,000 miles and a shorter lifespan compared to larger engines.
On the other hand, larger engines like 1,000cc or above are built to handle more stress and can easily surpass 50,000 miles if properly maintained.
Type of motorcycle
| Type of motorcycle | High mileage |
| Dirt bikes | 20,000 miles |
| Sports bikes | 25,000 to 50,000 miles |
| Cruisers | 40,000 to 50,000 miles |
| Touring | 40,000 to 50,000 miles (100,000 miles possible with proper maintenance) |
| Adventure/dual-purpose motorcycle | 75,000 miles |
| Off-road bikes | About 20,000 miles |
The high mileage threshold and average lifespan varies across different types of motorcycles. For example, touring motorcycles can rack up a huge amount of miles (up to 50,000 miles) as they are designed with engines that deliver consistent power to withstand long trips. Dirt bikes, on the other hand, are powerful and punchy to ride over rough terrain: a combination that can wear down their engine quickly, thus having a lower “high mileage” threshold and shorter lifespan.
Conversely, sport bikes brake harder and accelerate faster, leading them to acquiring the “high mileage” of 50,000 much faster than touring and cruiser bikes. However, a sports bike that is well-maintained can still outperform a cruiser that is poorly-maintained.
Motorcycle Brands That Last the Longest
| Motorcycle Brand | High Mileage |
| Honda | 150,000 miles |
| Yamaha | 75,000 – 100,000 miles |
| Suzuki | 70,000 – 100,000 miles |
| Ducati | 80,000 -100,000 miles |
| Harley-Davidson | >100,000 miles |
Source link: https://www.lazerhelmets.com/how-many-miles-do-motorcycles-last/
Different brands of motorcycles are built to varying standards, affecting their high mileage thresholds and longevity.
Motorcycles made by reputable brands, like Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki, usually use materials that are highly rated, often come with better durability and longevity. This makes them less susceptible to the typical high mileage pitfalls. On the other hand, budget-friendly brands might not offer the same level of longevity.
Here are some of the motorcycle brands that you can trust to have a longer lifespans:
Yamaha
Yamaha, a Japanese motorcycle manufacturer, is voted the most reliable brand in the entire world, with an 11% failure rate. For instance, only 11% of the produced motorbikes require repair during their first four years. This reliability combined with the affordable cost of around $5,000 and low-maintenance capabilities makes Yamaha motorcycles stand the test of time.
Honda
Honda has a strong reputation for producing reliable and long-lasting motorcycles, with many 30-year old models still on road. Honda’s broad manufacturing capabilities and rigorous quality control processes ensure their motorcycles are built to last. A well-maintained Honda motorcycle can comfortably hit 150,000 miles. Their famous touring models (such as Gold Wing) can even last up to 300,000 miles.
Suzuki
Suzuki’s dedication to innovation and quality manufacturing practices result in motorcycles that can handle extensive use, without suffering major mechanical breakdowns. Over the first four years, only 12% of Suzuki motorcycles require fairly serious repairs. With a strict maintenance schedule, you can expect Suzuki motorcycles to last at least 250,000 miles or more than 15 years.
Kawasaki
Kawasaki is another big Japanese brand name, known for its reliability. Only 15% of Kawasaki motorcycles need mechanical repairs during the first four years. This is a relatively smaller number given the big number of motorcycles manufactured by Kawasaki company every year.
Their popular Ninja and KLR models are designed using advanced engineering and high-quality materials, making them stand a test of time. Their repairs are also more affordable.
Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson is the most reliable American-made motorcycle brand. Traditionally known for their larger displacement cruiser bikes, Harley-Davidson has diversified its lineup to include smaller and more affordable models.
While they are pricier than some other brands, Harley-Davidson motorcycles are built to last and provide a classic American riding experience. Only 26% of its motorcycles require some sort of mechanical repairs during the first four years.
Triumph
Triumph, established in 1902, has been the most reliable British-made motorcycle brand. Known for producing larger displacement cruiser models, the Triumph Bonneville and the Triumph Tiger are excellent examples of the brand’s commitment to building long-lasting and reliable motorcycles. They have a failure rate of 29% during the first four years of life.
Triumph motorcycles are typically more expensive, starting at around $9,300.
Indian
Indian is one of America’s oldest and most iconic motorcycle brands. Since Polaris acquired the brand in 2011, Indian motorcycles have been known for their reliability. Although larger models may require more frequent and costly repairs compared to similarly sized Harley-Davidson, the smaller Indian bikes often outperform their Harley counterparts, offering a dependable and high-performing ride.
KTM
KTM, an Austrian brand, is known for its off-road and street/adventure bikes. Models such as the KTM 1290 Super Adventure and the KTM 690 Enduro R are designed to endure tough terrains and extensive use. Therefore, with regular maintenance, KTM bikes are nearly as reliable as those from top Japanese brands.
Ducati
Ducati is for Italians what Harley-Davidson is for Americans. It has overcome a past reputation for poor reliability and high maintenance costs to become one of the most dependable and reliable motorcycle brands.
The brand’s most popular model, Scrambler Icon, costs less than $8,000 and has a mechanical failure rate of 33% during the first four years.
Conclusion: How Long Do Motorcycles Last?
Motorcycles that have been well-maintained and have not been through serious accidents can last up to 15 years (100,000 miles) or more. While there are many factors that determine how long a motorcycle lasts, it is best if you know how to maintain and care for your bike really well. Regular maintenance, including timely repairs and oil changes, significantly extends the lifespan of motorcycles. So, keep your motorcycle in top shape, and you will get a safer and more enjoyable riding experience for many years to come.
Information for this article was partially sourced and researched from the following authoritative Government, educational, corporate, and nonprofit organizations:
This article about How Long Do Motorcycles Last is sourced from AGVSPORT AUSTRALIA website and the original article can be found here: https://www.agvsport.au/en/how-long-do-motorcycles-last/
M/EW