What is High Mileage for a Motorcycle & Does Motorcycle Mileage Matter?

MOTORCYCLE MILEAGE FAQS

WHAT IS HIGH MILEAGE FOR A MOTORCYCLE?

Experts agree that the high-mileage threshold for a motorcycle depends in large part on the type of motorcycle. A sport motorcycle with a high-revving engine or a dual-purpose motorcycle that is frequently ridden off pavement could be considered “high-mileage” at 20,000 to 30,000 miles. A touring motorcycle that is designed to cover long distances at highway speeds can go to 50,000 to 60,000 miles before it might be considered a high-mileage motorcycle. In either case, mileage alone is not an accurate indicator of the motorcycle’s mechanical condition.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE ANNUAL MILEAGE FOR MOTORCYCLES?

J.D. Power estimates that on average a motorcycle is ridden 3,000 miles per year, but this can vary based on the type of motorcycle, rider’s personality, the location and more.

SHOULD YOU CONSIDER MILEAGE WHEN BUYING A USED MOTORCYCLE?

There’s no question that mileage plays a factor in the value of a used motorcycle. But in the real world, mileage is only one factor you should consider, and it’s not always near the top of the list. The odometer only tells you how far the motorcycle has travelled – more important is knowing where the motorcycle has been ridden, how it was ridden and how well it was maintained as it covered those miles.

HIGH MOTORCYCLE MILEAGE VS. MOTORCYCLE CONDITION

When considering a used motorcycle, it’s best to compare the motorcycle’s mileage to the motorcycle’s condition. If the motorcycle has covered many miles, a few nicks in the paint or wear on the hand grips and seat are to be expected. If a higher-mileage motorcycle has been well-maintained, the tires should be in good condition and have a recent date code, the brake fluid should look clean, and brake pads and rotors should be in good shape. If you see an oil filter that matches the motorcycle brand, it’s a sign that the motorcycle has either been maintained at a dealership or that the owner cared enough to buy an OEM filter. Negative signs such as tires that are worn or old, dirty engine oil or a brake lever that looks like it has ground down on the pavement, render the mileage irrelevant – may mean the motorcycle has issues. A used motorcycle that shows signs of regular maintenance and few signs of abuse is the motorcycle you should be looking for unless you are willing to put some time and money into rehabilitation.

DOES HIGH MILEAGE ALONE DOES NOT MEAN A MOTORCYCLE IS IN BAD SHAPE?

In short, no. More important than the mileage is how the motorcycle has been ridden and maintained as it accumulated that mileage. When considering purchasing a used motorcycle, instead of just focusing on mileage, also consider these factors:

• Who has previously owned the motorcycle?

The original owner of a high-mileage motorcycle knows its history since it was new, which can be helpful. It’s also a sign that they’ve been invested in caring for the motorcycle. If the owner is an experienced rider who knows how to maintain the motorcycle, that’s another positive.

• What type of motorcycle is it?

What may be considered high mileage for a sport or dual-purpose motorcycle could be considered low to average miles for a touring motorcycle or cruiser. The high-performance engine in a sport motorcycle lends itself to aggressive riding – this is what a sport motorcycle is designed for, after all. But aggressive riding at high RPM can lead to engine wear and premature deterioration of suspension and braking components. If the motorcycle has been well-maintained, this may not be an issue but look carefully at a sport motorcycle with many miles on the clock. The same holds true for a dual-purpose motorcycle that has been ridden off-road where it will be exposed to dirt and dust, rocks and trail debris. Touring or cruiser motorcycles, on the other hand, tend to rack up the miles at a more moderate pace.

• How often was it ridden?

It is good for a motorcycle to be ridden on a regular basis. This keeps fresh gas in the tank, can help prevent condensation from accumulating in the engine and exhaust, and keeps seals tight. None of this happens if the motorcycle is parked for months at a time, unless it has been prepared for off-season or long-term storage. Take a peek inside the gas tank. If the gas smells bad or you see rust, this motorcycle has been parked for some time. If a motorcycle has been idle for years, it’s going to need to be thoroughly inspected and may require some investment before it’s a reliable rider.

• How was it used?

Often asking the owner how and where he likes to ride will give insight into how the motorcycle was ridden, which may be more important information than the mileage. For example, has the motorcycle been used for cruising around town or for long-distance touring? This type of riding does not lend itself to abuse or accelerated wear. If the owner brags about strafing corners on mountain roads or how fast their sport motorcycle is, the odometer may be reporting some really hard miles. Look for signs that the motorcycle has crashed, such as bent or scuffed hand controls or repairs to body work.

• How was it stored?

Outdoor storage can accelerate the motorcycle aging process, even if the motorcycle was covered. It will be more exposed to UV, moisture, insects and rodents than a motorcycle stored in a clean, dry garage. If you live in a climate that’s too cold for riding year-round, the motorcycle should have been properly prepared for off-season storage per its owner’s manual.

• How was the motorcycle maintained?

Ideally the seller of a used motorcycle will produce a folder of receipts for professional maintenance, or some evidence that they performed essential maintenance themselves. If they don’t have receipts, they may have a case of oil and extra filters to send along with the motorcycle, for example. Check not only the condition of the tires but also the date of manufacture code on the tire sidewall – professionals recommend replacing motorcycle tires that are more than six years old. If the motorcycle is being ridden on tires that are far out of date, the owner may not be tending to other maintenance. It’s also pretty easy to check tire air pressure and the condition of the air filter when inspecting a motorcycle before purchase – correct pressure and a clean filter are indicators that an owner is taking care of at least basic maintenance. If the seller claims all maintenance was done at a dealership, ask if you can go to that dealer with the VIN and request the service records.

BUYING A USED MOTORCYCLE FROM A DEALER

Regardless of mileage, buying a used motorcycle from a dealer is usually a safer bet than buying from a private party. The dealership has an obligation to make certain the motorcycle is reliable before offering it for sale. The H-D1 Marketplace™ is a portal to an inventory of thousands of pre-owned motorcycles offered by authorized Harley-Davidson dealers, searchable by motorcycle type and location. Many dealers offer H-D Certified™ pre-owned motorcycles that have been thoroughly inspected and reconditioned by a certified H-D technician and backed by a limited warranty.

START FROM ZERO MILES

You can make every mile your own by purchasing a new Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. You’ll always have the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly how your motorcycle has been ridden and maintained. See the entire line of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, apparel and accessories at H-D.com.