What is High Mileage for a Motorcycle? (2024)

FAQs

What is High Mileage for a Motorcycle? ›

Smaller motorcycles like sports bikes are considered to be high mileage at between 20,000 to 30,000 miles. Larger models like cruisers and touring bikes are deemed high mileage at around 50,000 miles.

Generally, high mileage on a motorcycle is anywhere from 20,000 to 50,000 miles. For sport bikes, the high mileage number will be on the low end (usually around 25,000), while cruisers and touring bikes typically become high mileage in the 40,000- to the 50,000-mile range.

Motorcycle values depend on a handful of factors, one of those being mileage, but past accidents, consistent (or not) oil changes, fluid top-offs, and other regular upkeep matter, too. With a clean background, a bike could clock in at 50,000 miles or more without an issue.

While a motorcycle can be considered high-mileage anywhere from 20,000 to 50,000 miles, many of these bikes are still in great condition! You can easily find out if a used, high-mileage bike is in good shape by: Checking its motorcycle service records. Getting a vehicle history report.

Larger Motorcycles (e.g., Harley-Davidson):

For Harley-Davidson motorcycles, the high mileage threshold is around 45,000 to 60,000 miles. However, these figures are general benchmarks and don't provide a comprehensive assessment of a used motorcycle's condition or its overall value.

On a comfortable motorcycle with a large gas tank, a determined enough rider can ride up to 1,000 miles in a 24-hour span—this is commonly referred to as an Iron Butt. However, it's more realistic for the average rider to travel between 200 and 400 miles in a day.

Several factors determine how long a motorcycle engine lasts, including the quality of the components, riding conditions, a motorcycle's make and model, and frequency of maintenance. Usually, a motorcycle engine is estimated to last between 50,000-250,000 miles or 12-15 years.

HOW MANY MILES CAN A MOTORCYCLE LAST? A motorcycle can last anywhere between 20,000 to 90,000 miles, which is quite a large disparity. That's because this figure rests on a number of factors. A dirt bike, for example, usually won't last more than 20,000 miles.

How many miles will a Harley last? ›

The Harley-Davidson engine can last 60,000 to 250,000 miles with proper maintenance. Some models can last 400,000 to 1,000,000 miles. Whether you choose Softail, Evo, or Twin Cam motorcycle engines, complete the required maintenance. Replace the oil filter, air filter, worn-out valves, drive belts, and pistons.

While it's important to look at and monitor the scope of your motorcycle stats, we generally recommend changing out your oil every 5,000 miles or once a year. We can assure you that routine maintenance, check-ups, and oil changes will provide your motorcycle with a healthier, longer life.

They buy them for aggressive riding and sharp handling. For sports bikes, 25,000 miles can be a lot. Harley-Davidson® motorcycles are built to last much longer. If a bike has good maintenance records, no signs of damage and no oil leaks, even a bike with 40,000 to 50,000 miles can be expected to last a long time.

High mileage for a motorcycle can be anywhere from 15,000 miles to 50,000 miles depending on what type of bike it is, where it was ridden, and whether the previous or current owner kept up with maintenance requirements. However, don't just look at mileage when deciding whether a used motorcycle is a good purchase.

A used touring motorcycle, for example, will usually last for about 100,000 miles. A used sport bike, in contrast, will usually last for about 50,000 miles. When figuring out the lifespan of a used motorcycle, it's important to consider the predicted amount of time for that particular type and model.

Smaller motorcycles like sports bikes are considered to be high mileage at between 20,000 to 30,000 miles. Larger models like cruisers and touring bikes are deemed high mileage at around 50,000 miles. There's nothing wrong with buying a used bike, loads of people do it, but not if it breaks down after the first month.

A motorcycle with 50,000 miles may still perform at its maximum potential, provided it was well-maintained by its owner, received high-quality new OEM parts as needed, and was used gently, albeit regularly.

What is considered high mileage on a car? Often, 100,000 miles is considered a cut-off point for used cars because older vehicles often start requiring more expensive and frequent maintenance when mileage exceeds 100,000.

Assuming you're talking about a motorcycle aimed at normal street usage, you could probably assume any bike with under 10,000 miles on the odometer is low mileage and has lots of life left. As for high mileage, once you get to 20,000 miles, most modern motorcycles should still be fine.