Predicting a Used Motorcycle's Life Expectancy

If you’re planning to buy a used motorcycle, it's important to evaluate its life expectancy before making the purchase. This will help you avoid spending too much on a bike that will need to be replaced in a few years anyways. We have created this brief guide to help you estimate a used motorcycle's life expectancy!

Did the Past Owner Keep Up with Maintenance?

A used motorcycle that was poorly taken care of will probably last for another 20,000 miles. A well-maintained bike will likely last for about 100,000 miles. In some cases, a pre-owned bike could even last for 200,000 miles!

As you inspect the used motorcycle, you may notice signs of neglect. For example, the maintenance records may show very few preventative maintenance visits to the service department. Keep this in mind when estimating a used motorcycle's potential lifespan.

How Was the Motorcycle Used?

A used motorcycle will have a shorter lifespan if:

• The previous owner drove recklessly.
• The previous owner drove aggressively by engaging in continuous acceleration and braking.
• The bike was ridden often at high RPMs.

If possible, ask the seller questions to find out how the motorcycle was used.

What Type of Motorcycle Is It?

Certain types of motorcycles tend to last longer than others. For example, a sports bike tends to last for about 50,000 miles. A touring model can last for about 100,000 miles. Do some research on the expected lifespans of the type of motorcycle that you’re considering buying. Also, keep in mind that a used motorcycle with a bigger engine will last longer than a model with a smaller engine.

Year of Manufacturing

Motorcycle manufacturing technology gets better each year. Used motorcycles built further in the past tend to have an overall shorter lifespan than models built more recently.

The Brand

The brand can also play a big role in a used motorcycle's lifespan. Some manufacturers build their bikes from high-quality materials, which makes them more durable and they are likely to last longer than similar models from other brands.

Want more information? Want to check out used motorcycles for sale? Whatever you need, the experts at Used Motorcycle Store are here to help! We proudly serve the entire continental United States and ship nationwide.