Understanding a Used Motorcycle's Life Expectancy

While it is clearly unreasonable to purchase a used motorcycle with the expectation that it will last you for as long as a new motorcycle would, that does not mean you shouldn’t be able to get a good few years out of a used bike. However, calculating the life expectancy of a used motorcycle can involve many factors, making it difficult to make the most out of your purchase. To help explain some of these factors and make the buying process easier, Wooly’s Cycles has put together the following information.

The Average Lifespan of Used Motorcycles

While chronological age is obviously a factor, the most helpful way of measuring a used motorcycle’s lifespan is in miles traveled. Depending upon how well-maintained the motorcycle is, this can vary from about 20,000 miles all the way up to 200,000 miles. However, these numbers represent extremes, and on average most motorcycles will last about 100,000 miles.

Factors Affecting a Used Motorcycle's Lifespan

While maintenance is obviously one of the most important factors determining a motorcycle’s lifespan, it is far from the only one. When looking at a used bike, it pays to know these factors and how they can affect a motorcycle’s future performance. 

The Way The Used Motorcycle Was Ridden

Like any other machine, frequently pushing a motorcycle to its limits can reduce its overall lifespan. Aggressive braking and accelerating, as well as running at higher speeds, takes a toll on a motorcycle, while less aggressive riding can allow a bike to last longer. This factor is tricky because it is not the kind of thing that you can easily find by looking up the vehicle’s history. How the bike was ridden can be difficult to verify, especially if the bike has been resold numerous times. Try to find out as much as you can, and let that guide your decision. 

The Type of Motorcycle

Different motorcycle types are designed and used in different ways, and this has an effect on overall lifespan. For example, touring motorcycles are built for long cross-country cruises, so they can last up to 100,000 miles. Sports bikes, on the other hand, are made for much more energetic rides, and usually only have about 50,000 miles maximum before they need to be retired. Remember that two bikes with the same mileage may be at very different places in their overall lifespans if they are of different types. 

The Engine Size

There is not much to say on this topic, but bigger engines tend to last longer than smaller ones. Even if two bikes are of the same type and are maintained and ridden at a similar level, the one with the bigger engine will usually have more miles left in it. 

The Year of Manufacturing

As technology has improved, so have motorcycles. This not only means better performance, but it also means a longer effective lifespan. A newer model incorporating better materials and other advances will last longer than an older model created using outdated techniques. 

The Brand

Different brands have different philosophies and methods when it comes to manufacturing motorcycles. If you see a used motorcycle that you like, do some research on the brand to find out more about the brand’s reputation. Some are known for longevity, while others may be infamous for producing short-lived bikes. 

We here at Wooly’s Cycles wish you luck on your used motorcycle buying journey. To view our selection of used models, visit our dealership in Marietta, Georgia. We are proud to serve the northern Georgia area, as well as guests coming to us from North Carolina or South Carolina.