Understanding a Used Motorcycle's Life Expectancy
When looking at used motorcycle models, a question that frequently comes up is how many miles the motorcycle has left in it. There’s usually no easy answer since so many factors go into determining it. Luckily, this guide from the experts at Bert’s Barracuda Harley-Davidson® can help you get a better idea of how long a used motorcycle will last.
Factors Affecting a Used Motorcycle's Lifespan
A used motorcycle’s chronological age is less important than you might think when it comes to determining its lifespan. There are plenty of fairly new motorcycles that have been run into the ground by a lack of maintenance, along with very old motorcycles that still run very well due to diligent care on the part of the owner. That’s why it's usually more helpful to think of a motorcycle’s age in terms of miles traveled.
The Average Lifespan of a Used Motorcycle
The average motorcycle lasts about 100,000 miles before it needs to be scrapped. However, there are some caveats to keep in mind, such as the motorcycle’s type. Touring motorcycles are built to cover long distances, so well maintained touring bikes can last up to 200,000 miles. On the other end of the spectrum are sport bikes, which are used primarily for short but intense rides. Sport bikes typically last only about 50,000 miles due to the strain of racing.
How Hard was the Used Motorcycle Ridden?
Aggressive braking and acceleration put extra strain on a motorcycle’s components. This strain, in turn, shortens the bike’s effective lifespan. Unfortunately, figuring out how hard a used motorcycle was ridden by its previous owners isn’t always easy, especially if it has changed hands multiple times. Regardless, learn to brake/accelerate smoothly and avoid going too fast if you want your motorcycle to last as long as possible.
Other Factors
The biggest factors determining a motorcycle’s lifespan will always be its type, how well maintained it is, and how hard it was ridden. However, there are also a few other factors that have a smaller but still significant impact on a used motorcycle’s lifespan. For example, bigger engines tend to last longer than smaller ones. Motorcycles built more recently also tend to last longer due to them incorporating new technology. Finally, there’s brand, with some brands emphasizing durability and longevity and others focusing more on performance or convenience.
Shop used motorcycles at Bert’s Barracuda Harley-Davidson® in Clearwater, Florida. We’re proud to serve communities like Tampa and St. Petersburg, Florida. We also offer financing, parts ordering, servicing, and apparel.