Predicting a Used Motorcycle's Life Expectancy
When shopping for used motorcycles, it’s natural to want to know how many years of service a particular bike has left in it. You don’t want your motorcycle to fall apart the moment you drive off the lot. Many factors go into determining how long you can expect a used motorcycle to last. This guide from Thompson’s Motorsports can give you a better understanding of those factors, allowing you to make a more informed purchasing decision.
Factors Affecting a Used Motorcycle's Lifespan
Chronological age is one of the less important factors that go into determining how long a motorcycle will last. There are examples of motorcycles that are several years old but have been well maintained as well as examples of motorcycles that are only a few years old and have been ridden very hard. That’s why the number of miles traveled is a much more useful metric for determining a motorcycle’s “age”.
The Average Lifespan of a Used Motorcycle
An average motorcycle can be ridden about 100,000 miles before it’s time to send it to the scrap heap. However, different motorcycle types have different “lifespans”. Touring motorcycles are designed for long-distance journeys, so it’s no surprise that they are built to last a bit longer in terms of mileage. It’s not unusual for a touring motorcycle to last about 200,000 miles if well-maintained. Sport bikes are at the other end of the spectrum. They are built for speed and performance over durability and longevity. This added strain means that sport motorcycles tend to have a “lifespan” of about 50,000 miles.
How Hard Was the Used Motorcycle Ridden?
Aggressive braking and accelerating puts extra strain on a motorcycle’s components, causing them to wear out more quickly. The bad news is that figuring out how hard previous owners rode a used motorcycle can be difficult, especially if the model in question has had multiple owners. That’s part of the reason why inspecting a used model before purchasing it is so important.
Other Factors
We’ve already listed the most important factors determining a motorcycle’s “lifespan”. However, there are a few other things to consider. These smaller factors might not have as large an impact on how long a used motorcycle lasts, but it’s still important to know and understand them. One example is engine size. Larger engines generally last longer than smaller ones. Motorcycles manufactured more recently tend to last longer due to incorporating more advanced materials, but this isn’t a hard and fast rule. The brand is another factor. Some brands focus more on producing performance or comfort over longevity when designing and manufacturing motorcycles.
Shop used motorcycles at Thompson’s Motorsports in Terre Haute, Indiana. We’re proud to serve communities like Bloomington and West Indianapolis, Indiana, as well as Effingham, Illinois. We also offer parts, accessories, servicing, riding gear, and apparel.