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Evaluating the Life Expectancy of a Used Motorcycle

Jul. 27 2022 Buying Guide By The Cycle Exchange

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Buying a used motorcycle allows you to get the bike you’re looking for without breaking the bank, but it’s important to understand a vehicle’s life expectancy before you buy it. At The Cycle Exchange, we want to help you avoid buying anything that won’t last very long, so we’ve put together some tips on evaluating the life expectancy of a used motorcycle.

Past Maintenance

First and foremost, you’ll need to ask about the bike’s maintenance history. Life expectancy for a motorcycle is often measured in miles traveled, and a poorly-maintained machine will give out fairly quickly. However, if past owners have been diligent about service and repairs, that used motorcycle could last several years. Give the bike a thorough inspection and look for signs of neglect, and look over the service history to see if there are any long gaps between preventative maintenance visits.

How It Was Ridden

Motorcycles tend to be ridden quite a lot, but there are always variations in just how they’re used. Ask the seller how the bike you’re interested in was ridden. If it was driven recklessly, aggressively, or at constant high RPMs, the motorcycle may have a shorter lifespan than you would otherwise estimate.

The Brand

It’s important to note that not all motorcycles are built equal. Some brands and manufacturers build their bikes with higher-quality materials and designs, so their models can last longer than the average one. Look around online to see which manufacturers are known for high-quality construction.

Engine Size

There are a few other factors that will impact the overall life expectancy. It's important to be mindful of this when you shop for a bike. Generally speaking, larger engines are going to be built more durable than smaller engines, so the larger the engine your motorcycle uses, the longer its lifespan might be. The lifespan also depends on the style of bike. For instance, a touring motorcycle may last for approximately 100,000 miles while a sports bike may last for 50,000 miles.

The Age

The year the bike in question was manufactured plays a big role. The technology and features are getting better every year, so used motorcycles won’t necessarily have as much life left as newer ones. However, that doesn’t mean they’re a bad choice, especially when looking at bikes from reputable brands that are known to manufacture durable models.

We hope these tips help you find the right fit for your riding needs! For more information, or to see the selection of used motorcycles we have available, contact us at The Cycle Exchange in Andover and Ledgewood, NJ. We proudly serve the people of New York, NY, and Philadelphia, PA.