Predicting a Used Motorcycle's Life Expectancy

When shopping for used motorcycles, one question that almost always comes up is “How much more life is left in this used motorcycle?” You wouldn’t want the used bike to start falling apart only a few months after you purchase it. Unfortunately, calculating a motorcycle’s “age” can be very difficult because of the many factors at play. If you need some help determining how much life might be left in a used motorcycle, this guide from Rahal Piaggio® has the information you need.

Factors Affecting a Used Motorcycle's Lifespan

Chronological age is less important than you might think when it comes to determining how long a used motorcycle will last. A motorcycle that is more than a decade old but has been very well maintained and rarely ridden will be in better condition than a bike that’s a few years old but has been ridden very hard and has never been sent in for maintenance. That’s why mileage is a much more useful metric for measuring a motorcycle’s “age.” 

The Average Lifespan of a Used Motorcycle

On average, a motorcycle can be ridden about 100,000 miles before it’s ready to be “retired” for good. However, you also need to keep in mind that different motorcycle types have different “life expectancies.” Sport bikes are designed for short, intense rides that are very hard on the vehicle. Sport bike designs also prioritize performance above all else, so the average “lifespan” for a sport bike tends to be around 50,000 miles. On the other end of the spectrum are touring motorcycles. Touring motorcycles are designed for cross-country trips and endurance rides, so a well-maintained model can last around 200,000 miles.

How Hard Was the Used Motorcycle Ridden?

The harder you push a motorcycle through aggressive braking and accelerating, the more strain you put it under. This strain causes the motorcycle to wear out more quickly. Of course, discovering how hard previous owners rode a used motorcycle can be a challenge, especially if the model in question has been owned by multiple people. That’s part of the reason why inspecting a used bike before purchasing it is so important.

Other Factors

Besides the major factors already mentioned, there are a few smaller factors that have a lesser but still significant impact on determining a used motorcycle’s lifespan, such as engine size. Bigger engines tend to last longer overall than smaller engines. Motorcycles manufactured using more recent technology tend to last a bit longer as well. Some brands place more of an emphasis on longevity than others, so make is also a factor to consider.

Shop used motorcycles at Rahal Piaggio® in Carmel, Indiana, near Indianapolis. We’re proud to serve communities like Lebanon, Fishers, and Avon, Indiana. We hope to see you soon!