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Just generally speaking....at what point would you say a bike had "high milage?" I don't want to buy one that has too many (unless it is just immaculate). However, I know, for cars at least, highway miles are considered "good" miles (compared to stop-and-go miles). Does this same idea apply for motorcycles as well?

There are a lot of factors involved in that. What's the model? What's it's purpose? What's the engine size?

There is a broad range of "high mileage" depending on the bike. A high revving 600cc sport bike doesn't tend to last long. At 20,000 miles if not well cared for they're getting into grandpa territory.

A bigger, lower revving engine will last longer than a smaller higher revving one in general.

Maintanence can make exceptions to the rule. I've heard of Ninja 250s going 100,000 miles when well maintained (valve maint and regular oil changes really), and those are bigtime screamers that run somewhere north of 7,000rpm at 60mph.

Suzuki GSs and most BMWs seem to be some of the most long lived on the road, attaining 200,000-300,000 miles in some cases when well maintained, but there are occasional rebuilds in there too.

If it's been beaten on, it won't last. Case in point: How many of the late 80's-early 90's sportbikes do you see for sale? Almost none. They're usually abused, wrecked, and everything else.

In general, from what I've seen 30,000 miles is high unless well cared for.

To add to what Isaac said - yes, sportbikes are generally beat on at some point, and tend to be worn out prematureley. I have seen a few exceptions, however - a CBR 600 RR that went over 100k, and an R1 that accumulated similar mileage. Can you find a used sportbike that will do the same? Most likely not.

Those bike that routinely build up many, many miles: Hondas (almost all of em', especially the touring models. I've seen reports of goldwings with over 300K miles!) BMW's - again, almost any model. They are sought-after by the touring crowd, the riders who tend to ride until they can't go anymore. Lots of high-mileage Bimmers out there.

Yamahas - Not all models, but Most modern water-cooled Yammies are as reliable as any competition. I've read stories of V-Max's going over 200K miles, Even a few air-cooled examples - Viragos, etc.

There are plenty of reliable bikes out there, I've failed to mention quite a few of them because there are simply too many to list. Just decide what style of bike you want, then research bikes in that style. You'll find the perfect ride for you!

Geez, Mav, have a little pity on us! That's a tough question to answer since there are so many variables involved.
You're right in assuming that highway miles are easier on the equipment, just like cars. That's why some of the larger, touring-oriented bikes, like Goldwings, Concours, etc. rack up such incredible odometer readings. Then, too, touring riders tend to take better care of their bikes, often doing scheduled maintenance ahead of, well..., schedule. A 100,000-mile Goldwing may be in better mechanical shape than a neglected, 10,000-mile R6.
Mileage is really only one consideration when buying a used bike. When you find a motorcycle you like, ask a ton of questions of the previous owner. You want to know as much about the service history of the bike as you can.
A person that keeps impeccable records is the one you want to buy from, assuming the bike checks out OK. Steer clear of someone who gives you vague answers or tells you he doesn't know, for example, when he last changed the brake fluid. At the very least, use his negligence as a bargaining tool. After all, if you buy his bike, you're going to have to do the maintenance he should have already done.

Excellent info...thanks a lot!

If you want a sportbike - BUY NEW! (Or buy from someone who's OLD and/or VERY MATURE...)

I can't even begin to tell you the amount of damage a typical sporbike takes - Right off the showroom floor many people don't bother with the proper break-in procedures - - Nope, just take that brand new bike out, dump the clutch, wheelie ... show off the new toy, etc. Break-in procedure ignored - life of engine dramatically shortened. A bike can be showroom immaculate, but the break in is only the first 500 or so miles = CONSIDER THE SELLER!

Then there's maintenance. Unlubed chains, worn sprockets, tires being ridden on the belts. Destroyed plastic covered in fake fur to hold it all together. I only see this thing with sportbikes. Why? Basic maintenance not being performed. Do you really think the engine is being taken care of?

If you want to get into the sportbike scene - Buy a used beginner bike - a Ninja 500 would probably be perfect for you. Bullet proof engine, and simple to maintain. Holds its value. And there will be other beginners lined up for it when you are ready to sell. Ride the "pee" out of it for a year. You WILL Be able to stomp your friends on their r6's if you take the time to do this right. I promise. Sell the thing after a year and then go get the bike you really want. Friends might laugh, but they won't be laughing when you are passing them in the twisties ...

TechBMW wrote:...Destroyed plastic covered in fake fur to hold it all together. I only see this thing with sportbikes. Why? Basic maintenance not being performed. Do you really think the engine is being taken care of?

If you want to get into the sportbike scene - Buy a used beginner bike - a Ninja 500 would probably be perfect for you. Bullet proof engine, and simple to maintain. Holds its value. And there will be other beginners lined up for it when you are ready to sell. Ride the "pee" out of it for a year. You WILL Be able to stomp your friends on their r6's if you take the time to do this right. I promise. Sell the thing after a year and then go get the bike you really want. Friends might laugh, but they won't be laughing when you are passing them in the twisties ...

LOL...destroyed plastic covered with fake fur??? Have you really seen this?! I would have to say proper maintainance has NOT been performed on the bike if it looks like you described. Anyway, thanks for the advice. Do you have any idea how much a Ninja 500 will cost, or where I can look? And is there any particular year I should go for? I'm 6', 185lbs. Someone recommended a Ninja 250 as well, would this suit me, or not?

Maverick33 wrote: LOL...destroyed plastic covered with fake fur??? Have you really seen this?! I would have to say proper maintainance has NOT been performed on the bike if it looks like you described. Anyway, thanks for the advice. Do you have any idea how much a Ninja 500 will cost, or where I can look? And is there any particular year I should go for? I'm 6', 185lbs. Someone recommended a Ninja 250 as well, would this suit me, or not?

YES. I've seen it more than a few times actually. (the fake fur) Either that, or bikes with fairings so degraded they are held together with zip-ties (Frankenbikes)

The Ninja 500 (or EX500) is a fine bike that's been virtually unchanged for years because it's rock-solid and dependable. The same goes for the Suzuki GS500E or GS500F . Either bike would suit you well, and can handle pretty much anything a beginner will throw at them. Same w/ a ninja 250, but due to the revviness of the engine they typically don't last over 50,000 miles (in my experience) so avoid anything over that.

Any of these three bikes will get you into the proper learning mode for developing monster skills on a sportbike. You can look for them in the local paper, cycletrader or ebay.

(as an aside, you may also develop an appreciation for twin cylinder machines - something many modern sportbike riders have no clue about)( Good luck in your search, keep us informed!

Frankenbikes...nice! Well, I'm going to go check some out!

I'm looking for a little clarification on the mileage matter. A 2000 Ninja 500 has come up for sale locally. The bike has 20K miles on it. Obviously I'll ask the seller about the bikes maintenance record. Anything I should look for that would indicate poor maintenance or abuse?

This will be my first bike and I won't be taking the MSF course for another month. As a result I will be unable to test ride it were the owner willing. I'm not sure if I should pursue this bike seriously or look for something closer to the time of the MSF course with lower mileage or even wait until after the course is over.