How many miles is too many miles for a used bike?

[Drunner611]

Recently I've been looking on Craigslist to try and find a ride for this summer. I just spotted at 2001 Suzuki GS500 for $2000. The bike looks alright and says "good condition", but I'll check all that out later. What I'm really looking at is that it already has 19,000miles Is this a lot or a little in the world of motorcycles? If it has been well maintained how long will this bike last? Another 20, 40k? Obviously I'm new and just wondering how much mileage an average bike in good hands will last before it will start falling apart?

[Duane]

I was told that 600 miles a year is good, anything more then that should lower the value considerably.

[Shorts]

Recently I've been looking on Craigslist to try and find a ride for this summer. I just spotted at 2001 Suzuki GS500 for $2000. The bike looks alright and says "good condition", but I'll check all that out later. What I'm really looking at is that it already has 19,000miles Is this a lot or a little in the world of motorcycles? If it has been well maintained how long will this bike last? Another 20, 40k? Obviously I'm new and just wondering how much mileage an average bike in good hands will last before it will start falling apart?

Depends on how well the bike was maintained. Do a search, there have been other threads with miles on the odo and what to look for. Many here have been known to rack up the miles.

Maintenance is the key. Also, how far/ling do you plan on riding and maintaining it?

[DustyJacket]

It also depends on the bike model.

A Honda Goldwing can do more miles without an overhaul than many others, so higher mileage is OK.

I think 600 miles a year is rediculously small.

[Jthmeffy]

I was told that 600 miles a year is good, anything more then that should lower the value considerably.

wow.. then i've put about 5 years of wear on my bike in 7 months


Under 20k in 6 years? not too bad, all depends on how it was maintained

[Sicko]

There are Goldwings on the road with over 300k on them. That's the upper end of the scale. Some would argue that bikes that haven't been ridden much are closer to the junkyard than those that have been ridden hard and maintained well. I tend to go with the latter.

[Sev]

I put about 15000miles on in two seasons.

[Flting Duck]

Depends upon the brand and how well it had been taken care of. BMWs aren't even broken in until about 20k.

[Nalian]

I was told that 600 miles a year is good, anything more then that should lower the value considerably.

By whom? That would mean i have 3 years on my bike in just over 7 weeks! KBB gives double that for 350cc and under bikes, much less higher displacement.

KBB is actually probably a good place to check out: http://www.kbb.com/kbb/OtherVehicles/Mi ... ition.aspx

specifically they say:

Figures shown are for expected accumulated average mileage. Actual mileages may differ substantially. Because of variances in riding styles and road conditions, it is impossible for us to determine accurate dollar values for mileage. Overall condition factors will have a far greater impact on a value than the actual mileage.

[DustyJacket]

Depends upon the brand and how well it had been taken care of. BMWs aren't even broken in until about 20k.

Yup. On my Sportster I did 15,000 my first year, and was on track for another 15k until I traded it in.

Now that I have a bike better suited for long distances, I expect that to work up to 20k/year or better.