There are some questions every motorcycle enthusiast ponders at least once, standing in front of a bike with the potential of a thousand stories. One of the most pressing and universal queries is, “How many miles is too many?” It’s a loaded question, almost a rite of passage into the world of motorcycling.
The answer, however, is layered and depends on the type of bike, how well it’s been maintained, and, perhaps most importantly, what kind of road lies ahead for the rider and the machine. Let’s peel back the layers.
The Myth of the “High-Mileage” Motorcycle
In the automotive world, 100,000 miles has often been the yardstick for a high-mileage car, but motorcycles are a different breed. Riders swap stories in garages, at roadside diners, and online forums, each spinning tales of odometers that have spun through countless loops of numbers. But what is “a lot” for a motorcycle? The answer isn’t a simple one.
A well-maintained bike with 40,000 miles could outlast a neglected one with half that number. Some bikes—like touring and sport-touring machines, often built to tackle cross-country trips—might clock over 100,000 miles without flinching. The myth that a motorcycle’s life ends at some arbitrary mileage milestone is just that—a myth.
Different Breeds, Different Mileages
Motorcycles come in all shapes and sizes, and so do their tolerances for mileage. Consider the touring motorcycles, made to cover hundreds of miles a day without protest.
A Honda Gold Wing or a BMW K 1600 GTL might clock 60,000 miles on the odometer and still be considered young by enthusiast standards. The secret often lies in the nature of their engineering and their usage. Touring bikes typically live easier lives on long, open highways, where the engine hums at a relaxed pace for hours.
Contrast that with high-performance sportbikes. These machines live their lives at high revs, chasing speed and sharp corners. While some can still reach impressive mileages, a sportbike with 30,000 miles might be considered well-exercised compared to a touring bike with 60,000.
Single-Cylinder and Small Displacement Machines
Smaller engines, such as single-cylinder bikes and those below 250cc, are another story. These machines are often pushed harder and spun up faster, leading to more wear and tear over time.
A single-cylinder dual-sport bike with 20,000 miles could be at the end of its life if it has been abused, while one that’s been maintained with religious fervor might continue to serve for many more years.
So, is 20,000 miles a lot for a 250cc dual-sport? It depends. Has it been serviced regularly? Were oil changes done on time? Has it been taken on grueling trails, or did it live a life of easy commuting? These questions matter as much as the odometer reading.
The Role of Maintenance
Like a classic ballad played on an old guitar, a motorcycle’s longevity depends heavily on how it’s been treated.
Regular oil changes, valve adjustments, and overall care can make or break the longevity of an engine. High mileage isn’t an immediate red flag; neglect is.
A bike with 50,000 miles and a stack of maintenance records is often a better bet than one with 10,000 miles and no history. Chain adjustments, oil flushes, spark plug changes—each tells a tale of how long the motorcycle’s heart may continue to beat.
Is It Worth the Miles?
When buying a used motorcycle, the conversation often starts and ends with the mileage.
Yet, the question you should ask yourself is less about numbers and more about value. High-mileage bikes often come at a discount but can be a brilliant bargain if the right maintenance has been done.
Inspect the chain for tension, check for leaks, look at the state of the tires. Does it feel tight, or are there clunks and rattles? Mileage alone should never dictate your decision.
For those who intend to rack up miles on their bikes, the real consideration is often not “how many miles is too many?” but “how much life can I get out of this machine?” A motorcycle can continue to offer joy, adventure, and solace well beyond what any odometer might say, if treated with care.
Should You Consider a High-Mileage Motorcycle?
There’s a certain allure to high-mileage motorcycles. It’s like buying a well-traveled suitcase, marked by countless journeys and memories of places visited. But should you consider buying one? The short answer: absolutely, as long as you do your homework.
High-mileage motorcycles can offer excellent value, often selling for a fraction of the cost of lower-mileage counterparts. The key is to focus on the bike’s condition, maintenance history, and intended use. Buying a high-mileage motorcycle doesn’t mean you’re inheriting a ticking time bomb; it means taking on a machine that’s lived and has the potential to keep living.
Before buying, inspect it thoroughly. Take it for a test ride. Check the service history, paying attention to major work such as timing chain replacements, clutch servicing, or suspension work. If possible, have a trusted mechanic give it a once-over. High-mileage machines with extensive care records are often less risky than low-mileage bikes that have sat idle for years.
If you plan to put on serious miles yourself, a high-mileage bike can be a great investment, one you won’t mind riding hard and maintaining diligently.
5 Models That Can Rack Up Serious Miles
Some motorcycles are simply built to last. Here are five models known for their durability and ability to keep going the distance.
1. Honda Gold Wing
The Honda Gold Wing is a legendary touring motorcycle known for its mile-munching capabilities. With its flat-six engine and robust build, it’s not uncommon to see Gold Wings surpassing 100,000 miles and still running strong. If comfort, reliability, and long-distance travel are your priorities, the Gold Wing sets the gold standard.
2. BMW R1200GS
The BMW R1200GS (and its successor, the R1250GS) is a staple among adventure riders. Renowned for its ruggedness, high-mileage examples can be found all over the globe. Built to conquer tough terrain and highways alike, many GS models reach six figures on the odometer without missing a beat, provided they receive regular service.
3. Yamaha FJR1300
A popular sport-touring bike, the Yamaha FJR1300 offers a blend of comfort, performance, and durability. Known for its bulletproof engine, many FJRs routinely achieve 100,000 miles or more with proper care. It’s perfect for riders seeking an all-weather machine built to keep going.
4. Suzuki V-Strom (DL650 and DL1000)
Affectionately known as the “Wee-Strom,” the Suzuki V-Strom 650 is widely regarded as one of the most reliable mid-sized adventure bikes. Its larger sibling, the V-Strom 1000, is equally capable of high-mileage feats. Both models have earned reputations for being dependable, low-maintenance workhorses.
5. Kawasaki KLR650
The Kawasaki KLR650 has been a favorite among dual-sport enthusiasts for decades. Rugged and simple in its construction, the KLR is built to go anywhere and keep running. While it may not have the refinement of some competitors, it makes up for it with longevity and the ability to cross vast distances.
Tales of the High-Mileage Heroes
We would be remiss not to acknowledge the high-mileage heroes of the motorcycle world. Riders who have crisscrossed continents and pushed their machines far past what many thought possible often remind us that longevity is as much about the spirit of adventure as the miles accumulated.
Consider the stories of riders who’ve logged over 100,000 miles on a BMW R1200GS or a Honda ST1300.
These are not tales of folly, but of trust forged between human and machine. Every mile, every worn tread, every oil-stained glove is a testament to the idea that life isn’t measured in miles—it’s measured in moments, connections, and the willingness to keep going.
You can also look to celebrity riders like Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman of the TV series “Long Way Round.” They put a ton of miles on their BMW adventure bikes, and had relatively few problems the whole way.
So in the end it’s not really about the miles. It’s about the experiences had while logging those miles. If you can find a good bike with a lot of miles, it’s still a good bike. Don’t rule something out just because it’s seen its fair share of miles.
