True milage
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6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 14
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From: north carolina
True milage
How can I ascertain the true milage of a bike ? The speedo can easily be changed. Is it mostly based on trust ? Hoping to find a true garage queen. Thanks in advance.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Alberta Canada & PV Arizona
I would ask for dealer service invoices if the owner has them. Most riders keep good records of all their services.
Other than that I'm sure someone will be able to help you. There is a lot of knowledge on this forum and they are always willing to help.
Other than that I'm sure someone will be able to help you. There is a lot of knowledge on this forum and they are always willing to help.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Farmington ,MS
Before that anybody with a crescent wrench could change the mileage in minutes...with an ebay speedometer.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
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Well crap! That's good to know
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
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From: anacoco, la
but there isn't anything stopping someone from ordering a new speedo with whatever mileage they want in it (or even '0') and replacing it. though, that would cost them a couple hundred bucks.
you could always take the bike to the dealer and have them pull up the mileage on the digital tech to compare with what is on the speedo.
but, a 'true garage queen' like you are looking for will be easy to spot. if a bike has 50,000 miles on it, you are going to notice the wear and tear compared to a bike that only has 5,000 miles.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: South of Dallas Area, Texas
Service records with mileage are the best source if the bike is serviced by the dealer or indy.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Post Falls, ID
Odometer tampering is a violation of federal law but prosecutions are usually reserved for the big fish at dealerships. Tampering is hard to do with cars due to the smog and mechanical inspections states require. Carfax will spot the discrepancy and flag it.
But anyone with half a brain should be able to spot the fraud of a 50,000 mile bike displaying a 5,000 mile odometer. If you can't, bring someone who does.
Back in the day, a small jewelers drill and a dental pick set would pull the big (ten thousands) number back to where you wanted it. Not so today.
But anyone with half a brain should be able to spot the fraud of a 50,000 mile bike displaying a 5,000 mile odometer. If you can't, bring someone who does.
Back in the day, a small jewelers drill and a dental pick set would pull the big (ten thousands) number back to where you wanted it. Not so today.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
Likes: 22,718
From: Farmington ,MS
Nope... can't do that on a newer bike...mileage comes from the ECM