Miles
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: S.E. Michigan
Miles
So I have a good handle on what is too many miles for a used car but no clue what is too much for a used motorcycle.
Your thoughts ? and please don't say it depends on the engine or that sort of input. or go out and ride it and see how it feels.
I am trying to get a good idea of what to put in search criteria for used bikes.
Thanks
Your thoughts ? and please don't say it depends on the engine or that sort of input. or go out and ride it and see how it feels.
I am trying to get a good idea of what to put in search criteria for used bikes.
Thanks
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 19,980
Likes: 6,108
From: Florida
Well, it ain't just the motor--consider the rest of the bike & how it was treated. But general rule for what I would buy, at least for me, is:
Twin Cam--Under 20K UNLESS the cam tensioners have been upgraded
Evo--Under 40K
Shovel--Actually, I would rather buy a higher mileage shovel, because they were junk right out of the factory, and high mileage means they have been rebuilt, & (hopefully) upgraded.
These are just general guidelines for ME--I am not a tech, so I gotta go by gut feeling & what I see around me--friends, forum members,etc.
Twin Cam--Under 20K UNLESS the cam tensioners have been upgraded
Evo--Under 40K
Shovel--Actually, I would rather buy a higher mileage shovel, because they were junk right out of the factory, and high mileage means they have been rebuilt, & (hopefully) upgraded.
These are just general guidelines for ME--I am not a tech, so I gotta go by gut feeling & what I see around me--friends, forum members,etc.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,831
Likes: 15
From: Nomad
Dickey knows what he's talking about.
But you do kinda need to look at the bike, too. If you see a TC with 60K and everything else looks immaculate and in good shape (you can tell the difference between a quick wash to help a sale vs. a bike that has been kept up), then it is probably a good bet that the bike has had all the servicing it has needed to get to that mileage. It's at lest worth asking about.
Ask for records/receipts of servicing if you really want to know.
But you do kinda need to look at the bike, too. If you see a TC with 60K and everything else looks immaculate and in good shape (you can tell the difference between a quick wash to help a sale vs. a bike that has been kept up), then it is probably a good bet that the bike has had all the servicing it has needed to get to that mileage. It's at lest worth asking about.
Ask for records/receipts of servicing if you really want to know.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,945
Likes: 85
From: Florida
You said a "bike", not a brand so:
Kawasaki Concourse, Honda Wing, BMW K, Yamaha FJR: 150,000 to 200,000 miles is relatively common.
John Ryan set the record from Prudhoe Bay Alaska to Key West Florida on an FJR that had over 140,000 miles on it before he started the run.
I love my HD, but some bikes have become known for the amount of miles they run.
Kawasaki Concourse, Honda Wing, BMW K, Yamaha FJR: 150,000 to 200,000 miles is relatively common.
John Ryan set the record from Prudhoe Bay Alaska to Key West Florida on an FJR that had over 140,000 miles on it before he started the run.
I love my HD, but some bikes have become known for the amount of miles they run.
Last edited by Jonesee; Jul 13, 2012 at 06:28 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 627
Likes: 3
From: Illinois
There are so many companies that make parts for harleys that you could keep it running in good shape for many miles. As long as the frame is in good shape and it runs good you will be ok. Ive been seeing quite a few pans lately that are daily runners. I guess it depends if you will want to work on your bike or not. But you could probably find a good deal on a high milage bike if you want to put the work into it.
Road Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 3
From: Mass.
I've got almost 80K on my '05 RG and I'm not even thinking of trading. It's a always been a great bike and I believe it will continue to be for quite a few more miles.
I think the price should reflect the mileage, ANY miles at the right price is a good deal.
I think the price should reflect the mileage, ANY miles at the right price is a good deal.
Last edited by dc1450; Jul 14, 2012 at 06:13 PM.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: S.E. Michigan
Suppose my issue is that I am not good about working on a bike. Don't enough to maintain my own bike. Would end up taking it to the dealer. I do have a garage so it wouldn't hit the elements other than when riding.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,471
Likes: 5
From: Ocala, FL
I am guessing you wouldn't even consider my 07 Ultra with 147,000 on it!!
It all depends on how well the bike you are looking at was taken care of, and a lot of times, buying used, that is hard to figure out!
It all depends on how well the bike you are looking at was taken care of, and a lot of times, buying used, that is hard to figure out!