How many miles are high
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 505
Likes: 194
A lot of the longevity for a motorcycle depends upon how it has been ridden and maintained. I have an 09 road king with 85,000 miles and it still runs strong. I haven't been exactly easy on how hard I push it, but I do know how to ride (shift, rpms, etc.) and it has been pretty meticulously maintained. No issues in it's past and none in the foreseeable future. I wouldn't hesitate to buy my bike...but I already have!!! :~)
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 307
From: Houston, Texas
My opinion, they aren't really broken in until about 10,000 miles. On any new bike I have had (4) that's when the engine starts to really run smooth and the gas mileage increased slightly. Find a bike you like, that calls to you, and is at a fair price point. Then look at the mileage last. I rebuilt my Road King at 112,000 just because I had the money in the bank and had the itch for cams. 131,000 now and ride it almost every day.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,627
Likes: 1,348
From:
Maintenance is more important than miles, followed by how it was ridden. 20,000 highway miles in two years with stellar maintenance can be easier on the bike than 2,000 miles of cold starts, bouncing off the rev limiter bar hopping miles accumulated over a five year period with little to no maintenance. These are extremes but they exist ... and there's everything in between.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 3,336
Likes: 1,281
From: Ky
I’d rather have high miles than low miles.a low mileage bike may have the oil changed every couple years if ever.
For someone who rides 1,000 a year the tires may be shot and never have the brake fluid flushed.
For someone who rides 1,000 a year the tires may be shot and never have the brake fluid flushed.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 61
From: Near YVR
Looking for some advice on mileage. I'm trying to move from local poker runs and street riding to touring. Friends and I have some long runs we want to start experiencing. I'm finding a lot of local touring bikes in great condition with a variety of miles. At what point do folks start considering a touring bike high mileage? At what point do you look at a bike and think, that's going to be maintenance problems sooner than later? Thanks for the input!
Yes, I know paid to much, but there was a trade involved and the numbers actually work for me here.
I bought the extended insurance plan through Mother HD , you know the one with the $50.00 deductible per occurrence .
Anyways, they have a limit on what they insure up to 12 model years and less than 75,000 miles.
So, does that offer some food for thought on buying a touring bike with some miles on it?
Rob
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 4,725
Likes: 1,787
From: Toledo ohio
I would be suspicious of any over 50K unless they have service records. Price is reflective. No records, stay under 20. With service records, I would say 100K is High Milage.
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NADA says 5k per year is considered average for a touring bike. If the bike has more than average it would be worth less. Less miles would be worth more. As far as how long they last, I've seen many post from riders with 100k+ on their touring bikes. I doubt I'd buy one with over 50k.
Last edited by Greg2012FLHTK; Sep 18, 2018 at 03:02 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 704
Likes: 45
From: Western Washington
I put 70k miles on my 2012 Ultra Limited that I bought new and it didn't use a drop of oil in 6k miles when I traded it for a '19 RG. Someone will get a nice bike when they buy it. If you maintain them well they will last a long time. I've met many folks over the years on the road that have 150k plus and have never had them opened. If they are maintained well, they will last many, many miles. Having records to look at and the overall appearance should give you a good indicator. Plus, if you pick it up at a dealer, many will offer a warranty your can purchase for piece of mind if that is something you are interested in.