Built to Last: High-Mileage and Buying a Motorcycle Phone Mount

Adequate maintenance and proper care help motorcycles continue to perform well over their lifetime, but overall mileage is always on the climb. Exactly how many miles are too many miles for a motorcycle? In this article, we’ll break down how many miles you can get out of a motorcycle and the most important specs to look at when determining the condition of a bike.

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But like any simple metric out there, mileage can only tell part of the story. There are several other important factors to consider when looking at a pre-owned bike or checking the condition of your own machine. For a more informed perspective, learn about what to care most about most below.

The mileage number offers a clear look into just how far the bike has traveled in its lifetime, but the number by itself doesn’t mean much. Riders need to put mileage into context and combine it with other factors. Mileage does matter, however, when determining dealer prices or the private sale price. Similar to the pre-owned car market, mileage significantly affects retail price as customers are looking for the newest models in good shape.

Knowing who owned the motorcycle in the past is a key piece of information. Sometimes it isn’t possible but it offers a great window into how the motorcycle may have been ridden and cared for over the years. In general, the fewer owners the better. A rider who owned the same motorcycle for 30 years had more skin in the game and probably took better care of it.

If a motorcycle is changing hands every couple of years— as is the case with many entry-level bikes that are good for starting out— it may have seen heavy everyday use but little time in the shop. Younger or beginner riders typically have less mechanical knowledge and more aggressive riding styles that wear down the engine a bit more.

The average service life and high mileage threshold varies across different kinds of motorcycles. For example, touring bikes can rack up a serious amount of miles because they are built for long trips and have engines that deliver consistent power. Dirt bikes, however, are punchy and powerful bikes that ride over rough terrain— a combination that can quickly wear down an engine.

Another important consideration when analyzing the condition of a motorcycle is how and where it was ridden. Riding a motorcycle hard with aggressive braking or improper fluid levels can damage the parts over time. These bad riding habits aren’t always obvious but can make the bike feel like it's traveled more miles than what shows up on the odometer.

Like with anything in life, a little tender, loving care goes a long way. Regular and adequate maintenance throughout the lifespan of a motorcycle ensures that any small issues don’t snowball into larger headaches down the line. It’s noticeable when a motorcycle, even one with behemoth mileage numbers, has been owned by a responsible rider who knew what they were doing.

Take note of any replacement parts or past service history of the bike that’ll offer the most accurate picture of the motorcycle’s past. And watch out for any signs of previous crashes or serious damage— some shady resellers attempt to hide signs of big hits, even after bodywork repairs. Remember that bikes with high mileage can still be great investments! But do your research and know the indications of a bike that’s seen plenty of miles— along with sufficient love by its owner— and you’ll be all set.

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Taking good care of your motorcycle goes hand in hand with having the appropriate riding gear and accessories. More and more riders are swapping out traditional GPS devices with their smartphones positioned at the cockpit. Whether you are rocking a new Samsung S23, iPhone 14, or older model, ROKFORM specializes in rugged phone cases for ultimate drop protection.