How Long Do Motorcycles Last? (Motorcycle Lifespan!)

Last Updated on January 1, 2023 by Leepu Da Maxim

Well, the lifespan of a motorcycle depends on quite a few things but a well-maintained motorcycle for well over 200,000 miles. Usually, the lifespan of a new motorcycle is 100,000 miles.

Key Takeaways

  • Proper maintenance is the main factor that determines the lifespan of a motorcycle
  • Motorcycles with high-quality components tend to have more lifespans than motorcycles with low-quality components
  • Riding aggressively or overloading the motorcycle can decrease the lifespan of the motorcycle
  • The performance of your motorcycle largely depends on how frequently you clean the air filter

Motorcycle Ownership – Motorcycle Mileage

BikesMiles per gallon
Sportbike     
Honda CBR205R  82.5  
Hyosung GT250R  67.9  
Kawasaki Ninja 300  59.0  
Dual-Bike     
Honda CRF250L  67.2  
Kawasaki KLX250S  59.6  
Yamaha WR250R63.0
BikesMiles per tank
Sportbike     
Honda CBR250R  Fuel capacity 3.4 Gal – 281  
Hyosung GT250R  Fuel capacity 4.5 gal – 306  
Kawasaki Ninja 300  Fuel capacity 4.5 gal – 266  
Dual-Bike     
Honda CRF250LFuel capacity 2.0 gal – 134
Kawasaki KLX250S  Fuel capacity 2.0 gal – 119  
Yamaha WR250RFuel capacity 2.0 gal -126

How To Apply The Proper Maintenance To A Motorcycle?

Generally, a motorcycle can provide a life span of about 50,000 miles. Of course, this requires incorporating more appropriate maintenance to avoid possible damage to the mechanics. Even if you do the maintenance yourself you will have the possibility to save some money on that.

In principle, there are five steps you should take regularly to have a well-functioning motorcycle. However, you should have all the necessary information to acquire the most appropriate materials according to the model of your motorcycle.

Otherwise, you may incorporate some materials that may be incompatible. In this case, five steps are very easy to perform by any type of user.

When you apply this together with a smooth and moderate operation, you will be able to have a vehicle with an extended life. Of course, it is recommended that the motorcycle does not suffer any type of accident or serious impact.

In some cases, you may need some device to keep your motorcycle in an upright position. Let’s see then which are the five important steps you should take.

1. Oil Change

One of the main components that are necessary for any type of vehicle is the oil and oil filter. This way you can have a vehicle that provides great performance at all times. Here, the oil is important for the various components of the engine to function smoothly and correctly. In particular, the oil should be changed after a certain number of miles. 

In principle, this number of miles is not always the same for all types of vehicles. Different models of motorcycles require an oil change at different times. Besides, you need to run your motorcycle for five minutes before changing the oil. This allows the oil to drain more easily as the viscosity level is reduced.

Once this step has been taken, you should turn off the motorcycle engine and place it in an upright position. In this case, it is advisable to have some kind of device that allows you to position your motorcycle without any inconvenience. Here, what we want is to avoid the possible falls or impacts that your motorcycle could suffer in this same procedure.

Once your motorcycle is in a safe vertical position, you must remove the drainage cap. Along with this, you should also remove the oil filler cap to begin draining all the oil inside. Of course, it is recommended that you use a drain pan to collect all the oil coming out of your motorcycle. In some cases, you should consider removing some of the fairings.

This could help reach the drain plug. To protect the engine and other important sections such as the exhaust section, you should use aluminum foil. This material is important, as you should remove the oil filter and avoid dripping. When all the oil has been drained, you should add a new oil filter for your bike.

When all the parts are incorporated, you can use a funnel and put in the new oil. Use the oil fill cap to complete the procedure. You can also use the old oil and recycle it at a municipal facility or a bike store.

2. Change The Air Filter

Another component that should be checked and replaced is the air filter. In particular, the performance of your motorcycle may be impaired when this component is dirty and clogged.

You need to consider that this part of the motorcycle is responsible for keeping dirt out of the engine. Therefore, it is an important part of enjoying a vehicle in excellent condition.

In this case, it is necessary to consider that replacing an air filter is not necessarily a difficult task. That is why the vast majority of users who wish to save money can perform this task themselves. However, an important requirement here is to have the appropriate patience, as this is a very time-consuming task.

The time needed to perform this task may vary depending on the specific model of the motorcycle. In particular, what is important here is whether access to the air filter is easy or difficult. Usually, some parts need to be removed to access this air filter, such as the gas tank.

To replace the air filter you will need to enter the airbox. Once you have gained access to this place you should remove the air filter, and insert the new replacement component. It is also important to consider the life span that the new air filter may provide.

This way, you will know exactly when to replace the new air filter next. Finally, simply replace each of the parts you have removed.

3. Tread And Tire Pressure

Another important component that you should check regularly is the tires. To begin here it is important to check the pressure of each of the tires. To do this you must locate the valve stem inside the wheel. After removing the cap use the air pressure gauge. Place this instrument on the valve stem to know the pressure.

Here, it is necessary to know the exact pressure that the tires should have. With this information, you can compare the actual pressure your tires are currently at. This information is usually found on the sidewall of each tire. At many service stations, you can find an air compressor.

You should use this tool to fill each tire if necessary. If the compressor provides too much air, let some escape. Also, you must enter the correct amount of PSI into each tire. You should also replace the valve stem stage. You must also locate the rubber knob usually found in the tire grooves.

This way, you will know the condition of the tread and therefore open up the wear of the tire. To know if you should replace the tire, in the tire tread you will find the small rubber knob. Here the level of wear will indicate whether you should hire a professional mechanic to change the tires

4. Changing The Coolant

To avoid engine corrosion, freezing, or overheating, you must use the appropriate coolant. Also, there is a wide variety and different qualities of coolants. Using a drain pan you must remove the bolt and remove the radiator cap. This way, you can drain all the liquid inside.

Besides, you can use the same funnel to introduce the coolant. Finally, only install the parts you have removed and start the engine. Here, the operation should be maintained for a few minutes before the engine is turned off again. After the engine is cold again, remove the radiator cap to check the coolant level. 

5. Cleaning The Chain

Another important step you should take regularly is cleaning the chain. In particular, each specific motorcycle model recommends cleaning the chain every certain amount of mileage. For the most convenient chain movements, the transmission should be in neutral, and the rear wheel should be elevated.

Here, you can remove dirt and sand from the chain using a soft bristle brush. You can also use a chain lubricant as the rear wheel rotates. In this case, you should take the time necessary for the lubricant to reach each of the most appropriate places.

After waiting 5 minutes, you should wipe off any excess lubricant. You’re done here and your bike is well-maintained. Applying this maintenance at the most appropriate time allows you to extend the total life of your motorcycle excellently. 

References:

https://motor.onehowto.com/article/what-is-the-average-life-expectancy-of-a-motorcycle-6656.html

https://www.nadaguides.com/Motorcycles/shopping-guides/how-many-miles-do-motorcycles-last