High kilometers on a Bike?

Question

I am looking at getting a used bike, and was wondering how many kms a bike can go until it starts having problems or starts wearing out. I am looking at getting something foreign- Honda, Suzuki or Kawasaki, also on average what lasts the longest?

Answer 1

It very much depends on the type of bike, whether it's a sports tourer or sports bike. With larger tourers you can wait over 100,000km before you get a problem, although it really depends how you ride it and maintain it as to how long it will last. If a manufacturer tries something different, like a different engine configuration, it's recommended that you steer clear. The Suzuki TL1000S is a clear example, it was designed very poorly from the start - the reason? Suzuki had never made a big bore V Twin.

The previous answer was correct, Honda are the most reliable...the reason why they're quite bland - apart from the legendary Fireblade (CBR900/1000).

Pan Europeans (ST range) tourers can easily push 200,000km wtih only minor attention needed if the proper maintenance schedule is stuck to.

I strongly suggest you ask a friend of a friend to assist you and possible attend the purchase of a new motorcycle - unless you buy from a dealer, in which case ask what the duration of the warranty is and what work (if any) has been done. Check for excessive wear in specific areas like handgrips and the tank sides where the knee's go, or the foot pegs. If the correspond to the mileage it should check out ok - of course dishonest sellers will know these tricks and perhaps buy replacement items to make it look like new.

Hope that helps...and doesn't baffle too much!

keep the rubber side down.

Answer 2

Honda will last the longest..... then suzuki then kawasaki

Answer 3

Something to consider. 60,000 kms on a 650 cc hi-rev 4 cylinder engine ( eg.14,000 rpm) has engine stresses and wear spread across more/multiple surfaces. Opposed to that a 650 cc single cylinder thumper with same kilo's. The single thumper would have run slower and possibly cooler because of the slower rpm of its design, ( a longer stroke with bigger pistons) but the stresses/wear would be found in its weakest link or component.

I ride a '97 Valkyrie 6 cyclinder boxer style (1520 cc) and a 2007 Yamaha Stratoliner V Twin (1820 cc)

I expect my Valk to last as long as the newer bike or possibly longer since the Honda engine is a configuration around since 1971 with steady improvement.

In 2008 bike prices are so low, why not consider a new machine paid over 5 years.