How many miles is considered " too many" for an average motorcycle?

Question

Im looking at a 28000km 1983 Honda V45, and they are asking for 1500. Is that reasonable? Im new in motrcycle, so I need your help. Thanks

Answer 1

You need to find out if the bike was regulary taken to the shop for matainance or if these are rough ride miles. If it was not serviced on a regular basis then there could be problems that arise later that may be dangerous.

Answer 2

See if you can get them down to $1400.  That motorcycle might last you to 60,000 miles;  more if you take care of it.  The problem with this old bike is that it's old.  Parts are going to be expensive, and increasingly so.

Answer 3

From the wrench side, the Honda V45/V65's were a mechanical nightmare.  4 valves per cylinder shoved into a V's working space.  I seem to remember there was some issue getting at these valves.

There's a good reason most of these have gone away.  Still, in good condition, the bike was not prone to the top end rework of the inline 4.  

Regarding your question, there's just no such thing as an average motorcycle.  Every bike has it's own peculiarities and issues.  

My guess is a 1983 import motorcycle in EXCELLENT condition should draw about $1000 to $1500.  Tire rot is never hidden, tires can be reliably replaced for about $140 per tire, assuming you can get the tire on and off and to a dealer.  If not, add another hundred for the dealer.

Check cables well, any excessive pressure likely indicates excessive internal wear and tear.

Clutch plates are cheap and easy, I alway replace on a used bike shortly after ownership.  Usually about $50 for Honda.

Check for used parts availability before you buy.  Honda is likely the best or way up there, oldbikebarn.com and bikebandit both should carry this machines parts, so I would look at some parts and see what they are getting for them.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Am I the only person that noticed this as being a Honda from 1983?  If this was not a typo, than you have to consider this bike, even if it has low miles (approximate 17K when converted), has a lot of years on its rubber. Even if it's a 1993 and the tires are seven years old, you have rubber rot going on. Tires are expensive. I haven't even stared with all the other rubber on the bike.

If you aren't up to wrenching, I'd see about finding something a bit newer- say, from this century.  Especially if you are new to bikes. You want to spend your time figuring out how to ride the beast- then you can attend to if it is running properly- or, if you are like me - how to make it run leaner, meaner, and faster.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Kelly Blue Book on this bike is about $1475.  This is for one in excellent condition.  This is what a dealer would ask for this bike.  I would offer them $1200 and see if they bite.

The miles seem reasonable.  Mileage on a bike can vary due to location.  I live in the north.  The riding season is only about 3 1/2 months long.  I would expect a bike from this area to have less miles on it than a bike from the south where it can be ridden almost year round.

Answer 6

1 mile is too many if i didn't put the mile on there.

Mmmmm Virgin Bikes...GGgggggggggg

Answer 7

like 60-70 thousand

Answer 8

If it's in good shape then it's a fair price. I usually sell my bikes when they get to 75,000 miles.