Motorcycles with high mileage can be a good way to save big on your next bike purchase, but there are some caveats. If you are considering purchasing a high-mileage bike, you must make some careful considerations before handing over your hard-earned cash.
Related: How to check a motorbike's service history?
Maintenance history is often more important than the mileage itself when considering a high-mileage bike. You need to look for signs of wear, neglect, and deferred maintenance. If you are not sure what you need to look for or at, we can help.
How often should I service my motorbike?
Engine & fluids
| Area | What to check (high-mileage focus) | Red flags |
| Engine noise | Listen closely during a cold start (ensure the engine hasn't been warmed up before you arrive). It should idle smoothly. | Knocks, loud rattles, tapping (could indicate internal wear like valve issues, crank bearings, or cam chain tensioner). |
| Exhaust Smoke | Look for smoke on start-up and when revving. | Blue smoke = Burning oil (worn piston rings or valve seals). Excessive white smoke = Burning coolant (head gasket or internal leak on liquid-cooled bikes). Black smoke = Rich fuel mix (carb/injector issues). |
| Oil Condition & Leaks | Check the oil sight glass or dipstick. It should be clean, not black, sludgy, or milky (milky indicates water/coolant in the oil). Inspect for oil leaks around gaskets, seals, and cylinder heads. | Sludgy/milky oil; significant oil leaks; smell of pterol in the oil (worn piston rings). |
| Coolant System | Check the coolant level and colour (should be bright, not rusty or murky). Inspect hoses for cracks or bulges. | Low coolant; rusty or discoloured coolant. |
Drivetrain (Chain/belt/shaft)
| Area | What to Check (High-mileage focus) | Red flags |
| Chain & sprockets | On chain-driven bikes, check the chain slack. Look for "hooked" or "shark-fin" teeth on the sprockets—a sign of significant wear. Pull the chain off the rear sprocket; if it lifts easily, it's worn out. | Rusted or stiff links (kinks); excessively worn or sharp sprocket teeth. |
| Shaft drive | Check for oil leaks around the final drive and swingarm pivot. | Leaking seals or noticeable play. |
| Clutch | Test the clutch. On a test ride (or static test in a safe place), the clutch should engage smoothly without slipping, even under heavy load/acceleration. | The clutch lever feels spongy or too hard, and engine revs increase without a corresponding increase in speed (slipping). |
Suspension, steering & brakes
| Area | What to Check (High-mileage focus) | Red flags |
| Forks & Shocks | Push down hard on the front and rear suspension. It should compress smoothly and return without excessive bouncing ("pogo-ing"). Look at the fork seals for signs of oil residue or leaks. | Leaking fork seals (oily residue on fork tubes); clunking noises; excessive sag or bounciness. |
| Steering Head Bearings | Lift the front wheel off the ground. Slowly turn the handlebars side to side. The movement should be free of "notching" or stiffness. | Notchy or stiff steering. |
| Brakes | Check the brake pads for minimum thickness. Check rotors (discs) for deep grooves or excessive "lip" wear at the edge. Brake fluid should be light amber/clear, not dark brown/black. | Deeply scored rotors; fragile pads; dark or low brake fluid. |
| Wheels & Bearings | Check for wheel alignment and dings. With the bike lifted, check for play in the wheel bearings by rocking the wheel side-to-side. | Noticeable play in the wheels. |
Cosmetics & frame integrity
Accident Damage: Look for scrapes on the bar ends, foot pegs, engine casings, and exhaust—these can indicate a drop. Check the frame for any signs of cracks, welding, or buckling.
Rust and Corrosion: High-mileage bikes exposed to the elements may have significant rust, especially on fasteners, exhaust, and inside the fuel tank (use a flashlight to check for rust or sediment).
Documentation
Service History: Ask for maintenance records, receipts, or a stamped service book. A high-mileage bike with a verifiable, consistent service history is generally a much better buy than a lower-mileage bike with no history.
VIN Check: Match the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the frame to the title/registration papers to ensure it's not stolen or a "salvage" title (written off and repaired).
Major Services: High-mileage bikes should have had major services performed, such as valve clearance checks/adjustments and a coolant system flush. Ask specifically about these big-ticket items.
