If you're buying a used motorcycle, one of the first things you'll probably look at is the odometer.

Twenty thousand kilometres. Forty thousand. Sixty thousand.

At what point should you walk away?

It's one of the most common questions we hear at Imperial Motorcycles, and the answer is probably different than you'd expect.

The truth is, there isn't a magic number where a motorcycle suddenly becomes a bad purchase. We've seen bikes with 60,000 kilometres that we'd happily ride across the province, and we've seen bikes with less than 20,000 kilometres that needed thousands of dollars in repairs.

Mileage matters. It just isn't the whole story.

Quick Answer: What Mileage Is Too High for a Used Motorcycle?

There isn't a specific mileage that's "too high" for every motorcycle.

A well-maintained motorcycle with 50,000 or even 70,000 kilometres can be a much better purchase than a neglected bike with only 10,000 kilometres.

Instead of focusing only on the odometer, look at the motorcycle's maintenance history, overall condition, how it was stored, and how it rides. Those factors usually tell you far more than the number on the dash.

Under 10,000 km: Low Mileage Doesn't Always Mean Low Risk

Most buyers get excited when they find a motorcycle with very low kilometres.

Sometimes that's justified.

Other times, it's a warning sign.

Motorcycles that sit for long periods can develop problems that have nothing to do with mileage. Fuel can go stale, batteries fail, tires age out before they wear out, seals dry up, and corrosion starts to appear in places you can't always see.

Ask yourself why the bike has such low mileage. Was it rarely ridden because the owner lost interest? Or was it parked for years after developing a problem?

A low odometer reading is a good starting point, but it shouldn't end your inspection.

10,000–30,000 km: The Sweet Spot

For many buyers, this is where you'll find the best value.

A motorcycle in this range has usually been ridden enough to stay mechanically healthy without accumulating significant wear, assuming it's been maintained properly.

Look for service records, consistent maintenance, and signs that the owner actually cared for the bike. Regular oil changes, chain maintenance, and scheduled servicing are often more important than whether the bike has 15,000 or 25,000 kilometres.

This is also where a pre-purchase inspection can provide real peace of mind.

30,000–60,000 km: Maintenance Starts Telling the Story

Once a motorcycle reaches this range, maintenance history becomes even more important.

A bike that's been serviced on schedule can still have plenty of life left. One that's been neglected may be due for expensive work.

Pay close attention to wear items like chains, sprockets, brakes, suspension, bearings, and tires. Ask whether major scheduled services have been completed, especially valve inspections if your model requires them.

This isn't a mileage range to avoid. It's a mileage range where documentation matters.

Over 60,000 km: Don't Fear the Number

High mileage scares a lot of buyers, but it shouldn't automatically scare you. Especially if you do your due diligence. 

Many modern motorcycles are capable of travelling well beyond 100,000 kilometres with proper maintenance. Touring motorcycles, in particular, often accumulate kilometres quickly because they're built for long-distance riding.

Highway kilometres also tend to be easier on a motorcycle than years of short trips through stop-and-go city traffic.

If you're considering a higher-mileage bike, focus less on the number and more on how it's been cared for throughout its life.

Maintenance Records Matter More Than the Odometer

If we could choose between two identical motorcycles, we'd often pick the one with more kilometres and a complete service history over the one with lower mileage and no records.

Read that sentence again and let it sink in. 

Maintenance records show that someone invested in the motorcycle.

They tell you oil changes happened on time. Brake fluid was replaced. Coolant wasn't ignored. Valve inspections weren't skipped.

Those are the details that help motorcycles last.

A seller who can confidently answer questions about maintenance usually inspires more confidence than someone who simply points to a low odometer reading.

Don't Buy on Mileage Alone

We've written several articles about buying used motorcycles for first-time riders and seasoned veterans, and they all point to the same conclusion.

Mileage is only one piece of the puzzle.

A motorcycle with low kilometres can still have hidden crash damage, deferred maintenance, or mechanical issues that aren't obvious during a quick driveway inspection.

If you're shopping for a used bike, we also recommend reading our guides on The Mechanic's Guide to Buying a Used Motorcycle, Red Flags to Watch For When Buying a Used Motorcycle, and How to Tell If a Motorcycle Has Been Crashed (Even If It's Been Repaired). 

Together, they cover many of the questions buyers ask before making a purchase.

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Let a Mechanic Take a Look

One of the most common issues we see is buyers skipping a pre-purchase inspection because the motorcycle "looked fine."

You can watch our technicians talk about that here:

We also recommend watching our video on Red Flags to Watch For When Buying a Used Bike, where our mechanics share some of the warning signs they look for when evaluating used motorcycles.

At Imperial, we work on motorcycles of every make, model, age, and mileage. Whether you're looking at a nearly new sport bike or a high-kilometre touring bike, we're happy to give it a professional once-over before you buy.

In fact, we offer free pre-purchase inspections that you can book today, because we'd rather help you make the right decision than see you discover expensive surprises after the bike is already yours.

Final Thoughts

So, what mileage is too high for a used motorcycle?

The honest answer is that there isn't one. It totally depends on how the bike’s been cared for. 

A motorcycle's maintenance history, condition, and overall care will almost always tell you more than the odometer.

Before you cross a bike off your list because of the kilometres, or buy one simply because the number is low, take the time to look deeper.

Or better yet, let a team of professionals do it for you. 

Bring the motorcycle to Imperial before you buy, and we'll help you understand exactly what you're getting. It could save you a lot of money, and a lot of headaches, down the road.