How Long Can a Motorcycle Be Used?
4 Answers
According to national regulations, the fixed service life of a motorcycle is ten years, with a maximum mileage of 100,000 kilometers. Conditions for extending the retirement period: If a motorcycle has been registered for ten years since purchase, and it is in good condition when inspected at the vehicle management office, the office will extend its use for three years. However, during these three years, the motorcycle must be inspected every six months. Only after passing the inspection can it be legally used on the road. Once the thirteen-year period is reached, the motorcycle must be retired. Motorcycle maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential. Maintenance is not just about changing the oil in the traditional sense but involves a more comprehensive approach. This includes regularly checking the tightness of screws between components, adjusting the chain, inspecting the clutch, brakes, and shock absorbers, replacing filters, and more. A new motorcycle should undergo a proper break-in period, and during initial use, it should be operated under light load. Frequently check the oil pressure and dipstick to avoid using the motorcycle when it lacks lubrication.
As a seasoned rider who has owned three motorcycles, I believe a bike's lifespan depends on your maintenance attitude and the brand's inherent quality. Take my Honda CB for example – it's still running strong after 14 years, and the key is my strict adherence to these practices: changing oil and filter every 3,000 km without fail, thoroughly cleaning and lubricating the chain after rainy seasons, and adding fuel stabilizer before winter storage. Minor issues like leaking shocks or grooved brake discs must be addressed immediately, or the wear could damage other components. Rust is a silent killer – I always wipe down frame weld points with a soft cloth after rainy rides. The best part? The used market highly values well-maintained bikes – my decade-old Yamaha still fetched 40% of its original price. Remember, avoid aggressive high-revving; a gently ridden motorcycle can easily last you 10 years or 80,000 km.
I rely entirely on my motorcycle for commuting, covering 40 kilometers every day without fail. Based on experience, an ordinary 250cc street bike can last seven to eight years without issues, but this depends on basic maintenance. I quickly check tire pressure and brake pad thickness weekly, and inspect chain tension monthly—excessive chain stretch accelerates sprocket wear. The most commonly overlooked aspect is battery life; it needs replacement every two years, otherwise stalling mid-ride is all too common. Storage is also crucial—I bought a dedicated shed to shield it from sun and rain. A friend’s scooter suffered brittle, cracked plastic parts due to prolonged sun exposure. According to dealership data, daily commuter bikes average 60,000 kilometers. My Suzuki UU has run for five years without even a bearing noise.
Having repaired motorcycles for fifteen years, it's common to see well-maintained mainstream bikes above 250cc last over a decade. The key is preventing three critical failures: degraded engine oil accelerating wear (recommend changing every 5,000 km); clogged fuel injection systems causing hard starts (use cleaner regularly); and early detection of dry bearing noise. The most durable bike I've seen was a Kawasaki W800 that ran 180,000 km - its owner serviced wheel bearings with every tire change. Conversely, a bike whose liquid cooling system leak went unfixed seized within three years.
