How Many Years Can a Motorcycle Be Used Before Scrapping?
2 Answers
National regulations stipulate that the service life of two-wheeled motorcycles is 10 years, with a possible extension of 3 years. Below is relevant information about vehicle scrapping: Definition: Vehicle scrapping refers to the process of discontinuing the use of a vehicle when its mileage or service life reaches the designated limit for retirement. According to the vehicle scrapping standards, any of the following conditions should result in scrapping. Time: Non-commercial vehicles with fewer than 9 seats have a service life of 15 years. Tourist vehicles and non-commercial passenger vehicles with fewer than 9 seats have a service life of 10 years. Vehicles that are severely damaged or whose technical condition cannot be repaired. Vehicles that are obsolete models with no available parts. Vehicles that, after long-term use, exceed the national factory standard for fuel consumption by 15%.
Regarding the question of how many years a motorcycle can be used before being scrapped, my experience is that the most practical perspective is from a regulatory standpoint. In our country, the mandatory scrapping period for motorcycles is typically 13 years, but it depends on the specific model—for example, light motorcycles may have a 9-year limit, while regular two-wheelers have a 13-year limit. The government determines this based on the vehicle's registration date and annual inspection records. I think this is quite reasonable because older vehicles pose higher safety risks and have poorer emissions. Of course, if the motorcycle is in good condition, applying for an extension might allow you to ride for an extra year or two, but once the deadline is reached, it must be scrapped. Most experienced riders I know handle this on time to avoid fines or accidents. My advice is to calculate the remaining lifespan when buying a new motorcycle and avoid cheap second-hand bikes that are close to being scrapped—repair costs later on can be a hassle. Safety comes first, especially when riding a motorcycle through wind and rain; an unstable condition can be very dangerous.
