Buying high milers ???

[Dodgy69]

Been looking at the bigger end of adventure bikes recently and there does seem to be some very tidy bikes with 30k plus on them. Good service history, all niggles sorted, extras, etc.

With the high miler, the price comes down. We pay more for a low miler because we all like a low miler, but does it matter.?

If its in great condition, been looked after and serviced, is there bargains to be had, or are they all passed their best.?

What you reckon.?

[KungFooBob]

I reckon it all depends how long you want to keep it and what miles you're going to do.

If it's something you plan to keep forever, I reckon miles don't matter.

If you're going to sell it in 12 months time with another 10k on the clock, people are going to be scared by the miles.

[Dodgy69]

I'd be lucky to put 4k on it, unless the good lady really enjoys pillion. Really not sure.

[KungFooBob]

I see high miles BMW GS' advertised for much more than I'd expect. I've no idea if they sell at those prices, but they look to command much more than anything else over 30k.

I bought mine with 16k on it in May and it's on just under 19k now. I don't have any plans to sell it, but going by the ebay ads I'll still get good money when it hits 40k.

[wull]

I always think any bike any mileage has the potential to shit itself, if it’s been maintained relatively well then a high mileage bike will be worth a punt.

If you go see any potential bikes I’m sure you’ll have a feeling about it, a feel for what the condition is like and how it sounds etc.

[Le_Fromage_Grande]

I've got a 65000 mile FZ 750 in the garage, it runs fine and used no more oil than one with half the miles, I had a CB400SF that had done similar mileage when I sold, I suspect none of them were gentle and it ran fine and used no oil, you wouldn't worry about 60,000 miles on a car, so why worry about similar mileage on a bike.

In my experience, with a modern bike the engine will be fine, but the chassis is more likely to be a bit saggy, you may need to replace all the suspension bushes, the rear shock and it's spherical bearing.

[KungFooBob]

I guess you need to look at what's been replaced.

If it's on 30k and never had headraces or wheel bearings you need to factor those as potentials.

Some bikes are prone to dodgy swingarm bearings and linkages, again not big ticket items, but might need factoring in.

These days I think engines are mostly fine for big miles if the oil changes have been done on time.

My big worry would be electrics. Troubleshooting them can be a nightmare and the parts are silly money.

[Asian Boss]

I'm not keen. Not only might it shit itself as Wull so rightly says. Also while engines can be fine at igher mies, all the chassis components seem to wear. Suspension, bushes, brakes etc. I'd rather pay a bit more for a lower mile bike.

[Le_Fromage_Grande]

I guess you need to look at what's been replaced.

If it's on 30k and never had headraces or wheel bearings you need to factor those as potentials.

Some bikes are prone to dodgy swingarm bearings and linkages, again not big ticket items, but might need factoring in.

These days I think engines are mostly fine for big miles if the oil changes have been done on time.

My big worry would be electrics. Troubleshooting them can be a nightmare and the parts are silly money.

I think electronics will be the cause of death for a lot of modern vehicles, the units will die and cost more than the bike/car is worth to replace, we'll all end up riding round on shitty old bikes with points.

[KungFooBob]

I'm waiting for my electronic steering lock to pack up along with the key less antenna, cornering ABS lean sensor and ride height sensors.

[Dodgy69]

Reading through this, I'm thinking the engine would be the last of my worries . Agree with the gadgets maybe packing in first and the fancy switch gear. I had left side switches fail on a 1290 gt after about 3k on a new bike. It's a tricky one.

[Horse]

I'm waiting for my electronic steering lock to pack up along with the key less antenna, cornering ABS lean sensor and ride height sensors.

And implications for restorers in the future?

The headlamps (full LED,height adjusting, yada yada) are about £900 each ...

There will be a finite 'NOS' stock of all the gadgetry, once its gone, it will be highly unlikely that anyone will ever build replicas, let alone having the electrickery skills to rebuild the systems.

[dern]

I’m not worried about miles. The only problem is when previous owners haven’t kept up with maintenance or repairs. It doesn’t take much in terms of replacing bearings and hoses to make the savings not worth it. Add a rotten radiator and you’ll curse your bargain. A well looked after bike with high miles should be fine.

[MrLongbeard]

it will be highly unlikely that anyone will ever build replicas, let alone having the electrickery skills to rebuild the systems.

Pish and nonsense.
If it can be done (and it can (anything can)) it'll be being done across the world by enthusiasts just a paypal button away.

[Horse]

it will be highly unlikely that anyone will ever build replicas, let alone having the electrickery skills to rebuild the systems.

Pish and nonsense.
If it can be done (and it can (anything can)) it'll be being done across the world by enthusiasts just a paypal button away.

Perhaps you're right

It's how Les Harris made his millions.

[Taff]

I wouldn't be too worried at 30k but I would have a pot of cash to pay for the bits that are knackered.

The engine with regular maintenance should be fine, but At 30k the rear shock on my tiger was knackered and needing a replacement, at 40k I had to change the starter motor. Since that point its all consumables, the most costly bring brake disks.

[Supermofo]

Matey bought his 1290 SA with 50k miles on which I thought was a bit mad but its now on 103k with 0 issues. He does keep it serviced by Jim Aim at the proper schedule which must cost him a fortune but it seems to be keeping the bike running well

[Supermofo]

Oh and my other mates 1190 Adv R with 30k on it and having been used off road still looks good (in for sale section) he's dropped the price too..

[Demannu]

Swings and roundabouts.
What you save on a high mileage bike in purchase cost, you will probably spend in maintenance and parts.

[Bigjawa]

Bloke on local Facebook flogging an NC750 with 129k for nearly 3 large.

Think it's an ex blood bike tarted up.