It’s one of the first questions any buyer will ask: “What’s the mileage?”
When it comes to selling a motorbike, mileage matters – but probably not as much as you think. While clock readings still influence a bike’s value, there’s a lot more going on under the tank. In fact, some bikes with high mileage can fetch more than low-mileage examples if they’ve been properly looked after.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how mileage affects the resale value of your bike, and when it doesn’t.
Why Mileage Still Matters
Just like with cars, higher mileage often suggests more wear and tear. Chains stretch. Bearings wear. Suspension fades. Tyres and brakes will have seen better days. For a buyer, it’s an easy way to estimate how much life a bike might have left – or how much money they’ll need to spend on it soon.
Typical buyer assumptions:
- 🛠️ More miles = more upcoming maintenance
- 📉 Higher mileage = lower value
- ⚙️ Older parts = more reliability risks
But here’s the catch: mileage is only half the story.
Condition Beats Mileage Every Time
You could have a 20,000 mile bike that looks showroom fresh, or a 5,000 mile bike that’s been dropped, scratched, and left to rust. Guess which one will sell better?
Buyers are increasingly savvy, especially in the used motorbike market. Many know that a well-maintained, higher mileage machine can be a smarter buy than a neglected low-mileage one.
Example: A 2016 Honda CBR500R with 22,000 miles, full service history, and receipts for recent tyres and brakes might sell for more than a 2016 model with 9,000 miles but no records and cracked plastics.
What Counts as ‘High Mileage’ on a Motorbike?
What’s considered “high mileage” varies depending on the type of bike. Here’s a rough guide to what UK buyers often consider average vs high mileage:
| Bike Type | Average Mileage (per year) | High Mileage (total) |
|---|---|---|
| Sports Bike | 2,000 – 3,000 miles | 20,000 + miles |
| Naked / Street | 3,000 – 4,000 miles | 25,000 + miles |
| Adventure / Touring | 4,000 – 6,000 miles | 40,000 + miles |
| Commuter / Scooter | 5,000 – 7,000 miles | 30,000 + miles |
Keep in mind: adventure bikes and commuters are expected to do more miles. That’s what they’re built for. A 40k mile BMW GS isn’t unusual, but a sports bike with the same miles might raise eyebrows.
🧾 Service History Can Cancel Out High Mileage
If you’ve racked up some serious distance but kept up with maintenance, don’t panic. A full-service history (FSH) is the strongest mileage equaliser out there.
What helps reassure buyers:
- Stamped service book or digital log
- Receipts for parts, tyres, and work done
- MOT history that backs up the mileage
- Visual condition: clean, tidy, and cared for
Think of service history like a CV. High mileage with a perfect work record? Still employable.
What Do Buyers Really Look For?
Not everyone is scared off by higher mileage. Some experienced riders actually seek out bikes that have proven themselves over time. Others are looking for bargains – and a well-priced, well-kept high-miler might be perfect.
Modern buyer priorities:
- Overall condition – any signs of crash damage or neglect?
- Service and MOT history – has it been looked after?
- Age vs mileage – does it stack up logically?
- Modifications – tasteful or tacky?
- Price – is it fair for the spec and mileage?
If your bike checks those boxes, the mileage becomes just a number.
When High Mileage Might Help
In certain cases, mileage can actually work in your favour. Here’s when:
- 🧪 Proven Reliability: Bikes like the Yamaha MT-07, Honda NC750, or BMW GS are famous for going the distance. High miles can show they’ve been trouble-free.
- 💰 Better Value: Budget buyers often prefer high mileage bikes, as long as they’re maintained, because they get more bike for the money.
- 🏍️ Touring Models: Adventure tourers are expected to have high miles. A low-mile example might seem under-used or overpriced.
What Low Mileage Can Hide
While low mileage bikes are attractive on paper, they aren’t always better in the real world. Bikes that sit too long unused can suffer from;
- Flat-spotted tyres
- Stale fluids and seals
- Corrosion from poor storage
- Gummed-up fuel systems
Don’t assume low mileage = zero problems. It’s all about condition, maintenance and how it was stored.
💷 What This Means for Resale
So what should you expect price-wise? Here’s a rough guide based on condition and mileage:
| Mileage | Condition | Buyer Perception |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5,000 miles | Excellent | Premium price – nearly new |
| 5,000 – 15,000 miles | Very Good | Strong resale value |
| 15,000 – 30,000 miles | Good with service history | Fair price expected |
| 30,000 + miles | Clean, full history | Sellable, but price sensitive |
Condition trumps numbers. A high-mileage bike with love and receipts will always beat a low-mile lemon.
🔧 Need a Quick Sale Regardless of Mileage?
If your bike has done some serious miles but still runs sweet, don’t stress. SellYourBikeToday.com buys bikes of all ages, mileages, and conditions – no judgment, just a fair price.
What we offer:
- ✔️ Instant valuation online
- ✔️ Nationwide collection
- ✔️ No fees or time-wasters
- ✔️ Quick cash, even for high milers
You might be surprised what your bike’s really worth.
Mileage matters! But not as much as condition, care, and honesty. A high-mileage motorbike with a good history and solid maintenance can still be a valuable machine. If you’re selling, present your bike well, be transparent, and know your market.
And if you’re looking for a quick, easy sale with no tyre-kickers or stress, SellYourBikeToday.com is ready when you are, mileage and all.