Harley Davidson is one of the most recognizable motorcycle manufacturers in the world. With a strong reputation for having some of the most durable and quality-made motorcycles currently on the market, the brand has stood the test of time with consumers.
Many people who are interested in purchasing their first Harley might be interested in just how long they can expect their motorcycle to last. This is a valid question, as most consumers in the market for a long-term purchase like a motorcycle will be interested in how long it lasts.
You can expect your Harley Davidson to last for at least 80,000 miles, with some models of Harley reaching over 125,000 miles. This translates roughly to an estimated lifespan of 25 years. This is an extremely long lifetime for a vehicle and makes them a great long-term purchase.
This guide will break down the different factors that influence how long your Harley will last, as well as offer comparisons to other popular motorcycle brands so you can decide if a Harley Davidson is the right choice for you.
All of the estimates included in this guide assume that the bikes have been well-maintained. If your bike has not been kept up on routine maintenance, you can expect these numbers to be much lower.
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How Long Do Harleys Last On Average?
You can expect your Harley Davidson to last an average of 80,000 miles or 25 years. It is not uncommon for a Harley to last up to 125,000 miles. This is an impressive lifetime for any vehicle, which makes Harley Davidson motorcycles a great long-term purchase.
That being said, the approximate life expectancy of your Harley will depend on how well you maintain your bike, including routine maintenance, proper storage, and repairs when needed. If you stick to a routine maintenance schedule, you will most likely be able to use your Harley for many years to come.
The table below contains a comparison chart for the longevity of several popular motorcycle brands. You can use the information in this table to see how Harley Davidsons compare to other popular bikes on the market
| Brand | Avg. Lifetime In Miles | Avg. Lifetime In Years |
| Harley Davidson | 80,000 – 125,000 | 25 |
| Honda | 75,000 – 115,000 | 25 |
| Yamaha | 68,000 – 90,000 | 20 |
| BMW | 60,000 – 87,000 | 20 |
| Kawasaki | 55,000 – 80,000 | 18 |
How Long Do Harleys Last In Miles?
On average, you can expect your Harley Davidson to last around 80,000 to 125,000 miles. Harley Davidson motorcycles are known for being some of the most durable and reliable bikes currently available.
In some circumstances, an extremely well-maintained Harley Davidson can have a life expectancy that exceeds these numbers. The approximate life expectancy of your Harley will depend on how well-maintained the bike is.
The table below contains some of the most popular motorcycle brands and their life expectancy in miles. You can use this table to compare the average mileage that you can expect out of the bikes and see how Harley compares.
| Brand | Avg. Lifetime In Miles |
| Harley Davidson | 80,000 – 125,000 |
| Honda | 75,000 – 115,000 |
| Yamaha | 68,000 – 90,000 |
| BMW | 60,000 – 87,000 |
| Kawasaki | 55,000 – 80,000 |
How Long Do Harleys Last In Years?
You can expect your Harley Davidson to last at least 25 years if properly maintained. You will often see many vintage model Harleys on the road that have been in operation for around this amount of time. That being said, to reach this optimal lifespan, your Harley must have been extremely well-maintained.
This includes attending to routine maintenance and repairs, as well as observing proper storage and avoiding rough riding conditions. As long as your Harley is well maintained, you can expect to get at least 25 years out of your bike.
This is an impressive lifespan for any vehicle, making Harley Davidson one of the most reliable bikes currently on the market. The table below contains some other popular motorcycle brands and their expected lifetime in years.
| Brand | Avg. Lifetime In Years |
| Harley Davidson | 25 |
| Honda | 25 |
| Yamaha | 20 |
| BMW | 20 |
| Kawasaki | 18 |
How Long Do Harleys Last Compared To Other Bikes?
The table below contains a more in-depth comparison of many popular motorcycle brands and their longevity in mileage and years, as well as other statistics that could be helpful when trying to decide if a Harley Davidson is right for you.
As the table will show, Harley Davidson fairs quite well when compared with other popular motorcycle brands. This is due to the high-quality components used to make the bikes, as well as the build quality that goes into assembling them.
Included in this table will be an average consumer rating, which takes into account a survey of motorcycle owners and their satisfaction ratings. Also included is the percentage of motorcycle owners and the likelihood that they would repurchase a bike from the same brand when their current bike reaches the end of its lifespan.
| Brand | Avg. Lifetime In Miles | Avg. Lifetime In Years | Avg. Consumer Satisfaction Percentage | Repurchase Likelihood Percentage |
| Harley Davidson | 80,000 – 125,000 | 25 | 95% | 95% |
| Honda | 75,000 – 115,000 | 25 | 93% | 75% |
| Suzuki | 55,000 – 85,000 | 16 | 56% | 55% |
| Kawasaki | 55,000 – 80,000 | 18 | 54% | 58% |
| Yamaha | 68,000 – 90,000 | 20 | 75% | 65% |
| BMW | 60,000 – 87,000 | 20 | 88% | 68% |
| Triumph | 65,000 – 88,000 | 17 | 55% | 63% |
| Victory | 78,000 – 120,000 | 25 | 90% | 88% |
How Long Do Harley Parts Last?
The table below contains the components that make up a Harley Davidson and the average mileage that you will be able to drive before needing to replace them. These components include parts like the engine, brake pads, clutches, and drive belts.
It is important to consider how often the components that make up your bike will need to be replaced, as doing so routinely can help lengthen the lifespan of your Harley. Use the table below so you can better estimate how often the components will need to be replaced.
| Harley Component | Avg. Life Expectancy In Miles |
| Engine | 115,000 |
| Brake Pads | 20,000 |
| Clutches | 75,000 |
| Drive Belts | 115,000 |
| Wheel Bearings | 105,000 |
| Coils | 98,000 |
| Rotors | 65,000 |
What Is High Mileage For A Harley
The high mileage mark for a well-maintained Harley Davidson is around 85,000 miles. Once you reach the 85,000-mile mark you should start paying close attention to the condition of your bike, as you could begin to experience issues that call for repairs around this time.
That being said, as this guide has stated, Harleys have been known to last for up to 125,000 miles without experiencing any serious issues. Once you reach the 85,000-mile mark, you will need to be more diligent about your maintenance schedule to ensure that you get the maximum lifetime out of your bike.
The average high mileage for most motorcycles is around 55,000 miles. The extra 30,000 miles you get out of a Harley before needing serious inspection makes a significant difference. For this reason, Harleys have earned its reputation as one of the most durable bikes currently on the market.
How To Increase The Lifespan Of Your Harley Davidson
There are several ways that you can increase the longevity of your Harley Davidson. These include sticking to a routine maintenance schedule, properly storing your Harley, and riding your bike safely and responsibly.
Routine maintenance is the most important factor in ensuring that you get the maximum lifespan out of your Harley. This includes changing the filters on time, properly lubricating and cleaning your bike regularly, and storing your bike in an area where it is not directly exposed to the elements.
You should also avoid riding your bike in rough conditions like heavy rain or on salted roads. Moisture and salt are the two most common causes of rust and damage to the outer components of your bike. It is also important that you regularly ride your Harley to ensure that the engine and battery are always working and being utilized properly.
If you adhere to these methods, you can expect to see the lifespan of your Harley increase by at least several hundred miles at least. Even with only the bare minimum maintenance, you can still get around 80,000 miles out of your Harley, but you will need to be extra diligent if you wish to reach a milage of 125,000 or more.
Final Thoughts
This guide has provided you with all of the information that you need to accurately estimate how long your Harley Davidson will last. It is no wonder that Harleys have such a stellar reputation for durability and reliability, as this guide shows they have an exceptionally long lifetime compared to other popular motorcycle brands.
You can use to detailed comparison tables in this guide to see exactly how Harleys fare against some other popular models of bike. This can be useful when deciding whether a Harley is the right purchase option for you.
As this guide shows, you will likely be satisfied if you do decide to purchase a Harley. You can expect to get around 85,000 to 125,000 miles out of your bike before experiencing any serious issues. This makes a Harley Davidson a great lifetime purchase.
I’m William Guzenski, ASE certified master automobile technician & automotive expert. I love to attend race events and car shows throughout the country. I also loves to travel 40-foot motorhome, exploring abandoned mines and ghost towns. I’m currently building another car for Bonneville Salt Flats and will be campaigning a drag car at several events.