An old motorcycle parked against a wooden railing.Determining the average lifespan of a motorcycle engine depends significantly on the particular engine in question. There are numerous examples of the best and worst motorcycle engines built by the major motorcycle brands, and even among the "best" there can be significant variation.The longitudinally mounted, liquid cooled, flat-six engine that powers the Honda Goldwing is a prime example of a bike engine with a long lifespan, often exceeding 250,000 miles. Trying to measure that lifespan in years gets tricky since some riders use their touring bikes purely for pleasure, adding just a few thousand miles to the odometer per year, while others use them as commuter vehicles and rack up 2,500 miles or more per month.The secrets to the Goldwing engine's long life lie in Honda's use of quality components when designing and building its flagship touring model. Motorcycle engines of lesser quality see shorter lifespans, although most reputable major motorcycle brands' engines should approach six-figure odometer readings, with touring bikes and cruisers designed to last longer than sport bikes and dirt bikes. We'll assume the motorcycle encounters reasonable operating conditions and proper maintenance during its life as even the best engines fail prematurely when abused. Getting the most life from a motorcycle engineAdding oil to a motorcycle engine.As with the rest of the motorcycle's components, time plays a factor in the engine's lifespan as well. This is especially evident if the motorcycle is neglected while going unused for long periods. Storage conditions can affect the lifespan of a motorcycle overall. If left exposed to the weather and sun's UV rays, deterioration comes quickly. However, keeping a bike in an uninsulated shed isn't much better as temperature extremes and rodents can cause extensive damage.Long periods of neglect when not riding the motorcycle shorten the engine lifespan as rubber seals meant to keep the inside of the engine separate from the outside dry out, crack, and fail. Gasoline evaporates over time, leaving behind a sticky residue inside the engine's fueling system.Ultimately, riding the motorcycle the way its engineers designed it, performing the recommended routine engine maintenance, keeping the bike clean, and storing it properly when not in use will ensure the longest lifespan for your motorcycle and the engine that powers it. Want the latest in tech and auto trends? Subscribe to our free newsletter for the latest headlines, expert guides, and how-to tips, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google.
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