Many people look at Ducati 916/996 machines and are put off by mileages of 25,000 and 35,000 miles. Yet these machines, if they are well maintained and not raced, are often good for three times those mileages. These are modern motors and they are built to achieve mileages well in excess of 150,000 miles between rebuilds.
How a machine is treated defines whether it will last or not. I have seen 916/996 SPs with less than 5,000 miles on them and they are worthless. Yet I have seen many with over 50,000 miles that look and ride like new.
Much of the fear of adding mileage to classic motorcycles is hugely out-dated and dates back to owners of British motorcycles. Many old Triumphs and Nortons need top end rebuilds (if you’re lucky) every 5,000 miles. So collectors did not want machines if they had been ridden more than 5,000 miles between a full motor rebuild. This attitude has rubbed off on some collectors of more modern machines and they will not look at anything with more than 5,000 miles on the clock and pay a hefty premium for such motorcycles. However, times have changed and modern engines have been expected to go round the clock several times between full rebuilds.
Mileages cannot be guaranteed and some machines may well have had a clock change. The truth is that only seeking machines with “low mileages” can really be chasing shadows. If a motorcycle has had the correct maintenance carried out, been dry stored and not raced, then mileage is not really that important. It’s about originality, condition and usability. Mileage on modern machines is quite irrelevant, unless it is extremely high. So ride your precious motorcycle as it will not damage the value of your investment. These machines were built to enjoy.
Like I said, I have seen 5,000 mile machines that I would not touch at any price.
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