If you want to start a fierce argument, just ask a group of motorcycle enthusiasts which motorcycle brand lasts the longest. The question is likely to invoke a fierce and passionate debate. The truth be told, there is a multitude of factors that come into play when determining the motorcycle brands that last longest.
Unfortunately, there is no standard test to determine the answer. In fact, most of the information available is based on polls and surveys, the results are dependent on the personal opinions and biases of owners, riders, and enthusiasts. One thing is for sure, reliability is a key factor when it comes to choosing your next bike.
What Are Motorcycle Brands That Last Longest?
The consensus is when it comes to longevity, the big four Japanese brands have the edge. Yamaha consistently tops the list, with Suzuki, Honda, and Kawasaki following, the order varying slightly depending on the source. Harley Davidson and Victory consistently follow Japanese brands.
There are several ways to determine how long a motorcycle will last, but none of them are perfect. Most seem to adopt an approach based on the bike’s failures. Some base this on whether there was a failure in the first four years.
Yamaha, with an 11% failure rate, is a clear winner on that basis. Others look at the first breakdown, while others seem to adopt no objective measure, relying solely on the opinion of those that ride them.
Summary of Results
The largest survey is the Consumer Reports survey of 12,300 motorbikes, completed in 2015. According to the survey, the Japanese brands are generally considered the most reliable, the order Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, and Kawasaki.
They are followed by US brands Victory and Harley Davidson. This survey used failure at four years as the measure. The complete results are set out in the table below.
| Manufacturer | Percent of Failures |
| Yamaha: | 11% |
| Suzuki: | 12% |
| Honda: | 12% |
| Kawasaki: | 15% |
| Victory: | 17% |
| Harley Davidson: | 26% |
| Triumph: | 29% |
| Ducati: | 33% |
| BMW: | 40% |
| Can-am: | 42% |
Roadracerz also ranked the Japanese motorcycles highest. They determined the top brand based on the repairs needed in the early years of ownership. The most reliable brand was Yamaha, with just 11% of bikes requiring repair.
Kawasaki followed, with 14% of its bikes requiring repair, then Honda and Suzuki. The next top brand was Harley Davidson, with 26% of its bikes requiring repair.
The things also ranked the Japanese bikes highest using the repair rate as its measuring stick. Yamaha came in first, followed by Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Harley Davidson. The AR15 motorcycle forum concurred on the Japanese brands lasting the longest but rated Honda as the most long-lasting.
Cause of Failure
Interestingly, the cause of the failure was also considered by several surveys. The electrical system was the leading cause of failure at 24%. The top reasons are set out in the table below.
| Repairs Needed | Percentage of Repaired Motorcycles |
| Electrical System: | 24% |
| Accessories: | 19% |
| Brakes: | 18% |
| Fuel System: | 13% |
| Clutch: | 8% |
An interesting finding was that cruisers needed the least repairs at four years with just a 15% repair rate, while three-wheelers had the highest repair rate, especially those with two front wheels and one rear wheel.
Potential Biases
Of course, reliability means different things to different people. There are several inherent biases when relying on consumer reports to determine the longest-lasting motorcycle, including:
- Confirmation bias: When failure is used as a measure, those expecting the bike to fail are more likely to report because it confirms their belief compared to those who don’t expect it to fail, who are more likely to consider it bad luck.
- Halo effect: When someone loves owning a bike, they will always put a more positive spin on any issues with the bike compared to someone who doesn’t like a motorcycle.
- Regency bias: Memories fade over time, so an older bike that gave you issues is likely to be viewed more favorably than a newer bike with the same problems.
Extending the Life of Your Motorcycle
For some reason, 20,000 has been determined as the mileage you should get out of a motorcycle. The truth is that this is just an arbitrary figure that manufacturers use to get riders thinking about a new bike as the number approaches. A well-looked-after and the maintained bike will get many more miles.
The general rule now seems to be the larger and more modern the engine, the longer it will last. There are several different ways that you can ensure your bike withstands the test of time.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance will ensure your bike remains in good condition and minor problems are picked up before they become huge issues. Changing the oil and oil filter regularly is one of the best and easiest ways of extending the life of your motorcycle.
- Riding and Handling: Your riding style and where you ride have a significant role in the lifespan of your bike. Short bursts of acceleration followed by abrupt stops will take their toll on a bike compared to a long smooth ride on the highway.
- Storage and Protection From Elements: The importance of storing your bike in a garage that keeps it out of the sun, wind, and rain should not be underestimated. It will add years to your ride.
Although reliability is important when buying a bike, several other factors play a role in customer satisfaction, including comfort, expected maintenance costs, resale costs, and personal preferences. A long-lasting bike has its advantages, but it may not result in total satisfaction.
Larger Motorcycles That Will Last You a Lifetime:
- Harley-Davidson XR1200X
- Kawasaki Vulcan 1500FI Classic
- Triumph Speed Triple
- Harley-Davidson Sportster 883
- Indian Scout
- Suzuki SV650 Yamaha VMAX
- Kawasaki ZX-6R
- Triumph Tiger 955i
- Honda RVT1000R
Information for this article was partially sourced and researched from the following authoritative Government, educational, corporate, and nonprofit organizations:
About the Author:
Michael Parrotte started his career in the motorcycle industry by importing AGV Helmets into the North American market. He was then appointed the Vice President of AGV Helmets America. In total, he worked with AGV Helmets for 25 years. In addition, he functioned as a consultant for KBC Helmets, Vemar Helmets, Suomy Helmets, Marushin Helmets, KYT Helmets, and Sparx Helmets.
In 1985, He is the Founder of AGV Sports Group, Inc. cooperation with AGV Helmets in Valenza Italy
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