Motorcycle Repair Shop Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

• Introduction

  Whether your motorcycle is running smoothly or needs a tune-up, it can help to know about motorcycle repair. Preventive maintenance can keep your motorcycle in good condition, and repair work can restore your damaged ride to running condition.

  
  

  Whether you visit a small motorcycle repair shop or take your ride to a dealer’s service center, here is some general information for you to consider. Things like average repair costs and knowing which repairs you can do yourself can help you create a repair budget for keeping your motorcycle in top condition.

• How much does it cost to repair a motorcycle?

  The cost to repair a motorcycle varies based on what breaks. The type of motorcycle you own and its overall condition also affect the annual repair costs. However, a general guideline for motorcycle repair and maintenance is $800 to $1,000 per year.

• How often should I change motorcycle oil?

  If you’re running mineral-based oil in your motorcycle, plan to have it changed every 2,000 to 3,000 miles. If your motorcycle has synthetic oil in it, it should be changed between 7,000 and 10,000 miles. Additionally, one oil change per year is considered the minimum regardless of oil type.

• Why are motorcycle oil changes so expensive?

  Motorcycle oil changes are so expensive because mechanics need special tools and skills to perform the task. Additionally, businesses have overhead to cover and generally use branded oil that’s specially blended for the type of bike in question.

• How much does it cost to replace tires on a motorcycle?

  To replace motorcycle tires with new tires, it typically costs between $450 and $550. It can, however, cost as much as $1,100 for certain types of tires and motorcycles. If you buy used tires or retreads for your motorcycle, it can be a bit less costly.

• How many miles will a motorcycle last?

  While the way a motorcycle is maintained plays a huge role in how long it lasts, 100,000 miles is typically about how long a motorcycle that’s reasonably maintained can last. Additionally, some brands of bikes, such as some BMW models, have a reputation for lasting as long as 150,000 miles.

• What happens when a motorcycle sits for years?

  When a motorcycle sits for years, moisture and rust can collect in the inner workings of the engine. This leaves water in the oil and bits of rust in the engine. All the bits of rust and old oil need to be cleaned out before operating it to avoid further damage.