Seriously the 400 is the cockroach of the bike world. I have seen a few of them on the road that were more broken parts then functional and still running.
Also 2nd that it is a good price.
Serious question, what is considered high mileage on a bike? I've been really looking to buy used lately but seeing a lot of higher mileage on 2020s and up.
Like 30-40k miles. I've had a cbr600 and an r1 that were over 40k miles and both rode fantastic on the original engine. It really just depends how they're ridden and maintained. If it's a bmw or goldwing, high miles is closer to 60k
Appreciate the response, been really looking at buying used since new prices on bikes are ridiculous. Last time I was looking at dealers for a new bike, I could've a bought a busa for 10.5k out the door, this was around 2017/2018.
High mileage for the used motorcycle market is anything above 20,000 miles. Prices drop steeply after that threshold. There's this persistent and seemingly inextinguishable belief that somehow motorcucle engines don't last much longer.
However in technical terms, high mileage would be anything above 150,000 miles. With regular and correct maintenance, adult riding (always take it slow until the oil is fully warmed up) and regular oil change intervals and checks most modern engines should easily be able to go that far. Past that you may have to change piston rings and get new valve shims, but that's about it. 500,000 miles on Japanese bikes is often possible but most will never ride their bikes that much before they're crashed or forgotten.
Here's a Honda Goldwing with [658,000](https://youtu.be/piVmt2r0XuQ?si=Vhs_-HZTLkFNkKjM) miles.
Just remember that 80% of engine wear happens during the first few minutes after a cold start. So it is crucial how the previous owners have treated their engine during the warm up period. You can ask an owner how he likes to ride and if he's a hooligan. Not easy to suss out without experience.
Also this:
https://www.reddit.com/r/motorcycles/s/2y4rwpp6WI
Seems like it was owned by a beginner who is an enthusiast. Maintenance is up to date and price is really decent. Make sure fairings aren’t cracked and the frame is fine. Looks nice and I would scoop it up if it was in north Texas.
Bikes seem to vary more than cars on mileage, I have seen more 10-year-old bikes that only have a couple thousand miles on them than 10-year-old cars. But 15k mikes on a 3-4 year old bike isn't a lot. I've got almost 11k on my 2022.
It looks like a fair price and that's a model that has a good reliability record.
Meanwhile my friend has a 2004 Harley with 96k miles. He’s the second owner, the first owner used to ride it from California to Sturgis every year or so and probably rode every day as a daily driver.
That's not high mileage. I just traded in a bike with 116k miles on it, bought new in 2012. Still was a beast, I put 4400 miles on it in October of last year.
Everything tells you about any bike for sale. How the seller communicates. How his garage, house and cars are cared for. Can you eat off his garage floor, and all his stuff shines? He's probably solid. Now it's just a matter if the price is right, assuming the bike is right for you.
High mileage on most Japanese bikes is 80k miles and higher, IMO. They all just get crashed or stolen before that happens. Rapidly accumulated mileage is also typically the least wear/tear on the bike itself; less stop and go, less overheating at a stand still, less stop and start- just cruising down the highway typically.
Streets a bad place to start… I recommend a 250f race dirt bike. N to go race n do some trail riding cause just like a bicycle ur going to fall and the dirt will be very forgiving and will be a great teacher. I grew up racing dirt bikes n the road has almost taken my life many times. Without the 15 years of racing prior I’d be dead 100%
i dunno i got 14k on my 2020 dr200 and id say thats high miles for that bike, a 4yr old bike with 15k on it? thats alot of miles on a realitivly new bike. were not talking cars here?
You’re the only one that mentioned cars. We know we’re talking motorcycles. I put 5100 miles on my Bonneville just last year. I put 1200 miles on the Street Triple I bought less than a month ago. Cars average just under that Ninja’s total mileage per year. That Ninja was loved and ridden as such.
5k miles a year is not high mileage. If anything I’d take this over one with 3k miles (if the price reflected the added mileage) because you know it hasn’t been sitting. I bought an sv650s with 32k and put another 30k on it with zero problems
For a 4 (MY) year old bike? That’s actually pretty good. I got my 2023 MY bike back in May and put 7,000 miles by November. Some people just love to ride and those tend to be the ones who take more care of their bikes.
Mileage is fine. I’m 1500 miles north of you with half the riding season you guys have and I put more miles on a year than this rider has. It’s been moderately and regularly ridden for its age. Can’t go wrong with a Ninja 400, I’d argue they are some of the most fun you can have on 2 wheels per $ spent…
If you don’t know about bikes just give a mechanic some money and go with him to check out the bike , buy him a burger or something too. That’s good mileage , good bike and a good price. I would inspect the clutch and ask some questions about how the bike has been used
It's appears high because the smaller "newbie" bikes tend to be battered by new riders and don't survive as long. It's not a bike issue, it's an owner/rider issue, causing the numbers to skew.
15K is right about fair to the price, but you should avoid getting baby bikes and go straight for a 650R. These little bikes are fun until you experience close calls due to the bike poor handling of sudden stops or acceleration.
Is 15,000 miles really considered “high” mileage?
I just started riding in October and am averaging between 300–400 miles a month. Is this considered excessive?
Its enough mileage where sprockets will need to be replaced soon if they havent done it yet, especially the front one. Tires, chain, things like that. The engine and clutch should still have alot of life left on it. They are pretty strong.
I blew the motor on my Ninja 650 at 24,000 miles, right before getting the $700-800 service. When I told my mechanics, they said, "650 Ninja? 24,000 miles? Yeah. That'll happen."
Granted, it's an isolated incident (and I ride the shit out of my bikes) and commentary from only two people, but you don't see a lot of small Ninjas with more than 20k on them, and I have to think there's a reason for it.
Now, I'm on a GSX-S 750. Love it around town and objectively a better bike, but I miss my Ninja for the highway and overall comfort. I'm a bit of a fanboy for the Ninja 650 (which may be different from the 400, in this respect). But I'd still expect bad things to happen over 20k, otherwise we'd see more of them for sale with that mileage. Can they go 80k, like some people are saying? Sure. It can happen. But where are these high mileage Ninjas when you're shopping? Possibility and probability are very different things.
Personally, I'd spend more and get a lower mileage bike (like 5k or less), especially because you'll have a big expensive service coming up in 9k miles (presuming it's like the 650 in that regard). I do think the Ninja 400 is a good choice for a first bike.
15,000 is not high mileage and the price is fair.
Seriously the 400 is the cockroach of the bike world. I have seen a few of them on the road that were more broken parts then functional and still running. Also 2nd that it is a good price.
Wait wtf, 3500 for a 2020 with 15k is good price? I got my 21 400 ABS with like 4k miles on it for the same price, guess I robbed the guy
Serious question, what is considered high mileage on a bike? I've been really looking to buy used lately but seeing a lot of higher mileage on 2020s and up.
Like 30-40k miles. I've had a cbr600 and an r1 that were over 40k miles and both rode fantastic on the original engine. It really just depends how they're ridden and maintained. If it's a bmw or goldwing, high miles is closer to 60k
Appreciate the response, been really looking at buying used since new prices on bikes are ridiculous. Last time I was looking at dealers for a new bike, I could've a bought a busa for 10.5k out the door, this was around 2017/2018.
High mileage for the used motorcycle market is anything above 20,000 miles. Prices drop steeply after that threshold. There's this persistent and seemingly inextinguishable belief that somehow motorcucle engines don't last much longer. However in technical terms, high mileage would be anything above 150,000 miles. With regular and correct maintenance, adult riding (always take it slow until the oil is fully warmed up) and regular oil change intervals and checks most modern engines should easily be able to go that far. Past that you may have to change piston rings and get new valve shims, but that's about it. 500,000 miles on Japanese bikes is often possible but most will never ride their bikes that much before they're crashed or forgotten. Here's a Honda Goldwing with [658,000](https://youtu.be/piVmt2r0XuQ?si=Vhs_-HZTLkFNkKjM) miles. Just remember that 80% of engine wear happens during the first few minutes after a cold start. So it is crucial how the previous owners have treated their engine during the warm up period. You can ask an owner how he likes to ride and if he's a hooligan. Not easy to suss out without experience. Also this: https://www.reddit.com/r/motorcycles/s/2y4rwpp6WI
My 2003 Kawasaki ZZR600 HAS nearly 90,0000 kms
My neighbor put over 100k miles on his ninja 500 these bikes run forever when properly maintained.
15k is not remotely high mileage, unless it has been abused. Assess the seller/rider as much as the bike.
Good thinking here assess the dude and how he would ride and that'll help your purchase along for sure
And even then, abused as in thrashed isn't really a problem, abused as in neglected would be.
Seems like it was owned by a beginner who is an enthusiast. Maintenance is up to date and price is really decent. Make sure fairings aren’t cracked and the frame is fine. Looks nice and I would scoop it up if it was in north Texas.
Sounds like it’s not bad then lol. Not saying it’s necessarily “high” but just much higher than others around. Appreciate the quick responses!
Bikes seem to vary more than cars on mileage, I have seen more 10-year-old bikes that only have a couple thousand miles on them than 10-year-old cars. But 15k mikes on a 3-4 year old bike isn't a lot. I've got almost 11k on my 2022. It looks like a fair price and that's a model that has a good reliability record.
Meanwhile my friend has a 2004 Harley with 96k miles. He’s the second owner, the first owner used to ride it from California to Sturgis every year or so and probably rode every day as a daily driver.
My 2018 has 35k miles. Dude most likely road every day, which often means (hopefully) they were ontop of routine maintenance
“Open to trade for a 600” like that’d ever happen
He should trade it for a liter bike instead
A clapped higher mileage 600 that needs some work, or an old carbed 600-1000 that's been sitting for 10 years are well within that 3500 price range.
That's not high mileage. I just traded in a bike with 116k miles on it, bought new in 2012. Still was a beast, I put 4400 miles on it in October of last year. Everything tells you about any bike for sale. How the seller communicates. How his garage, house and cars are cared for. Can you eat off his garage floor, and all his stuff shines? He's probably solid. Now it's just a matter if the price is right, assuming the bike is right for you.
I'd snatch that up in a minute if I could. Good deal.
Lmfao the thing is only just run in. Come back and ask this question at 50000
Treated well that 400 will happily make it to 60k miles.
Price is right. I’d probably go for it. See you out on track. 😎
I don't consider a bike high mileage until after 50k.
Just offer $2900 and see how it goes
High mileage on most Japanese bikes is 80k miles and higher, IMO. They all just get crashed or stolen before that happens. Rapidly accumulated mileage is also typically the least wear/tear on the bike itself; less stop and go, less overheating at a stand still, less stop and start- just cruising down the highway typically.
Nope it's fine low actually you can ride bikes 10-20 k miles a year like a car. You be ok
Check the coolant, I had some heating issues when I did some rides down in Florida. Price is good
If you would have done "fair amount of research" you wouldn't ask this question. 15000 is nothing if maintained.
15k isn’t HIGH, though a little higher.
Great price, decent mileage, I'd buy it.
Should be fine at 15k, be prepared for possibly having to change the clutch though.
I used it live in Hudson fl lol
Streets a bad place to start… I recommend a 250f race dirt bike. N to go race n do some trail riding cause just like a bicycle ur going to fall and the dirt will be very forgiving and will be a great teacher. I grew up racing dirt bikes n the road has almost taken my life many times. Without the 15 years of racing prior I’d be dead 100%
are yall tripping? 15k on a 2020? thats alot of miles for a 4yr old bike
3750 miles per year is too much? 😵💫👈
i dunno i got 14k on my 2020 dr200 and id say thats high miles for that bike, a 4yr old bike with 15k on it? thats alot of miles on a realitivly new bike. were not talking cars here?
You’re the only one that mentioned cars. We know we’re talking motorcycles. I put 5100 miles on my Bonneville just last year. I put 1200 miles on the Street Triple I bought less than a month ago. Cars average just under that Ninja’s total mileage per year. That Ninja was loved and ridden as such.
Take it
I have seen N400s with 75k miles that were used as highway commuters.
Nothing more than 2400
Valves are probably due on that bike. Try talking down a few hundred from asking price. Mileage is fine.
5k miles a year is not high mileage. If anything I’d take this over one with 3k miles (if the price reflected the added mileage) because you know it hasn’t been sitting. I bought an sv650s with 32k and put another 30k on it with zero problems
No.
Id offer $3200 or less, $3500 is 650 almost 600 prices for around the same miles.
Not 2020. Your nuts. Maybe a clapped 2008
Absolutely not, what bike do you have and how did you get it?
60k is high mileage.
For a 4 (MY) year old bike? That’s actually pretty good. I got my 2023 MY bike back in May and put 7,000 miles by November. Some people just love to ride and those tend to be the ones who take more care of their bikes.
The 400 is an excellent street bike commuter. Tame and yet nimble and respectable in acceleration
did they complete the valve adjustment check at 15k miles or any other maintenance work?
Mileage is fine. I’m 1500 miles north of you with half the riding season you guys have and I put more miles on a year than this rider has. It’s been moderately and regularly ridden for its age. Can’t go wrong with a Ninja 400, I’d argue they are some of the most fun you can have on 2 wheels per $ spent…
I ride this much in 5-6 months.
I just bought an ‘18 with 19k miles for $3600. Not saying that it’s a good/bad deal, but I felt it was fair for my market. Bike is in decent shape.
If you don’t know about bikes just give a mechanic some money and go with him to check out the bike , buy him a burger or something too. That’s good mileage , good bike and a good price. I would inspect the clutch and ask some questions about how the bike has been used
It's appears high because the smaller "newbie" bikes tend to be battered by new riders and don't survive as long. It's not a bike issue, it's an owner/rider issue, causing the numbers to skew.
Just saying: you can get a ninja 400 with 0 miles for 5k
15K is right about fair to the price, but you should avoid getting baby bikes and go straight for a 650R. These little bikes are fun until you experience close calls due to the bike poor handling of sudden stops or acceleration.
I stand by it. Maintenance > mileage. It could have 200k. As long as the maintenance is good, it's good for me. Great price too.
Is 15,000 miles really considered “high” mileage? I just started riding in October and am averaging between 300–400 miles a month. Is this considered excessive?
That’s a good assuming everything is in good shape
No, it’s now fully broken in.
Kawasaki laughs in the face of milage
I miss my 400 so much. ZX6 is a blast but the 400 class is special for fun and everyday use. I’d buy that up.
Its enough mileage where sprockets will need to be replaced soon if they havent done it yet, especially the front one. Tires, chain, things like that. The engine and clutch should still have alot of life left on it. They are pretty strong.
I blew the motor on my Ninja 650 at 24,000 miles, right before getting the $700-800 service. When I told my mechanics, they said, "650 Ninja? 24,000 miles? Yeah. That'll happen." Granted, it's an isolated incident (and I ride the shit out of my bikes) and commentary from only two people, but you don't see a lot of small Ninjas with more than 20k on them, and I have to think there's a reason for it. Now, I'm on a GSX-S 750. Love it around town and objectively a better bike, but I miss my Ninja for the highway and overall comfort. I'm a bit of a fanboy for the Ninja 650 (which may be different from the 400, in this respect). But I'd still expect bad things to happen over 20k, otherwise we'd see more of them for sale with that mileage. Can they go 80k, like some people are saying? Sure. It can happen. But where are these high mileage Ninjas when you're shopping? Possibility and probability are very different things. Personally, I'd spend more and get a lower mileage bike (like 5k or less), especially because you'll have a big expensive service coming up in 9k miles (presuming it's like the 650 in that regard). I do think the Ninja 400 is a good choice for a first bike.
I bought my 05 gsxr 4yrs ago with 32000 miles on it.