Since its release, over the years, Kawasaki motorcycles have gained popularity all around the world for their powerful engine, low cost, and most importantly, durability.
With their quality engineering and superior build quality, the Kawasaki brand has cemented its name as one of the most prolific bike builders across the globe.
Although primarily known for its sportbikes, Kawasaki has expanded its market and engineered a diverse range of bikes with something for everyone, suitable for use both on and off the road.
In this article, we assess the longevity of Kawasaki motorcycles and discuss the extent of their reliability in detail.
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Here is the short answer to how long Kawasaki motorcycles last:
Kawasaki Motorcycles are well-built, durable bikes that can last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles on average depending on how well they are maintained and the riding style they are subject to. Based on riding 5,000 miles a year you can expect a Kawasaki bike to last 20 – 40 years.
How Many Miles Can You Expect From A Kawasaki Motorcycle?
Generally, Kawasaki motorcycles can run flawlessly well past 100,000 miles up, depending upon the model of your bike and how well-maintained it is.
This means that with adequate and regular maintenance and heedful riding habits, your Kawasaki motorcycle is expected to last for over 30 years on the road.
According to many owners, the average Kawasaki motorcycle will last anywhere between 100k to 200k miles.
However, this significantly depends upon three main factors:
- The owner’s riding habits
- How the bike is maintained
- The Model of Kawasaki motorcycle
Much older models don’t tend to last more than 50,000 miles, but a newer model of a Kawasaki motorcycle can last for well over 100,000 miles, subject to regular maintenance, thanks to the development of advanced technologies and better components.
Kawasaki motorcycles feature approachable power, exceptional ergonomics, aerodynamic bodywork, and a top-class performance that offers a smooth and manageable ride that attracts both beginners and experienced riders.
But the best part is that these vehicles are extremely reliable compared to other bikes of their size in the market which ensures that you enjoy the qualities of these bikes for as long as possible.
One owner on a Kawasaki owners’ forum, Kawiforums, has reported 250,000 miles on the odometer of their Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R with only minor replacements and faults.
This is certainly on the higher end but definitely not impossible with regular maintenance and responsible use.
Additionally, there are several reports from owners of high-mileage Kawasaki motorcycles with over 100,000 miles on them.
However, the one thing in common between all these owners is that each of them emphasizes heavily upon adhering to the maintenance schedule and taking diligent care of your bike in order to ensure that your engine keeps humming for as long as it can.
Keep in mind, aggressive driving can strain your vehicle components and reduce the service life of your motorcycle significantly.
How Soon Should You Expect Rust On A Kawasaki Motorcycle?
According to reports and rust-related complaints from several owners, we have estimated that rust can appear on specific surfaces on an average Kawasaki motorcycle to some degree within the first two years of purchase.
Of course, this is just a general prediction and may be different for you based on a number of factors, such as where you live and the rust-prevention tactics you adopt.
For those who live closer to the sea or in areas where rain is a common occurrence, their bike components are at a much greater risk of corrosion.
This is because salt in the air and moisture significantly accelerate corrosion.
Similarly, living in areas where roads are heavily salted in the winters can also cause your bike to rust much sooner than expected.
Driving on dirt-filled roads can also cause rust spots to pop up quickly on your bike as soil and dirt act like a sponge and can retain the moisture, which leads to rusting.
While Kawasaki motorcycles are popular for their smooth engine and versatility, owners have complained of some signs of corrosion in small areas of their vehicle only within the initial years of their purchase.
According to owner reports, the following areas of your Kawasaki motorcycles are highly susceptible to rust:
- Frame
- Rims
- Motor
- Stock exhaust
- Gas tank
Not only can a rusted gas tank significantly reduce the resale value of your vehicle but it can also minimize the efficiency of the fuel flowing through your motorcycle.
If your bike’s tank becomes rusted beyond the point of repair, finding a replacement tank can be both expensive and difficult.
This is why it’s important to regularly clean your motorcycle to wash off any debris and dirt and frequently check all parts for signs of rusting.
It is also recommended that you fill your gas tank full before putting the bike in your garage to keep moisture from trapping inside and corroding the metal interior of your gas tank.
With a few simple steps and preventive measures, you can delay rust from forming on your vehicle significantly:
- Make sure to clean your bike regularly and after every wash ensure that every part of the vehicle is dried or wiped to keep moisture from attacking the metal parts of your bike.
- Get scraped painted metal parts of your bike fixed as soon as possible for rust protection.
- Lubricate your bike chain.
- Use rust-proof or anti-corrosion products on the parts most susceptible to rust.
- Apply a coat of wax to all painted parts after washing.
You may also be interested in our article: how long do BMW motorcycles last?
How Long Do Kawasaki Motorcycles Last Compared to Similar Models?
Kawasaki motorcycles are renowned for their affordability, exceptional performance, power, and reliability throughout their model line.
But how does the brand compete with rival companies in the market in terms of longevity? Let’s find out.
Kawasaki vs. Yamaha
Together, Yamaha and Kawasaki are two of the most reliable motorcycle brands on the market.
While Yamaha offers outstanding quality balanced with exceptional performance, Kawasaki is designed to give you as much power as possible.
However, in terms of reliability, a Yamaha motorcycle would last longer than a Kawasaki.
Where a modern Yamaha bike can deliver up to 130,000-230,000 miles on average, a Kawasaki can deliver only 100,000-200,000 miles before breaking down.
A consumer based study in the US places Yamaha on the top of their list of the most reliable motorcycle brands, while Kawasaki comes in on a close fourth.
Kawasaki vs. Honda
Honda is another brand that squares up with Kawasaki for its great reputation for top-class build quality and reliability.
However, if you compare the two brands for their longevity, Honda will have a very slight edge over Kawasaki as well.
Although not as reliable as Yamaha, Honda bikes have a bullet-proof body with an unmatched finish.
The highest stress-free mileage a modern Kawasaki can give you is 200,000 miles, which is remarkable on its own.
However, a recent Honda model can go for around 220,000 miles with minimal repairs.
This illustrates that the difference between Honda and Kawasaki in terms of reliability is minimal.
Kawasaki is the more affordable option between the two so if you are on a tight budget, we’d suggest that you go for the Kawasaki.
You may also be interested in our article: How Long Do Honda Motorcycles Last?
How Reliable Is A Kawasaki Motorcycle?
As per our research, we can say, without a doubt, that Kawasaki motorcycles are indeed one of the most reliable vehicles on the market.
Over the years, Kawasaki has managed to build a reputation for itself as one of the most reliable brands across the globe.
The brand is known for its affordable yet extremely reliable and sturdy vehicles.
In fact, the first Kawasaki motorcycle engine was engineered based on knowledge gained from the development of Kawasaki aircraft engines.
This has made them extremely reliable and robust.
Kawasaki motorcycles also have only a 15% failure rate on a four-year-old bike which is well below the average 24% in the industry.
This proves that they are one of the most reliable brands in the market.
You may also be interested in our article: how long do Royal Enfield’s last?
The Best and Worst Models For Kawasaki Motorcycles
While Kawasaki motorcycles are extremely reliable vehicles, there are some exceptions that you should avoid.
The worst Kawasaki model to exist is the Kawasaki 750 Triple 1V and H2 which was reported to have some of the worst brakes and handling capabilities ever designed by the Japanese manufacturers.
On the other hand, the best Kawasaki motorcycle is the Ninja H2R which comes not only with a gorgeous and sleek design but also offers a unique two-speed supercharger that offers more reliability. This model also received little to no complaints regarding its performance from owners.
Are Kawasaki Expensive to Maintain?
Although maintenance costs depend upon your annual mileage and your riding habits, Kawasaki motorcycles, in general, are not very expensive to maintain.
The estimated cost of maintaining a Kawasaki vehicle is around $500-$600 per year.
How Long Do the Brakes Last?
The average lifespan of the brakes on a Kawasaki motorcycle is approximately 5,000-15,000 miles.
However, this number depends largely upon your driving habits.
If you frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic or don’t adhere to the maintenance schedule, the brakes on your Kawasaki are bound to give up on you much sooner.
Please also read our article on how long Honda Goldwings last
How Long Do the Tires Last?
The tires on an average modern Kawasaki motorcycle have a service life of around 10,000 miles.
This is a rough estimation and your tires may give up on you sooner depending upon the model of your bike and where and how you drive it. If you drive your bike on rough terrains, the tires are bound to be subject to wear and tear much faster.
Likewise, not servicing your tires regularly can reduce the lifespan of your tires significantly.
How Long Do Transmissions Last?
We anticipate that the transmissions on your Kawasaki should survive for at least 100,000 miles.
We recommend that you change your transmission fluid regularly and do a deep flushing every few thousand miles to extend the life of your transmission.
How Long Do Spark Plugs Last?
Spark plugs on most Kawasaki motorcycles last around 7500-10,000 miles.
However, this value may be different for different models. It is best that you refer to the owner’s manual to see how often you should replace the spark plugs.
What about Insurance Costs?
Insuring a Kawasaki motorcycle can cost anywhere between the range of $60-$120 a month for basic coverage, depending upon the model of your bike.
Tips To Prolong the Life of Your Kawasaki Motorcycles
Here are a few tips that can come in handy to extend the life of your Kawasaki:
- Change the engine oil regularly;
- Ride your bike frequently;
- Regularly clean the air filter;
- Adjust the clutch accurately;
- Service your bike routinely;
- Clean the bike often.
Related: Kawasaki Motorcycle Won’t Start? (Solved & Explained)
Resources
http://www.kawasaki.com/