As I posted in a similar thread i have 74k miles on my '03 Z bought new in '06. Just regular maintenance and I'm extending intervals on plugs, valves and synchs due to being a slight PITA and finding the recommended intervals overkill for MY bike.

 

Well what I need mine for will die with me, but hopefully not at the same time lol. It's a rv because I'm not a commuter, but I ride every chance I get. since sept I've got almost 4K so when next summer rolls around I'll be double that I'm sure. I'm not concerned with how long it will last really, doesn't factor into my consciousness. I mean life itself is chaos, any semblance of real "control" is an illusion, just try to enjoy yourself and ride safely. and FAST!!

 

Judging from all the members here spanning the 4 generations, I'd say the bike will definitely outlast whatever you need it for.

 

People don't typically keep motorcycles as long as cars because they're generally considered recreational vehicles instead of utility (there are exceptions, including myself, who DD their bikes). That results in people driving more recklessly, which results in more abuse to the engine and other parts, high turnover, and people wrecking their bikes. This is why you rarely hear about motorcycles "lasting a long time".

That said, these engines put out more power/liter than typical car engines. The engine also makes more revolutions per mile than cars. All that means the engine will wear a little faster, but there's no reason a bike can't last 100k miles or more with proper maintenance.

my $0.02

 

I just checked the factory manual and it's every 24 thousand kms or 15 thousand miles, I guess mine's a bit overdue

 

I thought it was 12.5k for clearances? I might be wrong though....

 

I had the oem NGK plugs swapped out at the first major service, clearances aren't until 26,000 in the UK, after that I fitted NGK Iridiums, and I'd say I've used three sets of them.

I haven't used the bike for a year, I bought a ten year old Pan European to take the strain, and the ZX6R split it's radiator on the way home!

I've fitted a new radiator, battery, plugs, and I've bought the O-ring for the fuel pump, and plan to clean that out before firing it up again.

The Z1000 is currently my sunny weekend bike.

 

My 2001 ZX-12R has close to 50K on it and runs like a dream. I would expect a new Z, given the factory service recommendations and new tech would be a long survivor.

 

One full season in I'm at just under 11k miles.... so if I actually stick with this bike (and I plan to) it should see 50 or more no problem... I really don't want to buy a new Z1K and have to sink all the money in mods / upgrades all over again... I'm not even done with this one yet! LOL

3B

 

My 2005 ZX6R has 111,000 miles on it, all by me, and the valve clearances have never been touched. I change the oil and oem oil filter every 8,500 miles, and use Motul 5100, but otherwise engine maintenance has just been replacing the coolant and to clean and oil the K&N air filter. I've no reason to suspect a Z1000 would be any different.

 

Dang man, I change my oil every 3 or 4k so that gives me comfort that mine should last around 111000k or more easy. And you've never even adjusted the valves?? Wow. What about plugs? How often have you changed them on the zx6r?

 

I'm at about 29k miles, but @BriansZ1000 is a couple seasons ahead of me:



His post in Who Rode to Work Today

 

I'm at about 29k miles, but @BriansZ1000 is a couple seasons ahead of me:

I'm real close to 60K now. I haven't been able to ride for a few months so I don't rightly remember.

 

My 03 is just over 25K miles. #2 piston may have worn oil rings or (more likely) worn valve seals. Either way, it pulls like a scalded dog. I'm just starting to sink money into it as I'm sure the next 25K miles will be business as usual. I could see it making it maybe 70K no probs (maybe needing a top end rebuild) depending on how much hell I give it.

I think the whole idea of engines going before the bike is totaled is pretty rare too though. Hopefully ALL of ours make it to needing engines and little body work...shiny side up yall.


'03 Z

 

I know of 1 Gen4 that has 50,000km on it already and still going strong. He rides it pretty hard so think asking at least 100k isn't unrealistic :wink:

 

You also have to remember in a car you're not frequently launching from lights, pulling wheelies, and revving to 11k rpm

Um, I don't even do those things on my bike, much less my car :headshake: (insert long silence)... Ok, sometimes I do.

 

I was getting about 7k per year on my Z1000 but now I have a second bike so miles will drop off.

You also have to remember in a car you're not frequently launching from lights, pulling wheelies, and revving to 11k rpm.

Motorcycle engines take much more abuse than car engines do.

 

I dont think it would take me too long to put 100k on my bike honestly. Maybe 6 years. I bought it in July used with 750 miles on it and I'm already at 8,300. Its my daily when the weather's nice and I ride whenever I can in the winter. I think I average around 15k a year.

 

It is more highly stressed than a car....If you do the math, the engine in this bike would be like a Honda Civic, the base model , making @300 hp vs the cars claimed 148 (1996cc) . BUT, the motorcycle does a lot less work than the car being its so light.

However, if you look up high millage fz1, there are several fz1 at well over 100,00 miles. I know there is a lady on the z 100sx forum with 70k on her 2011 ninja 1000.

If you ever visit a motorcycle boneyard, 99% of the bikes you see there are crash damage. Rarely, if ever, will you see something in perfect shape with a bad motor.

Most parts in the engine are designed to a factor of 6. That menacing "six times stronger than needed" No doubt the line gets pushed closer on a zx10r (440lbs) vs a ninja 1000 (500lbs).

In many ways, we luck out because a piece of crap like a Dodge neon just cant be produced. A locked up engine might up the wheels. No big deal in a car, big deal in a motorcycle.

Some of the honda v4 engiens had oiling issues way back in the 80's. Otherwise, you just dont see issues popping up, ever. Some transmission issues, for sure, but they are all fixable.

So, sure. You could have the one motor that wont see 70,000, but highly unlikley.

 

i put 20k on my 10Zk and my mech told me i was crazy when i traded it for a low mls BKing. mech said my Z had at least 20k more in it. 919 & Zk are his #1 as best motors out there dept. mech is honda & Kawi & Suz factory cert'd. gotta take care of your bike tho !!!

 

Theoretically it could last for 200k. But you don't usually see those kinds of mileage numbers on performance oriented motors/vehicles because of abuse.

Not only that but tolerances are typically tighter and more stress is on everything. I've taken cars to 290k but they were my daily drivers.

You say forever but let's be honest, you probably won't have this bike at 200k. I don't believe there is any magic number that any engine last to. This bike being no different.