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total cost of opperation and upkeep

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1.3K views 9 replies 4 participants last post by  VICIOINA  
Apex_4 said:
how much does it cost (per mile) to own an ex500?

I'm trying to compile a complete list of all costs for gas, matinence and general wear associated with running the bike.

I'm aware that the true costs will vary greatly on the rider, bike, equipment, time of year, and a million other aspects.
just trying to get a basic costs.
all of my costs are quick guestimations, feel free to correct me or add your own input
some of the stuff that comes to mind is below:

basic running costs:
gas ~$.08/mile @ 50mpg & $3.85/gal
tires $.03/mile @ $150 front and rear & lasting 5k miles
oil $.01/mile @ $50 (3 quarts oil+ $7 filter) every 3k miles
etc

general parts wear: (anybody know longevity on these?)
air filter
brake pads
chain+ sprockets
sparkplugs / wires
etc.

high mileage wear:
complete motor (to make things simple) $.01-.02 @ $700 / unit & 45-50k miles
inexpensive high mileage parts wear such as coils, bearings and such won't really rack up a visible cost, list any that you find have enough weight.

please excuse me if it's already been asked
and in advance, thanks for your input.
Decent front tire will last 20k, I have 12k on my rear now and it will make it to 14. Oil is $22 a gallon, gas is $3.09. A used motor is $250+ shipping and taken care of right will get 100k. Iridium plugs cost $8x2=$16. Chain and sprockets as a kit can be found for around $150 and should last 30k if, again, you take care of them correctly! oil filter is $3 to $5, unless you want to buy the high $$ ones and waste $$.
Reading your list i noticed that you went to the high side on everything, why dont you add a mechanic at $90 hr.? do me a favor and list high on one side and low on another for honest comparison. Not trying to bust your balls but it sounds like you are trying to talk yourself out of owning the bike.
Also dont forget to subtract the cost of a $200 hr. shrink. I can get 2 hrs on a bike through some nice roads for about $10.
 
Try some of the cold states where bikes are run 1/2 the yr. and keep a eye out for wrecked bikes,
 
Apex_4 said:
VICIOINA said:
Try some of the cold states where bikes are run 1/2 the yr. and keep a eye out for wrecked bikes,
I never thoght about the colder states not riding year round, thanks :)
can you genrally expect those motors to get high mileage, or at least a good 50k?
If they are taken care of they all can get plenty of life, I have a friend who refuses to change oil since he puts 2k on his bike a yr. Thats when you should change it more often. I would never buy a bike/motor from him!
 
Apex_4 said:
twowheels said:
You'll save a significant amount of money doing your own maintenance. A service manual will pay for itself.
i was joking lol
does anybody actually spend money to let someone maintenance their bike?
YES!! Not me but yes.