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The 10 Most Reliable Motorcycle Companies

3K views 7 replies 8 participants last post by  Aud1o 
#1 ·


Here at Motorcycle.com we get to ride all of the newest, latest, and greatest motorcycles on the planet. However, more often than not, our time with each bike spans the course of weeks, maybe months (but definitely not years), as new bikes are constantly flowing through our proverbial garages, waiting to get tested. This means we have reviews of almost every motorcycle on the market, but it also means that we lack firsthand experience learning about long-term durability and maintenance. So, when our readers ask about the reliability of a certain make or model, it’s a difficult question to answer, as reliability testing requires ownership for several years – something we simply aren’t in a position to provide.

Thankfully, the folks at Consumer Reports have compiled a motorcycle reliability study, gathering information from more than 11,000 riders, sharing their experiences on more than 12,000 motorcycles purchased new between 2008 and 2014. With this data, CR adjusted for mileage ridden over a 12-month span and estimated failure rates. Like golf, the lower the number (or percentage, in this case), the better the score. CR’s language in the link above is vague, using words like “trouble prone” and not defining what constitutes a failure. Nonetheless, the results are still relevant. Here they are, from worst to best.
Read more about The 10 Most Reliable Motorcycle Companies at Motorcycle.com.
 
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#2 ·
Honda and Suzuki tied for 2nd place with Yamaha barely edging them out for 1st place. Kawasaki 3rd.


No surprises here. The Japanese make some very reliable bikes.
 
#3 ·
This is pretty much as expected coming from Consumer Reports. I am almost shocked thought they didn't make up that Fiat/Chrysler/Jeep had a motorcycle so they could put them last as always. I'll stick with Honda though. Haven't let me down in nearly 30 years of Honda bike ownership. My 85' still runs like a champ as it did the day my brother bought it new.
 
#5 ·
HONDA all the way for me. Very common to see 20-30 years old Hondas still around with 100K plus milies. Also Honda dealership experience is little bit higher class than other rest 3 Japanese.

Having said that, lately Honda is falling behind with some models offerings so if I were in Market I would also look at Yamaha and Kawi. IMO Suzuki build quality, innovation and ownership pride is least amongst four of the Japanese.
 
#6 ·
IMO Suzuki build quality, innovation and ownership pride is least amongst four of the Japanese.
well, gee whiz, i have enjoyed my three suzukis: 96 intruder 800, 00 1500 LC, 15 v-strom 650. wouldn't trade the bikes or experiences for anything. :wink:

also loved my 05 kawi 1600 vulcan and 09 ninja 650. i can imagine a lemon or two from among the japanese manufacturers, but, all in all, it's a neck-n-neck race imho fwiw. LOL
 
#8 ·
I actually did some digging a while back, for another forum. The methodology on this study is seriously just counting honored warranty claims.
(Full follows link)
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/...-reliability-and-owner-satisfaction/index.htm
I was curious before, but common "repairs" included mirrors that came undone. And not only was longevity not considered, mileage variation was actually dialed down---concealing user culture as a variable.

The report functions fine for an investor. Great for a 2yr/bike hobbyist.

Not so much for the kind that actually wants to purchase a machine, then compete to see who dies last...
(You know. The 40 year old, third engine type of bike)
 
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