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Age and mileage of Japanese motorcycles
Why the registration year is not always the model year and how to judge wear.
Age and mileage matter, but they are not the only signs of condition. Let us see how to read them correctly.
Model year versus registration year
Sometimes the year of first registration differs from the model''s actual production year. That is normal and not a problem - focus on the model generation and condition, not just a number on a document.
Mileage in context
Low mileage alone does not guarantee perfect condition: long periods of standing also affect a bike. What matters more is how it was maintained and its state on the auction sheet.
What to look at
Assess the whole picture: mileage, condition grade, inspector comments, and service history where available. This is more accurate than relying on a single figure.