By Alexis Adam
f you wish to buy a bike but don’t want to spend too much on it, you can opt to get a second-hand bike. It is an affordable option for someone who does not want to spend a lot on their vehicle. But buying a second-hand bike is not as easy as it seems. Apart from ensuring that it is in the right condition, you can follow a specific set of steps before buying a second-hand bike.
Apart from the purchase of the used two-wheeler, you also need to find out about bike insurance. In such cases, you can get the old bike insurance policy transferred to your name along with the vehicle. But if the bike does not have a policy, you can always buy the insurance plan of your choice online and protect the two-wheeler.
The checklist to follow before buying a used bike in India:
- Understand your requirement:
Before beginning your research about the bike, you must be clear about your requirements from the bike. You must know the exact purpose for making this purchase and how the bike will fit into your daily routine. Once you understand what your expectations from the bike are, you can choose a suitable one.
- Research all the details:
After you have understood your requirements, you can begin your research about the bike. If you have narrowed down on a model, it will help if you read up on the bike’s performance, reviews from other owners and different facts related to the bike. Maybe, even talking to a friend who owns the same model is a great idea as they are a genuine source of information. Gathering information about the bike from different but reliable sources will help you understand whether it will be a good fit for you or not.
- Check the bike:
Once you have finalized on the model and have found a seller, you must inspect the bike thoroughly before purchasing it. Carry out the following checks:
- Visual checkup: In this, you must check the inconsistencies in paint, scratches, crash signs and cracks in the plastic. Conducting this check on the bike’s body will help you understand if the bike has been damaged at a specific place or if it requires a complete makeover on the exteriors.
- Inner mechanics checkup: You must check the working of the bike’s parts and examine different elements like leaking fluids, rust (specifically in the fuel tank), continuity of cables, chain’s condition and any cracks in the wiring. For this checkup, you can get help from a professional mechanic. They would be able to provide you with an accurate estimate of the vehicle’s damage and what needs to be rectified.
- Start the bike:
Try starting the bike after you inspect it. It will give you a clear picture of the bike’s condition. It would help if you looked for:
– Any unusual sounds during acceleration.
– Different levers, lights, indicators and horn.
– The amount of smoke released out of the exhaust and any odd smells.
– Heavy vibrations when you throttle.
- Match VINs:
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the frame and the engine should match. This number is a serial number which is used legally to identify a vehicle. Once you check the VIN, you must contact the manufacturer, insurance company and state authorities. They will provide you with information on whether the bike was involved in a crash or if it had ever been reported stolen.
- Check maintenance records:
Ask the bike’s seller to show you the maintenance records of the bike. If they are unable to provide the records, inquire about the bike’s servicing frequency and from where it was being serviced.
- Test ride:
Once you have made all of the inspections listed above, you must take out the bike for a test drive. When test riding a bike, observe how the bike performs and the issues it has when you apply brakes or change gears. Look for how well the bike handles steep turns and if the brake is in good condition or not. Additionally, stay alert and find out if there are odd noises like rattling. Once you have noted these, ask the owner for clarification after you have finished your test drive.
- Negotiate:
It would help if you didn’t hesitate to negotiate. You can negotiate on the price for the bike for every problem that you find in it. Consult with a mechanic, and they will let you know about the issues which will help you fix the final price. Once you get your estimated cost, you can sign the paperwork and finish the process.
According to the law, it is illegal to drive a motorcycle on Indian roads without valid bike insurance. Before purchasing the old bike, ensure that the previous owner has completed all of the insurance transfer formalities. For the transfer of insurance, the seller must contact their bike insurance company and carry out the necessary steps. Once the transfer is over, you can consider different bike insurance and compare the plans available for you. You can buy online bike insurance as you will be able to compare the various plans available and select the policy that suits you.
