Buying and selling of used motorcycles is nothing new and such bikes are hot-selling property online as well as offline. Moreover, motorcycles are one of the most popular forms of commuting as they are comparatively fuel efficient, convenient, and easily sail through narrow lanes and traffic jams.
The best advantage of purchasing a used bike is that it doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket. However, buying a used motorcycle can be a daunting task as it involves several risk factors.
When you make plans to purchase a second-hand motorcycle, several questions may pop up in your head like – will it be the best buy? Will it perform like a new motorcycle? Can it be a stolen bike?
So, if you are also planning to bring a used motorcycle home and don’t know where to start, here are 7 things you should keep in mind before shelling out your hard-earned money.
7 things to know before buying a used motorcycle
1.Purpose
What is your purpose of buying a motorcycle? You must have a clear thought about why you need a motorcycle. You might require a fuel-efficient bike for daily commuting or maybe you need a cruiser for long-distance travel. Remember, the amount you spend on buying the bike is not the only expense. In the future, you need to spend on its maintenance, fuel, and more.
2.Research
So, now that you know the purpose of buying a used bike, it’s time to conduct thorough research on the available options. The price as well as the age of the motorcycle might be different per various dealers. You must research and compare the prices, age, and other factors before making a deal. Dealers are not the only option. You can also buy a motorcycle from a reliable online platform or even a friend.
3.Inspection and test ride
Properly inspect the used motorcycle, like Sherlock Holmes, before making a final decision to buy it. Don’t ignore the dents or scratches on the body of the bike. And of course, the motorcycle might look awesome but a test ride is a must to know how smoothly it runs. Those who are aware of the mechanics can get an idea about the motorcycle’s health and performance in a matter of five minutes. However, a novice is always advised to get it done by an experienced friend or a trusted mechanic.
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4.Chassis number
After you successfully select a used motorcycle for purchase, it’s time to check its chassis number. The number on the engine and plate should match and must have a mention in the registration certificate.
5.Servicing record
Try to obtain the servicing record of the motorcycle from the seller. This will help you know the number of times the bike has gone for servicing and how much more maintenance it needs in the future.
6.Documentation
You must ensure proper documentation before going ahead. Here’s a list of the documentation:
- Registration certificate
- Bike insurance – transferred in your name
- Pollution certificate
- RTO forms
- Sales receipt
7.Negotiation
Last but not least, you must not shy away from negotiating the price. Try to bring the cost down depending upon certain factors like dent, scratch, or maintenance issues.
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Other key points (Checklist)
- Check condition of tyres
- Check condition of drive chain and sprocket
- Check condition of brake and clutch levers
- Check the battery
- Check fuel tank
- Check brake fluid level
- Check bike’s history for accidents
