Essential Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying a Second-Hand Bike

For a bike enthusiast, owning a bike is a great feeling be it a brand new bike or a second-hand bike. Also, for the first time bike owner, riding your own bike is a very special feeling. However, due to certain circumstances, some individuals are unable to afford buying a brand new bike but it should never mean that they should abandon the hope of owning a bike for themselves. For individuals, who are on a strict budget, then can opt for a second hand bike.

Things to Remember Before Purchasing a Second-hand Bike

You should keep the following things in mind before purchasing a second-hand bike for yourself:

• Do Basic Research

While buying a second-hand bike, do not just rely on your ‘sixth sense’ and ‘gut feeling or intuition’. Do a pre-hand proper research regarding the model of the bike that you want to purchase. The research can be anything based upon the reputation of the bike model, major flaws or drawbacks in the design of the bike model, or any other related important information that you should be aware of before you proceed ahead to check the bike with the owner of the two-wheeler.

• Inspect the Bike Properly

Before making any decision regarding purchasing the bike, you should do around two proper checks. First begin by doing an outer check of the bike such as scratches, dent, inconsistencies in paint, cracks in plastic etc, afterwards do a thorough investigation of the bike. Check for the leakage in the fluids, cable continuity, crack in wiring, condition of the chain etc. Moreover, do not forget to put the vehicle on center-stand and observe the condition of the bike from the center. Observe symmetry in the bike, it helps us in knowing if the bike was involved in an accident or not.

• Go for a Test Ride

Although, a bike may look in a super good condition and be impressive on the exterior, however, to know how it actually feels, you should go for a test ride. Going for a test ride of the bike would help you in knowing the overall performance of the bike. In case, you are familiar with the bike’s mechanics, even riding a bike for a few minutes can tell you a lot regarding the health of the bike. However, in case you are not well informed, then you can take help of an experienced friend to go for a bike test ride in place of you.

• Chassis Number

Once you are comfortable with the two-wheeler you are going to buy, do not forget to check the chassis number of the bike. The chassis number on the number plate should identify with the engine. Although, it can be difficult to locate this number on the bike by a novice but the mechanic can easily locate it. Also, make sure that the same chassis number should be there in the registration certificate too.

• Proper Documentation

Make sure you have all the required documents while buying a second-hand or used bike:

• Bike’s Registration Certificate
• Pollution Under Control Certificate
• RTO Forms including Form 30, Form 29 and Form 28.
• Two-wheeler insurance plan transferred in your name
• Sales Receipt

Final Words

Keep the afore-mentioned points in mind before purchasing a second-hand bike in order to get the best deal for yourself. Also, once you have made up your mind on buying a particular bike, do not hesitate on negotiating the bike price, for each problem that you encounter in a bike. Taking a well-informed friend with you would further help you in getting the best deal. At last, sign the paperwork and congratulations, you are now a proud owner of a bike.

Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.