For sure you would have heard stories from people who have bought
second hand bikes about how they got cheated or about how there were
faults in the machine that they came to know only after using the bike
for a while. Yes you are always at risk while you go for a secondhand
bike, but that does not necessarily need to scare you away from a good
deal. Below are some points that we think you should take into account
while out in the market for a second hand bike.
- Check the bike for accident related issues: You can do
this by checking at the police station/ online government websites / RTO
to confirm that the bike that you are buying does not have a history
that will haunt you.
- Check the bike for worn out / damages parts: Just assume
that there are going to be worn out parts. Hunt for any sign of an
accident, which could be chipped handle bar end’s, bent crash guard.
Smoke in the exhaust. Even if they may not be major or dangerous, they
are bargaining points.
- Do your homework: Research about the model, find out its usual / common faults. Inspect for the same.
- Check to see if the paintwork is original and matches the one on the RC book.
- Make sure that the Chassis number on the RC book and the bike matches.
- Check if the wear on the tires match the odo reading: There
are very over-smart people who adjust the odometer to reduce the number
of kilometers that has been done by the bike. Although the tyres do not
tell you the whole story. In some cases it might help you call bluff.
- Verify bike’s documents carefully and thoroughly: Make sure you get the original documents and again verify at an RTO.
- Check electricals, look around for signs of tampering / modifications.
- Ask for / Insist on a test ride: If possible take the bike to a trusted mechanic.
- Judge the balance / check for fork bends, Look out for any suspicious noise, Look for signs of rusting.
- Obtain as much detail as possible about previous usage conditions of the bike.
- If possible, do a mileage run: Good indicator of the health of the engine.
- Try and obtain servicing records / history of the bike.
- Check the spark plug with a trained mechanic: Lots of them can judge the internals by looking at a spark plug.
- NEVER BUY A BIKE ON WHICH YOU HAVE SOME DOUBT ON. Because then you'll never ride it properly if you know what i mean.
- Do not compromise on your check routine because of dealer’s insistence / pressure: Dealers
or sellers might put pressure on you by telling you all sorts of
stories that they have other people lined up for the bike. Do not buy it
in a hurry.
- Bargain!: Bargain hard and bring the price down to as low as you can. Have a fair idea of the vehicle used market price and standing.
- Get ownership transferred immediately: This is as
important a step as anything else. Do get it the signature of the seller
on the transfer paper and get the transfer done asap.
So take care and please try following up these instructions before buying a second hand bike. Don't just buy it because it is cheap. And don't buy a bike you don't want to buy just because a family member or friend is forcing you to buy it. Just buy the bike that you'll enjoy riding.
