The popularity of bikes is immense when it comes to transportation. It is because Bikes are friendly vehicles for cramped roads and narrow bylanes. They offer convenience just like GarageWorks does.

So, if you are planning to buy a Bike for yourself but don’t want to exhaust your savings, then owning a second-hand/used Bike can also be a good concept.

DO NOT skip reading if you really want to save yourself from any deception while buying a second-hand or used Bike.

The biggest mistake we make before buying a second-hand Bike!

Maximum people make the mistake of checking the bike with aesthetics. Therefore, second-hand bike dealers invest in repairing the aesthetics and always portray that the bike is in good condition. One important thing you must observe is that if the vehicle is genuinely in good condition, it would be priced a bit higher than any other vehicle in the same category.

The internal condition of the bike is difficult to inspect for someone who is not technically sound, and it is not easy & possible to get the bike inspected by the mechanic as the dealers usually do not allow such practices.

But we care for you and your money!

Therefore, we present you with a checklist to help you make the right choice.

But before moving ahead and searching for second-hand bikes online and offline, one important factor is knowing your purpose.

Understanding your need for a Bike is the foundation. The upkeep, insurance, and fuel can be a costly affair. Whether you need a bike for daily travelling or a cruiser for your road trips, determining your purpose will help you narrow down to appropriate Bike options.

Now it’s time to take a test ride!

When you see a second-hand bike, take the charge and inspect these 8 key aspects like a pro:

1) Start the bike, accelerate for a while before you start riding it and check for any smoke or fumes coming out of it thoroughly. Invest time in hearing the sound. If you hear anything odd or vibrations while giving a raise, it is a red flag.

2) Apply the brakes multiple times. If you think the brakes are loose or making noise every time you apply them, consider it a red flag.

3) Look at the engine & other metal parts thoroughly, and see if it got painted recently. It means that it got rusted before, and now the dealer is trying to hide it from you.

4) Experience the throttle/acceleration when taking a test drive, whether it’s smooth or there is a lag.

5) Check the chain tightness. If you feel the chain is loose and making weird sounds while changing the gears, it’s a red flag.

6) Observe noises while changing gears. If you feel something fishy, it is a clutch-plate issue.

7) Ride the bike over a few potholes to check the suspension condition. If there is a ‘THUD’ sound, it means the suspensions are not in good condition.

8) Check for oil marks near the engine and on the front suspension rods.

IMPORTANT: Obviously, for examining all these factors the second-hand dealer is not going to let you take a long test drive, so always remember to carry 200 ml fuel with you so that you can satisfactorily test ride the vehicle.

When you are completely satisfied with the test ride, observe the following factors before buying that second-hand bike:

Check the VIN: If you find the bike good enough, proceed towards checking the VIN(vehicle identification Number). The number on the number plate and engine should be the same. Now, provide the number to the insurance company, state authorities, and manufacturer to check the vehicle’s history.Assess the maintenance records: You must ask for the previous service record to get a rough idea about the amount spent on its maintenance and repair. By doing this, you can also get a glance at the current health of the bike.

List of documents required when buying a second-hand bike

Paperwork can be a tricky thing when purchasing a second-hand Bike. Here is the list of mandatory documents you should ask the owner.

● Original registration certificate (RC)

● Bike insurance policy

● RTO forms 28, 29, and 30

● PUC certificate

● Sales receipt of the bike

● Taxation receipts

● Address proof and passport-size photos of the seller

After getting these documents, go for the transfer vehicle registration certificate (TVRC). This paper is proof that now you legally own the Bike.

Conclusion

By following this guideline, you can surely choose the best second-hand/used bike for yourself.

A second-hand bike can serve you for years if you maintain it well. Insurance and routine servicing play a major role in the maintenance of your Bike. Make sure these two things are taken care of regularly to save you from hefty expenses!

And, if you buy a Bike to experience convenience, then why will you take the stress of taking it to the garage for servicing?

Book our expert FREE bike services to stay stress-free and enhance the convenience you wish for.

Some common FAQs

1. Is it a good idea to buy a second-hand bike?

Yes! If you are looking for affordability and lower premium for insurance.

2. What should I know before buying a bike?

You must be clear about your purpose, Bike’s condition, insurance paper, and other documentation before buying a used Bike.

3. How often should I get my second-hand Bike serviced?

GarageWorks can analyze the Bike’s condition and inform you about the service schedule.