5 Things To Know Before Buying A Used Bike

Buying a used bike is not an easy task for most of the individuals. It requires significant research, knowledge about the different parts and aspects of a bike that matters most while commuting. The need of an individuals to buy motorcycles may differ and each need has different analyzing paramters that should be checked in an effective manner. Here are few steps that can guide an individual to buy the right set of wheels according to his needs.

1) Analyzing Need:

This should be the first step before sorting the bikes you would like to consider. How many kilometers you have to travel in a day? What engine capacity/ power/ torque you expect from the bike? What matters to you more – Style and looks or mileage? Bike to be used for family or only one person? A fuel efficient bike or an adventure bike? A sporty bike or a day to day commuter? All these questions should be addressed before moving towards the next stage of buying a motorcycle.

2) Reliability:

Reliability here means a lot of things. First one should decide whether the bike is worth buying? The bike in question is genuine and is not stolen. Is the point of contact during the transaction is reliable? The terms and conditions are not absurd and whether the person is giving some sort of after sales reliability or not. In addition to this whether a person is ready to sort genuine after-sales issues ( specially in the case of ownership transfer at the RTO) is also a major factor that one must focus on because many a times people face issues.

3) General Inspection:

General Inspection comes by default. Here are few handful tips that might help you in having a closer look on your priced possession.

Ask for the service history of the bike from the owner. This will help you in knowing the overall condition of the bike including its engine. Check about the parts replacement in service records.

Check the tire condition. Have a closer look at the sides of tyres. Don't hesitate in getting your hands dirty by checking the cuts on the sides of tyres. Is there any depth left in the grip or they are simply flat. The grip depth will give an indicative idea about the remaining tyre life.

The condition of brakes: are the pads worn? Is there any sound coming from wheels while applying brakes? Level of brake oil? Are the cables rusty and frayed?

Chain and Chainwheel: If the teeth have a shark-fin appearance then it is likely that the whole drive train will be rough and do not go for such bike. The chain should not be rusty and the chain should be clearly pulled by the teeth. There is no derailleur chain as you have to replace the whole drivetrain.

Check if the saddle is attached firmly or not. Mudguards, ancillars and racks are not distorted and are bolted firmly.

4) Test Drive:

This is often practiced methodology adopted by the buyers, but many of them fail to detect the flaws hidden in the bike through a single ride. The trick is simple, just pick the right day with clear visibility, take your license with you and choose the track with which you are familiar. Test the throttle at different speeds and gears. Ensure that the transmission is smooth and does not feel clunky. On straight and clear road, just wave the bike left or right, and check the response of the bike. Keep your ears attentive towards all the sounds coming from bike. Focus on any unwanted engine noise, suspension creaking and any undue vibrations. In addition to this, test brakes, they should not pulse, the brakes should engage smoothly and must not feel spongy. Ask your doubts from the experts and the owner and then only move to the next step.

5) Fixing Price:

The final step is to fix the price and complete the transaction but, before negotiating on this front,the individual should do a proper market research about the prices of the bike and must consult with different dealers and individuals. All the above steps should be executed on the bikes that are available at their best prices and in your budget. Before quoting your price in front of the dealer or the individual seller, be realistic in your quote.

These are few tips that can be adopted even by the amateurs to pick the right used bike for themselves. These steps does not involve much technical knowledge and can be easily followed by the buyer in a hassle free manner.