Buying used motorcycle is not an easy task, it's not like buying a new motorcycle that you go to showroom, put your cash on table and you are ready to zoom. Buying a nice used motorcycle has a lot of benefits such as you get your desired machine by paying less amount of money, further it saves your money when you are bored with the machine and want to sell it further so, it saves you from regretting about huge loss of money which you face by buying a brand new motorcycle and sell it off afterwards. Here is a 5 step simple guide to follow before buying a second-hand motorcycle.
1. Make a list of bikes of your interest
This is an easy task, you just need to make a list about your requirements and the bikes which are fulfilling it. For example, you want a motorcycle which offers a mileage of 40-45 kmpl with decent power and should be comfortable, in this case you will need a 150cc motorcycle with comfortable riding position and then you can list out the motorcycles. Once you are done with this, it will be easier for you to search the motorcycle in the market.
2. Going for second-hand motorcycle dealer or motorcycle owner directly?
Both ways have some advantages and disadvantages. If you buy from a dealer you are more likely to get a nice machine and the reason is second-hand motorcycle dealer checks the motorcycle before buying as he has to further sell it off and secondly he must be having some good knowledge about motorcycles because he deals and earns from it. Be sure to head towards a good dealer who has some good reputation in selling used motorcycles. One more benefit you get is that you can clear all your doubts from the dealer.
Buying from the owner directly involves a bit of risk but if you have some experience and knowledge, you can get a good deal and at a lesser price as you are buying directly from the owner and the amount which dealer gulps is not involved. If you know the owner and his motorcycle, like he serviced properly in time, takes good care of his ride.etc, you can start bargaining.
3. Take a Test Ride
Take a test ride of motorcycle which you are planning to buy as it will give you a clear idea about how it was maintained, if you are not so expert, go to your regular mechanic and ask him to take a test ride and look for any problems or defects in the machine. Now you can look for any visible scratches, it will help you to negotiate for it or else leave the motorcycle if you can't live with it. Taking a test ride is a very important step which can convey very useful information, so never buy it before taking a test ride or inspecting it, you may have to regret after a week, month or year for your wrong purchase.
4. Inspect the motorcycle and its papers
Now after the test ride you need to check some important things like sprocket, drive chain, brakes, clutch lever, frame, brake fluid oil, suspension, battery, rust, leaks and tires, all these things can give you a clear idea of how the owner maintained the bike and if the motorcycle has met any accident or not. If you are not that expert, ask your mechanic to check all this things carefully. If you see any damage on frame just don't buy it and always try to buy a motorcycle which is stock, avoid bikes with after market parts. After you have done this, ask the owner or dealer for the papers and check it thoroughly. Check the insurance whether it is first- party or third-party, match the engine number and Chassis number with the blue book etc, make sure the motorcycle is not stolen and all the papers are correct.
5. Negotiate with seller but not with your Heart on bike
If the bike is perfect in every manner, so the time has come to test your negotiating skills. By now you know the condition of the motorcycle so offer him the amount according to that, don't loose your mind and offer more amount to get the bike anyway. After the negotiations, pay the amount to him and try to register the vehicle in your name as soon as possible. Take the key and you are ready to roll.
Hope, it will help you to buy a used motorcycle. Please give your valuable suggestions and let us know if we missed out anything in the comments section below.
By: Shafqat
1. Make a list of bikes of your interestThis is an easy task, you just need to make a list about your requirements and the bikes which are fulfilling it. For example, you want a motorcycle which offers a mileage of 40-45 kmpl with decent power and should be comfortable, in this case you will need a 150cc motorcycle with comfortable riding position and then you can list out the motorcycles. Once you are done with this, it will be easier for you to search the motorcycle in the market.
2. Going for second-hand motorcycle dealer or motorcycle owner directly?
Both ways have some advantages and disadvantages. If you buy from a dealer you are more likely to get a nice machine and the reason is second-hand motorcycle dealer checks the motorcycle before buying as he has to further sell it off and secondly he must be having some good knowledge about motorcycles because he deals and earns from it. Be sure to head towards a good dealer who has some good reputation in selling used motorcycles. One more benefit you get is that you can clear all your doubts from the dealer.
Buying from the owner directly involves a bit of risk but if you have some experience and knowledge, you can get a good deal and at a lesser price as you are buying directly from the owner and the amount which dealer gulps is not involved. If you know the owner and his motorcycle, like he serviced properly in time, takes good care of his ride.etc, you can start bargaining.
3. Take a Test Ride Take a test ride of motorcycle which you are planning to buy as it will give you a clear idea about how it was maintained, if you are not so expert, go to your regular mechanic and ask him to take a test ride and look for any problems or defects in the machine. Now you can look for any visible scratches, it will help you to negotiate for it or else leave the motorcycle if you can't live with it. Taking a test ride is a very important step which can convey very useful information, so never buy it before taking a test ride or inspecting it, you may have to regret after a week, month or year for your wrong purchase.
4. Inspect the motorcycle and its papers
Now after the test ride you need to check some important things like sprocket, drive chain, brakes, clutch lever, frame, brake fluid oil, suspension, battery, rust, leaks and tires, all these things can give you a clear idea of how the owner maintained the bike and if the motorcycle has met any accident or not. If you are not that expert, ask your mechanic to check all this things carefully. If you see any damage on frame just don't buy it and always try to buy a motorcycle which is stock, avoid bikes with after market parts. After you have done this, ask the owner or dealer for the papers and check it thoroughly. Check the insurance whether it is first- party or third-party, match the engine number and Chassis number with the blue book etc, make sure the motorcycle is not stolen and all the papers are correct.
5. Negotiate with seller but not with your Heart on bikeIf the bike is perfect in every manner, so the time has come to test your negotiating skills. By now you know the condition of the motorcycle so offer him the amount according to that, don't loose your mind and offer more amount to get the bike anyway. After the negotiations, pay the amount to him and try to register the vehicle in your name as soon as possible. Take the key and you are ready to roll.
Hope, it will help you to buy a used motorcycle. Please give your valuable suggestions and let us know if we missed out anything in the comments section below.
By: Shafqat
