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

Team AckoJan 17, 2024

Whether it is a new bike or a second-hand bike, the amount of love that a biker has towards the bike is the same. Owning a bike for the first time is a special feeling. Some people cannot afford to purchase a brand-new bike but that doesn’t mean they should give up on their dream.

Going for a second-hand bike is a good option for those who are on a tight budget.

Contents

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

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

1. Find the purpose

Think about the purpose of purchasing a bike. Purchasing a bike is not the only expense, you have to look after the maintenance, bike insurance, fuel, etc. as well. For example, ask yourself, do you need a bike that can help you commute in a fuel-efficient way or do you need a cruiser bike which you can ride on long road trips?

2. Conduct thorough research

Once you have an idea about the purpose, then it is time to research in depth about the options available. Different dealers might offer the bike at different prices. The age of the bike will also differ from dealer to dealer. You do not necessarily need to depend upon a bike dealer for purchasing a second-hand bike. You can purchase the same from a friend or a recognized online platform as well.

3. Inspect the bike

Look at the bike you are about to purchase as if you are Sherlock Holmes. Inspect it thoroughly. Look out for dents and scratches on the outside.

4. Test ride

A bike might look super impressive on the outside but you must ride it to know how it feels. Test riding the bike will let you know the bike’s performance in totality. If you are well-versed with the mechanics of a bike, even a five-minute ride can tell you about the bike’s health. If you are a novice, you can get an experienced friend or a trusted mechanic to test ride the bike.

5. Check the chassis number

After you are comfortable with the bike you are about to purchase, take some time out to check its chassis number. The number on the plate and the engine should match. It might be difficult to locate this number on old bikes but a mechanic can find it easily. The same chassis number should be mentioned in the registration certificate as well.

Also, Read: Used Car Valuation and Its Impact on Insurance

6. Servicing record

It will be ideal if the seller has a servicing record of the bike. That way, you will come to know how much maintenance work has gone into the bike and how much more needs to be done. If there is no written record, you can simply ask for an estimate.

7. Ensure proper documentation

Here’s a list of the documentation that is required when it comes to purchasing a second-hand bike.

Registration certificate
Bike insurance – transferred in your name
Pollution under control certificate
RTO forms: Form 28, Form 29, Form 30
Sales receipt

8. Negotiate price

Negotiate the purchase price based on the points mentioned above. For example, if the bike has a dent or it is not maintained properly, the bike’s purchase price should reduce.

Bike Insurance

Whether you opt for a new bike or a second-hand bike, you have to insure it. You can now purchase or renew two wheeler insurance online easily. However, make sure to compare two-wheeler insurance before going for two wheeler insurance online. You can save a lot of money and find an ideal policy when you compare bike insurance online. Remember to renew the bike insurance policy before its expiry date to keep it active.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on industry experience and several secondary sources on the internet; and is subject to changes. Please go through the applicable policy wordings for updated ACKO-centric content and before making any insurance-related decisions.

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