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Important Do’s and Don’ts of Modifying Your Two Wheelers

Team AckoJan 17, 2024

Some bike enthusiasts do not like to change anything about their two-wheeler. On the other hand, some bike lovers like to play around and customize their bikes. Modifying your bike can be liberating and satisfying. Bikers like to express themselves through their bike, and modifying their two-wheeler is another way of doing it.

A bike can be modified in different ways as per one’s budget and interest. However, this can be an expensive affair and demands expertise. As it is with bike riding, you need to be careful about bike modifying as well. Read ahead to know some crucial pointers regarding things to do and things to avoid if you are going for bike modifications.

Contents

Do’s Regarding Modifying Two-wheelers:
Don’ts Regarding Modifying Two-wheelers:
Things to Be Cautious About Before Modifying Your Two-wheeler
5 Crucial Points Regarding Bike Modifications:
How Bike Modification Affects Your Two Wheeler Insurance Premium
- Bike Modification and its Impact on Insurance Premium

Do’s Regarding Modifying Two-wheelers:

Right Balance:

Try to maintain the right balance between aesthetics and performance enhancements. Keep in mind that the aesthetic improvements shouldn’t hamper the bike’s performance in the long run. If you are someone who pays more attention to aesthetics over performance, modifying and maintaining such a bike might be an expensive affair.

Security Enhancements:

Along with making your bike attractive, also give some thoughts concerning its safety. And while you are at it, you have the option to reduce your two-wheeler insurance premium amount. You stand a chance to receive a discount on your two-wheeler’s Own Damage premium if you install certified security devices on your bike.

Inform the Authorities:

You will have to inform the respective authorities based on the kind of modifications you make to your bike. For example, changing the bike’s entire colour scheme and tampering with the engine might cause compliance issues with your Regional Transport Office (RTO). Also, whatever the nature of the modifications, do mention the same to your two-wheeler insurance provider at the earliest. Not doing so might hamper your two-wheeler insurance claim settlement process.

Also, read: Third-Party Two Wheeler Insurance

Don’ts Regarding Modifying Two-wheelers:

Rash Decisions:

Don’t make rash decisions. An idea might excite you and you might want to get into execution mode as soon as possible. But wait. Give it a thought. Ask yourself – will the modification make sense in the long run? Decide the way ahead based on your answer.

Professional Job:

Refrain from trying to modify the bike on your own if you do not have prior knowledge pertaining to the intricacies involved in such a task. It is better if complex bike modification tasks are performed by experts.

Legal Trouble:

Certain bike modifications might get you into legal trouble, for example, installing fancy lights that can inconvenience other riders and drivers, not following guidelines related to the number plate, etc. Punishments can include hefty fines.

Bike Insurance Online:

Whether you modify your bike or not, it is necessary to insure it if you want to ride your two-wheeler legally on Indian roads. And while you are at it, you can consider purchasing bike insurance online. Buying bike insurance is not enough, you need to renew it before it expires in order to keep the plan active. An expired plan will not fetch any benefits.

In today’s digital world, it has become extremely convenient to opt for two-wheeler insurance renewal online. Listed below are the major advantages of two-wheeler insurance renewal online.

Low-priced bike insurance policies
No need to depend on an agent for policy renewal
Quick bike insurance policy renewal process
No paperwork
A long list of additional services
Hassle-free claim settlement
Access to all Terms and Conditions and Policy Wordings on the website

Online insurers have a two wheeler insurance premium calculator on their website. However, a two wheeler insurance premium calculator might not be helpful when it comes to gauging the premium charged for modifications. For that, you will have to communicate with your insurance company. You can have a dialogue with them regarding the impact of a specific kind of bike modification and the process followed regarding insurance. A simple call should suffice. The insurance executive should guide you regarding the due process.

Take advantage of this online renewal service and keep your bike insurance policy active to follow the law. Before purchasing your policy, go through the fine print in detail. And while renewing the policy, review your existing policy and search for a different plan if you are not satisfied with the services. Rise safe and stay insured.

Things to Be Cautious About Before Modifying Your Two-wheeler

A lot of young bikers might have grown up watching blockbuster Hollywood movies where bikes take the centre stage. Not to forget the enthralling Moto Grand Prix races and a few Bike Exhibition Events here and there. All this adds to the fact that bikes are simply irresistible to avid followers. There is a certain charm associated with shiny sports bikes. Steely cruiser bikes are also equally alluring. Different bikers have different tastes, and this is what makes the entire industry thrive.

The Indian market also offers a range of exciting bike models. However, things might look pale in front of those larger-than-life bikes that one views in movies or on foreign social media handles. This is where bike modifications come in the picture. Modifying your bike can lend a sense of satisfaction.

For some, modifying their bike is extremely personal. It is a way of expressing their thoughts, their passion, their creativity. It is a way of expressing themselves. Having said that, one needs to be cautious while doing so. If you are someone who is looking to modify your beloved two-wheeler, read ahead to know some important pointers regarding making changes to your bike.

5 Crucial Points Regarding Bike Modifications:

1. Follow the Law:

If you want to modify your bike and ride it on Indian roads, you will have to follow the law while making modifications. For better understanding, any kind of structural changes need prior approval of the respective authorities. Which means, if you want to make changes to the bike’s engine, those should reflect in your bike’s Registration Certificate (RC). Thus, you will have to visit your respective Regional Transport Office and get the changes made to your RC.

You are not required to take action for making basic aesthetic changes such as adding a sticker on your bike. However, if you change your bike’s entire colour scheme, then the same needs to be mentioned in the RC. There are laws regarding usage of indicator lights, the decibel of the horn (pressure horns), etc.

2. Choose Function Over Aesthetics:

Aesthetic changes might look good in the short-run but functional changes yield results in the long run. You might want to replace medium-sized tires with bulky ones. But the question you have to ask here is are they going to hamper the bike’s performance? If yes, are you okay taking that hit in order to make your bike look a certain way?

A lot of people choose to modify the bike’s fibre parts. You to keep in mind that doing so can affect the bike’s performance. This is because the manufacturers consider a lot of things while designing the bike, for example – aerodynamics. Changing the bike’s parts can affect the bike’s inherent nature, which can hamper its performance over a period.

Also, read: How to Improve Your Bike’s Battery Performance

3. Anti-theft Devices:

If you are considering making modifications, installing an anti-theft device is a productive measure. It can not only prevent theft but also reduce your insurance cost. If your bike has a certified anti-theft device, you are likely to receive a discount on bike insurance premium. Make sure to install only those devices that are certified by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).

4. Trusted Professionals:

Modifying your bike is expensive. It needs professional handling. In an effort to save a few bucks, and in the excitement of getting your bike modified, do not hand your two-wheeler to any mechanic. Trust only those professionals who know a thing or two about your bike’s brand, the kind of changes it can sustain, its ideal capacity, etc.

At the end of the day, your bike is a machine and every machine has its limitations. You need a professional bike modifier who can understand your bike’s capacity, take into account your requirements in terms of changes, and then start working on a plan. Discuss the modification plan as per your budget and then go ahead.

5. Inform the Insurer

You should inform your insurance company about the modifications. Do not wait to inform the insurance company till/during the renewal period. Do it immediately. It is in your favor to intimate the insurance company if you have installed anti-theft devices as it might lead to lower insurance premium.

If you feel that you can save on insurance premium by not informing the insurer about performance and aesthetic modifications, you are mistaken. In fact, not informing can be counterproductive. Insurance company can reject a claim if they were not informed about the modifications. Thus, it is a good practice to keep your insurance company informed regarding bike modifications.

How Bike Modification Affects Your Two Wheeler Insurance Premium

Bike Modification and its Impact on Insurance Premium

Type of Modification	Meaning	Example	Impact on Insurance Premium
Performance	Any type of modification that leads to an increase in the bike’s performance falls under this category.	Modifications made to increase the speed of the bike.	Usually, such modifications are perceived as ‘risky’ by insurance companies. Thus, the premium will increase due to such modifications.
Aesthetic	Changes made to the two-wheeler that enhances its looks are termed as aesthetic modifications.	Adding fiber parts to bulk-up the bike (to give it a sporty look)	If you want to get these parts insured, you will have to pay extra premium (accessories cover) as they are not factory-fitted parts.
Security	Devices installed to keep the bike safe from theft are termed as anti-theft or security devices.	Devices (locks, alarms, etc.) certified by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).	Insurance companies consider such devices as a proactive measure undertaken by the policyholder to negate bike theft. Thus, they offer a discount on insurance premium based on installation of certified anti-theft devices.

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. Explore More: