7 Things to Know Before Buying a Second-Hand Bike

Read on to find out what you need to look for before purchasing a second-hand bike.

Have you made up your mind to get yourself a used bike but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry. Here is a checklist to help you make the right choice.

1. Define your purpose: It is imperative to figure your purpose for buying a bike. From maintenance and insurance for the bike to fuel, bikes can be costly. Whether you need a bike for travelling to work every day or want a cruiser for your road trips, identifying your purpose will help you narrow down to suitable bike options.

2. Perform thorough research: Now that you know your bike options, it is time to research them. Go online and read about the models suitable for your purpose. Also, visit different dealers to get expert opinions. A used bike can also be purchased online or from a friend or acquaintance.

3. Examine the bike: Thoroughly inspect the bike before buying it. Perform a check to see if there are any scratches, dents, cracks, missing or broken parts, fuel leakage, rust, issues with the paint, condition of cables and chains, etc. Cold start the bike to test the engine, lights, horn, and indicators. It always helps to have a professional mechanic with you to ensure all details are assessed.

4. Take a test ride: Once you are satisfied with the initial inspection, test ride the bike. A short test ride will give you a fair idea of the bike’s performance and health. Make sure to test the ignition switch or manual start, brakes, gears, and clutch to see if they are in proper condition. Look out for any odd noises. Verify any glitches with the owner.

5. Check the VIN: If you are happy with the performance of the bike, proceed to check the vehicle identification or chassis number. The number on the plate and engine should match. With the help of the number, check for the bike’s history with the bike insurance company, state authorities, and manufacturer by providing them with the number.

**6. Assess the maintenance records: **Ask the owner to provide you with servicing records to understand the amount of maintenance the bike needs. This will also give you a glimpse into the current health of the bike. If there are no records, ask them to give you a verbal estimate.

7. Negotiate the purchase: Based on your examination of the bike, negotiate the price. Also ensure, the owner has proper documentation from the registration certificate to an insurance policy for the bike.
List of documents required when buying a second-hand bike

Purchasing any vehicle that is pre-owned requires a bit of paperwork. While buying a used motorbike, the current owner transfers the ownership rights to you. This includes a bunch of documents, ranging from the Pollution Under Control certificate (PUC) to insurance for the two-wheeler. You then have to undergo some more paperwork to complete the legal transfer of ownership.

**Here is a checklist of all essential documents you will need: **

● 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

Once you have these documents, you can obtain the transfer deed or the transfer vehicle registration certificate (TVRC). This paper is proof of your legal ownership of the two-wheeler.

Insurance for your two-wheeler

It is a legal mandate for every bike owner to have insurance for your bike. Hence, don’t forget to get the two-wheeler insurance policy transferred in your name. Ensure to get an insurance renewal for the bike online during the process of transfer if the policy is nearing expiration. If you wish to migrate to a new insurance provider, make sure to check the different online insurance policies for the bike.

TATA AIG provides a comprehensive two-wheeler insurance plan with essential add-ons for complete protection against unfortunate events. If you already have one, visit the TATA AIG bike insurance renewal page to renew and transfer ownership rights.

Conclusion

Follow this guide to buy the right used bike for your specific needs. A second-hand bike can serve you for years if you maintain it well. Insurance plays a major role in the maintenance of your vehicle. Make sure you have robust bike insurance to save you from hefty expenses!

Quick revision of the article through some FAQs

1. Is it worth buying a second-hand bike?

Yes! A used bike comes at an affordable price and also helps you get a lower premium for insurance, making it worth buying.

2. What should I know before buying a bike?

Pay attention to factors like the reason for buying a bike, the ideal two-wheeler model for your requirements, the condition of the bike and its maintenance needs, your budget, etc.

3. How do I know if my second-hand bike is stolen?

Check if the vehicle identification number matches on the plate and engine. Also, examine the owner’s license and the bike’s registration details.

4. Which bike is the best for a second-hand purchase?

It depends on your purpose. For instance, a fuel-efficient bike is great for everyday use, while a bike suited for rough roads is great for long-distance journeys.