THINGS YOU MUST CONSIDER WHILE BUYING A SECOND HAND BIKE

If you are planning on getting a good bike but do not have enough budget, you can buy a second-hand bike. Owning a bike for the very first time is a special feeling. But lack of money can prevent you from buying your dream bike. In that case, you can go for a pre-owned bike at a limited price.

But before you get yourself a second-hand bike, you need to consider multiple things. In this blog, we will share the points you need to keep in mind before buying a used bike.

Checklist To Maintain Before Buying a Used Bike

1.  The purpose behind buying the bike

Think about your purpose for buying the two-wheeler. Getting a bike is a huge commitment as you need to take care of the maintenance like fuel, bike insurance, etc. For example, you may ask yourself whether you need a bike for regular travel or a mountain bike for adventures? Choose a suitable bike accordingly that caters to your purpose.

2.  Research

As you have understood the purpose, now you need to search for the various options. In the market, you will find thousands of dealers of used bikes. Each dealer might offer a different price for the same model. The age and the condition of the bike will also differ from one dealer to another. You can also buy a pre-owned bike from online platforms or a friend.

3.  Inspection of the bike

Carefully check the bike you are going to buy. Look for dents or scratches. You may also hire a mechanic who can take a look at the condition of the engine.

4.  Test ride your vehicle

“Never judge a book by its cover”- This idiom holds true while buying a used bike as well. The secomd-hand bike might look super attractive on the outside, but you have to know how it performs. A test ride will help you judge the bike's condition and performance.

5.  Check the chassis number

Once you are satisfied with the condition and the performance of the bike, it is time to look at the chassis number. The number on the plate and the engine should always match. The same chassis number should also be there in the registration certificate.

6.  Servicing record

It is best if the seller can show the service record of the used bike. In this way, you get to understand how much maintenance work is required. You will also have an idea of the amount that has been spent on the bike.

7.        Proper documentation

Ensure that the vehicle has the following list of documents in order:

• Registration certificate
• Used bike insurance transfer to your name
• Pollution control certificate
• RTO forms: form 28, form 29 and form 30
• Sales receipt

8.  Always negotiate

You can always negotiate the price if you are buying it from online platforms or a friend. For example, if the bike has a scratch or dent or has not been maintained properly, the buying price can be negotiated.

Bike ownership transfer process

The transfer of ownership is necessary, and you need to follow the steps mentioned below.

Step 1: Apply for Transfer Of ownership of the used bike at the same RTO where it had been registered previously.

Step 2: You need to submit Form 29 and form 30 at the RTO. You also have to submit original documents of the bike like the insurance, emission rate, RC and three passport size photographs of the previous owner.

Step 3: After the transport office completes the verification, the ownership document will then be transferred to your name within a maximum of 14 days.

How to transfer bike insurance for a used bike?

Transferring the bike insurance in your name is mandatory when you are buying a used bike. Make sure that you complete all the steps given below.

1. The seller has to apply for an insurance transfer with his insurance company within 15 days of the ownership transfer.
2. The first owner needs to submit necessary documents like registration certificate, ownership transfer, original policy, vehicle details and premium paid.
3. The buyer also needs to submit his details like Pan card, Aadhar card or driver's license for insurance transfer. After successful verification of the documents, the name on the insurance policy will be replaced with your name.
4. The seller also has to submit third-party insurance during the time of transfer as it is required to calculate the bike insurance premium.
5. The new owner of the bike can now enjoy a no-claim bonus in the form of a discount on the premium amount.

FAQs

Q1. What are some add-on covers you get with bike insurance?

Ans. You will receive the following add-on covers with the bike insurance:

• Breakdown assistance round-the-clock
• Consumable cover which includes the expenses of replacement of nuts, engine oil and screws.
• Parts Deprivation cover
• Engine and gearbox protection cover

Q2. What does the third-party insurance cover?

Ans. The third-party insurance for two-wheelers generally offers the following coverage:

• Damage to a third party's vehicle or property
• Injury or death of any third party involved
• Unlimited personal damage cover for the owner or driver.

Q3. How do you inspect a Second-Hand Bike?

Ans. You can check the following things:

• Check the brakes of the bike for smooth driving and protection.
• Look for instance of oil spillage around the bike’s engine.
• Look if there are any traces of rust and corrosion in the frame of the two-wheeler.
• The tires should come with fewer signs of wear and tear.

Q4. What is the ideal kilometres driven for a used bike?

Ans. It depends on the model of the two-wheeler, services and maintenance, year of purchase by the previous owner. However, you can buy a used bike if it has travelled 30,000 to 40,000 km.