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Dummy?s guide to buying an used bike
Bike sales are higher than ever before with new bikes spending very little time in showrooms.
Bike sales are higher than ever before with new bikes spending very little time in showrooms. Gone are the days when people used to look at longevity as their selection criteria. Today, people list features, comfort, safety and power on top of their preferences and don’t hesitate in changing their machines at regular intervals.
Consequently, the used bike market is burgeoning like never before. Thanks to a heavy influx of machines in the used bike market, prices have taken a beating and there is an ample choice available in the market.
The price of a used machine does not follow any trend and is only dependent on the demand and supply. It is also dependent on the level of desperation of the buyer and seller.
As the buyer, you are advised not to show your desperation when negotiating with the seller. Think of it as buying clothes in Sarojini Nagar and Janpath or books at Daryaganj. Only a bike costs in thousands. One however, has to bring the quoted price to his comfort levels and drive a bargain.
The demand-supply equation also holds true for the location. Normally, resale prices in large cities like Delhi are lower than those in smaller places like Rohtak or Bhiwani.
We present a checklist for ensuring that you get the best deal while buying a second hand bike:
• Make sure that the bike’s papers are intact and the machine is actually owned by the person who is selling it to you.
• Ride the bike over a distance to ensure that the engine is in a sound condition. Check for uncharacteristic sounds that may come from worn out bearings.
• Check the front forks for any oil leakage.
• Check the bike’s frame and the engine’s fins for any signs of corrosion.
• Make sure that the bike’s electrical system is properly working.
• Check the bike carefully for accidental damages. Damages can be detected from scratched paint job, a bent frame or other telltale signs.
• Sit on the rider’s seat and look at the handlebar for any biases towards any side. A biased handlebar is an indicator that the bike has had a fall.
• Check the petrol tank for any paint damages. A new paint job is costly.
A performance bike may have been ridden hard while an economy bike is more likely to be ridden placidly.
