Rules for Buying a Used Bike | Things to Keep in Mind
The popularity of motorcycles is increasing day by day in Bangladesh. People are becoming interested in using bikes for various purposes, including jobs, business, hobbies or fascination, and as a fast mode of communication. However, due to the price of bikes, many people, despite their desire, cannot afford to buy a new bike or end up buying an old one.
Many people buy used motorcycles by balancing affordability and need. However, almost everyone has some confusion when buying a used motorcycle. Before buying a used bike, you must be aware of several things. If not checked properly, this bike could become a burden in your life.
When buying a used motorcycle, the things we are confused about include: what the current price might be, whether the bike's papers are in order, the condition of the engine and mechanical parts, how long it has been used, etc. This blog discusses what to check before buying a used bike. It also highlights the precautions to take when purchasing an old bike.
Many people in our country do not want or prefer to buy used or second-hand bikes. This is often because buying an old motorcycle can lead to significant expenses for servicing or repairs. However, in many cases, a carefully used bike can easily perform as well as a new one.
Therefore, first verify that the purchase price plus servicing charges are less than the current market value. Pay attention to how the expensive parts of the bike are functioning and how much it might cost to replace or add any parts. Thoroughly inspect the frame, suspension, fork, brakes, fuel tank, and engine. Also, check if the bike's papers, license, and registration are in order. Check if there are any legal cases against the vehicle. Ensure the bike's ownership, as you must be wary of stolen bikes.
Thoroughly verify that the bike's legal documents and all its fees have been paid on time. Match the bike's engine and chassis numbers to ensure they are correct. By checking these things before buying a used motorcycle, you will avoid many unwanted troubles and expenses.
This blog discusses what to check before buying an old bike. It also highlights the precautions to take when purchasing an old motorcycle.
Things to look out for before buying a used bike
(1) Check if the bike is modified
Check the engine and mechanical condition. Check the parts, engine, and chassis number. Verify if any parts have been changed. In the context of our country, buying a modified bike is not advisable, as modifications are often done to conceal some weakness of the bike. Therefore, thoroughly inspect the frame, suspension, fork, brakes, fuel tank, and engine. Moreover, modified bike parts are often not good quality or are second-hand. So, if you buy a modified bike, check it carefully.
(2) Mechanical condition and current state of the bike
To understand the current condition of a used motorcycle, take it for a thorough test ride. However, it's better to have an experienced mechanic with you to assess the mechanical condition. An experienced mechanic or skilled biker can easily identify any external or internal problems by thoroughly observing the bike. If it's not possible to check this way, you can talk to the seller and take it to an expert or a servicing center for inspection.
(3) Check if the bike is clean
A clean bike catches anyone's eye at first glance. Talk thoroughly with the seller about the bike's current condition. Many bikers clean the exterior of the bike but neglect to clean the intricate internal parts, which causes long-term damage to the bike's internal components. Bike lovers take regular care of their bikes. Many sellers clean the bike thoroughly before selling it, which makes it difficult to understand the bike's actual condition. So, before buying an old bike, thoroughly check the internal parts, especially the areas where dirt accumulates the most.
(4) Repair costs
Generally, when buying a used motorcycle, some parts may need repair or replacement, which will incur some costs. Also, many people want to make some modifications according to their preferences after buying a bike. So, before buying an old bike, calculate the total cost that might be incurred for repairs, maintenance, additions, and customization. This will keep you informed about the total budget and allow you to negotiate with the seller keeping all these factors in mind.
(5) Braking system, clutch, and suspension
When buying an old bike, you can understand how many kilometers it has been driven. By looking at the bike's dial indicator, you can see exactly how much distance the bike has covered. Check the clutch and test drive the bike. Press the front brake while accelerating. You will see the bike come to a halt without any sound. Then slowly release the brake and increase the pickup by controlling the clutch; you will see the bike move forward gradually. If you face any problems during this entire process, talk to the seller to understand. Adjust the braking system and suspension according to your comfortable riding area.
To check the bike's suspension, you need to use the brakes. After applying the brakes, the bike's suspension forks should return to their original position smoothly without any noise. Check the fork rings to ensure they are clean and operating smoothly. Similarly, check the rear suspension.
(6) Inspect tires and other parts
The most important parts of a bike are the frame, suspension, fork, brakes, fuel tank, engine, etc. Check if there are any problems with these parts. See if the bike's smoke is coming out normally. Observe if excessive smoke is coming out of the muffler. This problem indicates that the bike's cylinder is significantly damaged. You will need to spend a good amount on servicing it.
Next, pay attention to the bike's tires. If there are cracks in the tire layer or if the tire layer appears worn out, the tires will need to be replaced. Such tires cannot provide good support during hard braking and skidding.
(7) Resale value
Before negotiating the price, consider what the resale value might be. Negotiate the price by considering the current market value, how long it has been used, its mileage, whether it has been repaired, and most importantly, the bike's current condition. Be sure to check that the bike's ownership, registration, and all other legal documents are in order.
Thoroughly check the legal documents of an old bike
After verifying the bike's condition, repair/servicing costs, thoroughly check if all its legal documents are in order. First, check the bike's registration paper and insurance paper. Check if their regular fees have been paid and if their validity is correct. After that, check if there are any legal cases against the bike, meaning if any of the bike's documents are implicated in legal issues.
It's not possible to immediately verify if all legal documents of the bike are original. However, it is possible to verify insurance papers by visiting the insurance company's website or calling them. This will ensure that the seller is not selling you a repaired or damaged bike.
Match the bike's engine and chassis number with the registration. The bike's registration paper is the most important document. If the bike is not in a condition to be registered, all documents of the original owner must be obtained, and it must be registered with the help of a lawyer. Driving a bike without a registration paper is a punishable offense. Therefore, this matter is very troublesome. The amount of fine can also be very high. Keep in mind that if the bike is not registered and its name cannot be transferred, it is better not to buy the bike.
If everything is in order, check the bike's license and its validity. Buy the bike after checking all legal documents. This will ensure you are 100% safe.
Mistakes to avoid when buying a used motorcycle:
Generally, we buy old bikes out of necessity. Also, if you need a good bike but have a low budget, the idea of a second-hand motorcycle comes to mind. Sellers sell bikes for various reasons; if you are lucky and buy wisely, you might get a great quality bike. But if you are unlucky or buy a bike without proper understanding, you might face various troubles. Therefore, you must avoid some common mistakes when buying a used motorcycle.
Common mistakes when buying a used motorcycle
(1) Check the bike's papers properly. Such as license validity, tax token, digital number plate, etc.
(2) Sellers often install new meters, making it impossible to understand exactly how much mileage the bike has covered. In such cases, check the tire grip or the condition of the tires.
(3) A bike usually has two start keys (keys), but some sellers only provide one.
(4) Do not go to buy a bike at night, in an unknown place, or in a secluded area. There is a possibility of being cheated.
(5) Not taking a skilled technician or at least a skilled biker with you. This might prevent you from understanding the bike's true condition.
Document-related mistakes to avoid when buying an old bike:
(1) Check all ownership-related papers. Because if you ride a bike without changing ownership or transferring the name, you will face traffic police cases and fines.
(2) If it's difficult to contact the original owner, or if their location is far away, apply for a name change with an affidavit or sworn statement from the original owner immediately before or after buying the old bike. Otherwise, you will face trouble with traffic police later, and also when selling the bike. So, become the legal owner of the bike.
(3) If the seller himself has committed any crime or used the bike for it, the responsibility might fall on you as well. Therefore, check traffic-related documents and insurance papers. If necessary, take photocopies of the registration paper, fitness paper, and blue book to the BRTA office and check them yourself. Match the engine number and chassis number to ensure they are correct.
(4) As an additional precaution, keep a copy of the seller's National ID card and check if the ID is listed with the Election Commission. If possible, ask the seller to bring the bike's purchase receipt. Then, sign an agreement paper with a BDT 300 non-judicial stamp.
(5) Be cautious during bike buying and selling; check and understand all legal documents. Once the buying and selling process is complete, quickly transfer the bike's ownership or change the name at BRTA.
Finally, before buying an old bike, definitely keep the above-discussed points in mind. Considering these issues will save you from many troubles. Negotiate with the seller based on the bike's current condition and legal documents. If possible, take an expert on these matters with you for advice. If you are thinking of buying a second-hand bike, you must be a little more conscious about safety.
To get more detailed information about bikes, visit BikesGuide. It is a motorcycle portal where you can find information about all types of bikes available in the country. Here you can find specifications, reviews, pros and cons analyses of various bikes, and much other useful information.
