Used Bike Buying Guide: Full Checklist

Buying a used bike can be a very sensible option, especially if you are getting a good deal, or are looking to get a bike that’s discontinued. That said, there are a lot of risks in getting one, unless you are careful. This checklist will help you understand what to look for in a secondhand bike, to avoid future hassles:

Visual Inspection

• When checking out a used bike, have it parked in a well-lit area – ideally outdoors in clear daylight. 

• If the bike is dirty or dusty, insist on getting it washed. 

• A clean bike will be easy to check for damages. 

• Normal scuffs and scratches on panels are common. Check for heavy damage and welds. 

• Aftermarket welds look different from factory welds. These will also be repainted, and if it was a shoddy job, it will be visible.

• A faded paint can point to a bike that has stood out in the open for a long time. This means you need to check for weather damage and prematurely hardened rubber parts – seals, gaskets, etc.

The Odometer and The Service History

• First and foremost, check the odometer. This can give you a rough idea on how the bike was used. A lot of kilometers in a short span indicates heavy usage but isn’t necessarily bad. In contrast, a low odometer reading in a long ownership period could either mean the bike was lightly used or was unused for a lot of time

• While neither of the above can help you pinpoint the bike’s current condition, comparing the odometer reading with the service history can give you a clear picture. 

• A bike that has been periodically serviced will generally be in a good condition. 

• If the current owner has serviced the bike from an authorised service centre, you can get a full service history from one. 

• Once you get the service history, check for routine maintenance intervals. Any major expenses apart from regular wear and tear parts could mean there was an unfortunate incident with the bike – knowing this can help you negotiate better, or to walk away from a bike.

• If you can’t get the service history, we will tell you what to do, up ahead in this story. 

Tyre And Rim Condition

• Check the tyres for their life – check the tyre wear indicator and the tread depth. Compare this with the age of the bike/when the tyres were claimed to be replaced. 

• Compare the wear on the front and rear tyres. Ideally, both should show almost similar levels of wear.

• Then check the rims. Make sure there are no cracks or dents. These issues can cause air leak or, in severe cases, lead the rim to break completely. 

Engine Noise Or Leakages

• Start the bike and carefully listen to the engine. There should be no unusual rattling noises, excessive vibrations or irregular RPM fluctuations.

• At the same time, check for any signs of engine oil leakage. Also inspect both the front and rear suspension to ensure there are no oil leaks, as this could indicate worn seals.

Brake Pad and Disc Condition

• Brake pads and discs wear and tear is normal. 

• If the brake pads are worn down or the disc shows significant wear, it gives you a strong point to negotiate a better price. Don’t overlook this!

Rust

• Rusting is a major issue, especially in coastal cities like Mumbai. 

• Make sure to check for it thoroughly. 

• Minor surface rust can be treated with an anti-rust spray, but significant rust on the chassis is a serious concern and shouldn’t be ignored.

Take A Test Ride

• Test riding the bike is quite crucial, and can often make or break the deal. Make sure you can ride the bike till you can make the decision. Though, it’s not a joyride – if you intend to ride it for long, fill up the tank as a sign of goodwill, and to show the seller your buying intent. 

• Check its throttle response, exhaust note, smooth gear shifts, and clutch feel. 

• Make sure the brakes are working effectively – checking the braking parts as mentioned above should give you an idea of what to expect here.

• During the test ride, also check whether the bike is wobbling or riding slightly differently, as this could be due to a bent rim.

• Most importantly, understand how you feel riding the bike. Figure out if you are comfortable.

Verify The Documents

• Verify all bike documents thoroughly, especially from getting scammed. 

• You can cross-check the bike’s details by entering its registration number on the government mParivahan portal.

• Make sure there are no pending challans and that the insurance is valid. Failing this, you cannot transfer the bike to your name.

Bring Your Biker Buddy

• Take a friend along with you – especially someone who understands the technical stuff. Also, having a spare set of eyes will help you catch what you might have missed. 

• Better yet, take your trusted mechanic with you. You might have to pay for their time, but it can save you from a lot of problems and expenses later. 

• This is all the more important if you can’t get your hands on the bike’s service history.