When entering the used bike market the first decision that needs to be taken is what kind of bike you need? Depending on your needs you may choose a cruiser, sports bike or a city bike. This decision would largely depend on where you would be riding the bike and if you will be riding with a pillion. After you have chosen the type of used bike, you need to determine your budget and shortlist the makes and models you prefer, for example Harley-Davidson is known for its cruiser bikes which can cover long distances with ease. On the other hand Japanese bike makers like Yamaha and Honda are known for their sports and city bikes. Keep in mind that the more upmarket the brand the higher will the bike's maintenance costs due to more expensive parts and service. So while a used Ducati may seem like a bargain, keeping it running would be much more expensive than say a used Honda or a used Suzuki.
Once you defined your budget and made a selection of the makes and models it's time to decide if you wish to buy the used bike from manufacturer's used vehicle department, from an independent used bike dealer or directly from the owner. If you pick the first two options, remember that the dealer would typically charge you a premium of 8-12%. The manufacturer owned used bike businesses usually sell certified bikes which come with a limited warranty and some free services as well. If you don't want to shell out the extra premium dealerships command, you could go through online and local auto classifieds to find the bike you want and get in touch directly with the used bike seller.
Now that you have shortlisted a few used bikes which are on sale, it's time to visit the seller or the dealership and inspect the bikes. The key aspects to look at include the bikes's engine, transmission, suspension, electricals and bodywork. You should request for a test ride as that would give you a real feel of the used bike's condition. While taking the bike for a spin, keep your ears open for any unusual noises coming from the engine, transmission and suspension. See if the used bike starts in one go as if it takes more than once the bike's battery or starter could be damaged. When the bike is running, check the tailpipe for signs of excessive smoke as this can point to a tired engine. When on the move, listen if the engine sounds smooth as any unusual sound could lead to future problems.
Note the way the used bike steers and goes over speed breakers. If the steering is hard to keep straight and the bike is pulling to one side, its suspension or wheels could need immediate attention. Also check the gearshift for smoothness and play. An excessively loose or hard clutch is also a sign of trouble and points to worn out clutch and pressure plates. Listen to the suspension as you go over bumps, it should not make a crude sound and should also not feel too bouncy. Make sure you check the instrument panel, safety equipment, condition of the seat etc. during the test ride.
Now that you have inspected the used bike's mechanicals and riding characteristics, walk around it and see the bodywork and condition of the tyres. An irregular paint finish is a sign that the used bike was involved in an accident and has been repainted. Check the tyres for condition of the tread and make sure they will last for some time. Also check that all lights are in working condition and that the bike has all tools in place.
Once you are satisfied with the used bike's condition it's time to check that its papers are in order. A valid registration, insurance, pollution control certificate etc are mandatory. You should also ask the seller for service records to see if the used bike has been maintained regularly and at a reputed workshop. If everything looks fine, negotiate on the seller's asking price and haggle based on the condition of the bike if certain things were found to be worn out etc. Ultimately you should pay no more than your budget and also consider the cost of ownership transfer etc in the final price.
About the Author
Anil Tandon is a reputed automotive journalist based in India. Anil has written columns for numerous Indian dailies and auto magazines. He is currently working as a consultant to the Indian used bike industry. Anil is also involved with India's leading used bike classifieds Indimoto http://www.indimoto.com Indimoto has helped thousands of used bike buyers and sellers transact in a transparent and convenient fashion.
