Who doesn't like the roaring sound of a motorcycle engine? If you're a motorcycle enthusiast, then you know the unending fun of riding your motorcycle. Certainly, having a motorcycle gives you the ultimate pleasure of riding across varied sets of surroundings, planning visits to far-off places, saving on transportation costs, and more.
For such reasons, many people turn to buy a used bike for their choice and make daily travel all the more affordable and hassle-free. Unlike laying hands on a new motorcycle, investing in a used bike is a well-thought-out and strategic decision. It allows you to invest less and buy any brand of motorcycle with ease and comfort.
But that's not all associated with a second-hand bike buying decision. You have to consider several things before purchasing an ideal ride. For your assistance, we have created this blog to let you understand the right ways of laying hands on a used bike. Let's get started on the same.
6 practical ways to buy the best choice of used bike
Here's the list of steps you can follow to finalize an ideal-looking ride and seamlessly know the value of a secondhand bike at your send.
1. Define your riding needs first
Certainly, buying a motorcycle is a practical approach to making your daily travel seamless and hassle-free. Especially, when you decide to buy a used vehicle of your choice which is completely cost-effective at your end. However, don't make any such worry about speaking directly to a dealer or clicking on the buy now button on the used two-wheeler platform. First and foremost, define your riding purpose before finalizing an ideal vehicle of personal choice.
• First, know the purpose of motorcycle riding. Know whether you need a ride for daily commutation or for occasional travel requirements. There might be an instance that you need a two-wheeler for an adventure journey or seek to travel wide across the country.
• Be realistic and determine your budget for purchasing a second-hand motorcycle. Of course, you must have a budget in mind based on which you will look for possible motorcycle options at your end. In light of this, know the bike's true value that meets your budget limitation and decide to buy the same accordingly.
• Another alarming tip you must follow at the time of buying a second-hand motorcycle is not to go by the initial asked price. With that means, don't get ready to pay for the initial used bike's price. Instead, get to know the vehicle's common maintenance expenses, running things, and more. Once get to know all that then only quote an ideal buying price.
2. Research about used bikes
Mere deciding to buy a used motorcycle is not enough. Unless and until, you've done proper research related to the following set of things.
• Once you steer clear of the budget you have for buying a used motorcycle, then get to know about different motorcycle options within your limit. You should be aware of different bike options. As per the selected model, you should know its riding performance, mileage, running efficiency, maintenance cost, regular repair work, and things like that.
• Do not forget to know the used biks' history before deciding to buy the same. Consider several factors like the current situation of spare parts, accessories, service cost, service intervals, and more.
• Another old bike value and condition-related research-oriented thing to take into consideration is reviewing manifold websites, forums, and communities. Based on the selected model and brand of used motorcycle you have, get to know its positive and negative reviews.
3. Inspect before you purchase
Once you are aware of your riding needs, finalize a budget, and select a particular model of secondhand motorcycle. Now, next to do the thing is inspecting the bike.
• Schedule a complete inspection of a used bike, especially during daytime, and that too with the help of a professional automotive expert. It is of vital concern to check the engine, spare parts, suspension, wheels, electrical components, fuel efficiency, and other areas of a selected used motorcycle.
• As an integral part of the inspection, make sure to check for dents, scratches, bumped signs, and other marks to know the external condition of the selected motorcycle.
• Pay attention to the sound of the bike in terms of knocking, grinding, ticking, or something like that. If you hear any of those sounds, then make sure to check your bike with an automobile expert.
4. Make sure the paperwork is complete
After the used bike's inspection is done at your end, then follow the next step of collecting the required documentation. From a legal perspective, it is a matter of important concern to ask for all the required papers of a used bike. It includes original RC, PUC certificate, buying history record, service record, and more.
• Do ask for the vehicle's maintenance history record from the seller to make sure the fact that bike is properly maintained. This record gives you an idea of past repair work done on the bike including both minor and major work.
• Get the bill of sale to know the previous selling price of the motorcycle and then calculate two-wheeler resale value at the moment.
5. Don't forget to negotiate at the price front
Now, once all such things are done including the used motorcycle's inspection, collection of papers, and taking the test ride. Another important step that you must follow is negotiating on the price front. Don't settle for the first-hand price shared by the seller after you select the ride. Instead, ask for a fair price based on the following considerations.
• Once you become aware of the selected user's bike running performance and mileage efficiency, then do the valuation of your part at a reliable platform like Wheels of Trust (WOT). On this website, you can check the bike's true value based on its condition, year of manufacturing, and place of registration. This platform allows you to know the current value of the bike and allows you to ask for the same price from the seller.
• Don't be afraid to ask for the right price after counting on the current dents, physical repair work required, and further servicing tasks.
• Negotiate the buying price of second-hand motorcycles based on additional factors like parts replacement, accessories required, maintenance, and more.
6. Stay away from scams
Another important way of laying hands on the right choice of used vehicle is staying away from possible scams. It's true that many sellers would like to offer you a fabricated-looking used bike as part of their scam. Thus, it is of integral importance to beware of such scams.
• Stay away from unrealistic second-hand bike deals. For instance, don't fall for the offer to buy a used motorcycle at 90% less price compared to the current marketplace value.
• In case, a seller is trying to pressure you to buy the motorcycle in a last-minute offer, then realize it is part of a scam.
• In any case, if a seller asks you to pay at least 50% of the upfront fee as part of the bike booking process, then stay away from it. In general, reliable sellers may ask you to pay 10% price of the used bike value in advance to book the vehicle.
• Unable to get a test ride on a second-hand motorcycle is a clear sign of a scam. It is important to test the used motorcycle at least for half an hour to better know its condition.
Concluding Thoughts
The decision to buy a used motorcycle is certainly profitable if you move in the right and strategic direction. Follow the guide and points mentioned above to buy a perfect-looking second-hand motorcycle at a cost-effective price range. As far as doing the valuation of a used bike is concerned, then make sure to access a reliable platform like Wheels of Trust (WOT), powered by the eShop Hero Motocorp brand.
