Tips For Buying A Pre-Owned Motorcycle: What No One Will Tell You

The aura of owning a motorcycle hits differently; you feel your freedom and adventure. Some of us prefer brand-new motorcycles while others prefer a pre-owned motorcycle not just because it feels lighter on the wallet but because you don’t need to take care of a break-in period to experience the motorcycle's full performance.

Whether you are chasing your dream ride, looking for a budget-friendly commuting option or seeking a classic model that's no longer in production, a used motorcycle can be a treasure box of opportunities.

But buying a second-hand motorcycle is about more than just finding a pocket-friendly deal. You may have heard many times that "the past doesn’t matter," but it does when we talk about motorcycles. The future of the motorcycle completely depends on how the first owner has treated it.

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It’s about making informed decisions and ensuring the motorcycle you buy is reliable, safe and suitable for your needs. From testing the mechanical aspects of the motorcycle to verifying the ownership and insurance documents, there are tonnes of things to consider.

This guide is made to take you through every step of the process, whether you are new to motorcycles or an experienced rider. You will learn how to recognise red flags and green forests in the pre-owned market by evaluating the motorcycle’s history and making a confident purchase that keeps you smiling long after you hit the right track.

Checking the price of a pre-owned motorcycle

First, you need to know the accurate pricing for the motorcycle you are buying, the depreciation value, the price and the features of new motorcycles. Multiple websites can give you an estimated value of the old motorcycle. You can get an idea by visiting these websites:

Orangebookvalue

Bike4sale

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Check the chassis and mechanical components

Everyone notices the kilometres on the odometer, headlamps, exhaust notes and the other visible parts of motorcycles but inspection should involve a test ride. After a thorough check of the cosmetic parts, take the motorcycle on a test ride and try to choose a bumpy track. In case you don’t find any bumpy track near you, try to feel for unwanted noise on the speed breakers. If everything is fine, check the bottom side of the motorcycle, especially the condition of the engine sump guard.

After inspecting these two, check the chassis near the steering handle. If it is okay, then check the fuel tank condition. Some motorcycles come with tank covers, so knock the tank cover and feel for a hollow sound. A damaged tank produces a hollow sound.

After these inspections, check the electronics, suspension and the condition of the disc brakes.

Check the documents

If you are buying a motorcycle from any dealer or pre-owned, don’t forget to check the previous accident and service records. After that, check the RC (Registration Certificate) details. If everything looks good, collect the No Objection Certificate (NOC).

Check the Registration Certificate carefully. Some people use their motorcycle as a mortgage in a police station to grant bail for a known person. Ask the owner if the motorcycle is free from any mortgage in such cases. Then, request the NOC from the owner.

There are two types of NOCs. If the owner bought the motorcycle on a loan, you will need two NOCs in this case. The bank will provide the first NOC to confirm that the loan has been cleared and the owner will provide the second NOC to transfer the motorcycle to your RTO.

If these documents are clear, ask the owner to transfer the RC and insurance to your name. Keep in mind that intra-state ownership transfer may cost around 10 per cent of the valuation of the motorcycle.

Once all the files, documents and conditions are cleared, you can ride the motorcycle on the roads.

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