Bike lovers are increasing significantly in Bangladesh. There are some valid reasons behind it. In an overpopulated country like Bangladesh, bikes are the most preferred and comfortable transportation for young professionals, business owners, and others.
Especially in cities like Dhaka, where traffic jams are the most common thing happening here. It takes less time and costs less compared to other vehicles. As a result, bikes can be your ultimate transport solution.
Buying a new bike can be a huge decision for many who do not have a high income. However, they need a bike for everyday work. Although buying a brand-new bike is a dream, it’s not affordable for many of us. Used bikes can be a smart choice for them because they are budget-friendly.
It is possible to get a perfect second-hand bike for you. To do that, you have to check the bike properly before buying. Do you know what to check and why? If you don’t know, no worries. This blog will teach you everything to check before buying a used bike.
The must-check things before buying a used bike in Bangladesh:
To avoid issues after buying a used bike, make sure you follow the proper checklist:
Consider or choose your bike
When you are in the market to buy a used bike, the first thing you should know is what bike or what type of bike you are planning to buy. There are several types of bikes, like commuter, sports, naked, cruiser, and others.
The total budget can differ from type to type regarding their features and condition. So, decide what type of bike you want. To do that, choose the mode and know the details about the bike. It’s better to check out a brand-new one for a better comparison.
Verify the Documents
Checking the documents is a must-do thing attentively to avoid hassle after buying. Make sure all the necessary documents are available and valid. These are the following facts that must be checked before buying a used bike.
- Registration certificate
- Tax token and fitness certificate
- Insurance paper
- Previous ownership history
Match the chassis and engine number in the papers with the number on the bike. Make sure they will be the same. Mismatch is always a big red flag here.
Mileage and Age
Checking the mileage and age is another important task to do in this process. Select the model and get the reference when it has been released on the market. Released point refers to how old it is, and then notice the mileage counter to know riding history.
It’s crucial to notice the mileage counter because it’s an indicator for understanding a bike’s condition. Therefore, it should be done carefully.
Damage and Repair History
No matter where you want to buy a used bike, notice the damage and repair history. There will be a detailed report for every service. Analyzing these reports is an excellent way to find out which parts have been serviced and changed. Bikes with major parts replaced or aftermarket-installed are commonly considered a negative point or red flag.
Tyres
Tyres can be used as an indicator to understand how much it has been ridden. Sometimes, mileage meters can be manipulated easily, but by observing them, you can get an idea about mileage.
If possible, get an image of a new tyre for a specific model to compare. The middle gloves of a tire will be removed after riding 10 km. If you find a bike less than that on the meter and the middle gloves are banished, something is wrong here.
Now what if the tires are changed? For this situation the solution is to check the tyre and rim joint point. There will be a noticeable gap if it changed to aftermarket tyres.
Front and Back Sprocket
In most sports, cruisers have a hidden front sprocket that is normally covered by a protection plate. In this case, you should ask the seller to open it and take a look at it. Check damage on the groovers. If you found noticeable damage, that means it has been ridden more than 10k km.
Brake Plates
Front and back brake plate checking is another system to test the age of a bike. Basically, it’s to be done. Just move your finger to the inner circle of it. If fingers feel a gradual decrease, it proves that it has over 10k miles on it.
We are not suggesting you check the brake pads because they can be replaced easily. It’s not a reliable system to check.
Suspension
For checking suspension, pull your brakes and notice the forks should return to the position smoothly and noise-free. Notice the fork seals; are they clean, shiny, and smooth?
Sit on the bike seat and bounce up and down. The back shocks should feel steady and go back to normal smoothly, without bouncing too much.
Take a Ride
After completing the previous tests, it is time to take a ride. Drivability should be tested by riding and checking handling, braking, turning, and overall comfort while riding. If you can’t do it on your own, get help from someone who has a decent amount of experience or is an expert in riding motorcycles.
After reading the blog, are you still struggling with this process? No worries! That’s not even a problem any more.
Check out BikeTike.com, a platform that offers buying, selling, and exchanging your used bike instantly without facing any kind of hassle.
