Inspecting the bike
- Carry out all the visual inspection during the day as natural light helps in checking all aspects of the bike minutely.
- Check for the quoted price and original price of the bike.
Research the bike specific flaws
- Brakes: Check for smooth operation, age of break pad and ensure that there is no pulsing.
- Oil Leakage: Look for oil spillage around the engine. If a bike has been washed recently, the portion with oil spillage will shine more than the rest of the area. Also ask for the service detail of the bike.
- Corrosion/Rust: Look for rust in bike frames. Surface rust is not a cause of concern but deep rust with crumbling iron flake are signs that the bike may not have been maintained properly.
- Clutch: Check the lever effort and when it’s released. It should be effortless.
- Chassis: The whole chassis should be thoroughly inspected for visible deep scratch marks. Check for fresh paint as it is a sign the bike has met with an accident.
- Chains: Check the condition of chain and sprocket. The sprocket should not show visible signs of damage or wear. Rotate the rear wheel and hear the sound of the chain – it should be uniform. They should have sharp teeth so that the grip of the chain is proper and should have corrosion-free tips and teeth.
- Tyres: Tyres should have good tread all the way across the surface with no signs of uneven wear or damage.
- Electricals and Battery: Check all lights and switches to make sure they work.
- Fuel Tank: Open the fuel tank and check for rust or corrosion. Needless to say, don’t use lighter or match box to get a better view!
- Suspension: Look for oil leaks around the suspension. Also look for scratches/bends/twists in the leg. To check the condition of the suspension and brakes, sit on the bike and grab the front brake. Compress the fork, it should pose resistance to your force and when you leave the fork, it should go all the way back to its starting position.
- Wheels: Check the wheels for cracks. If the wheel is spoke based, it should be thoroughly examined for rust corrosion and cracks.
- Exhaust pipe: Look for an oil leak in the exhaust pipe. Oil in the exhaust means bad rings or valve guide seals.
- Steering : Prop the bike on the main stand/center stand and move the handle bar to extreme ends. The handle bar should move smoothly and be free from irregularities.
- Additional accessories: Quiz the owner about the nonstandard accessories in the motorcycle and the status of the warranty.
Paperwork
- Check for original registration certification. Match the chassis number on the paper and the bike. If there is a colour change, then ask for the receipt of the paint job so as to be certain that the bike has not seen any major injury.
- Check for hypothecation clearance if the bike is against a loan. If not already available, get the seller/previous owner to present the clearance certificate from the concerned authority or bank.
- Inspect insurance certificates, road tax and vehicle tax receipts.
In case of any doubt in this matter, take a decision wisely and very carefully. You don’t want to end up behind bars just because you were misled to buy a bike with forged papers.
Be smart and be vigilant when it comes to paperwork.