Remember the first time you rode your dad’s bike or convinced your friend to let you drive his bike? There are certain experiences in life that stay with us as a happy memory forever and riding a bike for the first time is one of them. That heart-pumping feeling as the breeze gushes through your hair and you surpass things and people in the blink of an eye is just something else. Also, bikes are just so much more convenient. They are cost-effective, fast, and perfect to sail through jammed roads and narrow by lanes. All in all, they’re just perfect for everyday commutes and challenges!
Just like every investment, even while shopping for the bike of your dreams, there are a few checklists that are to be ticked off. Be it a fresh out-of-the-showroom bike or a pre-owned bike, these aspects are essential for both. However, if you’re opting for a second-hand bike, the inspection gets a little thorough. To give you a helping hand, here’s a list of such crucial bike inspection points you should absolutely check and consider while investing in a second-hand bike.
Topics covered in this blog:
- Used Bike Inspection Checklist
- Additional Used Bike Inspection Tips
- Used Bike Inspection Cost
Used Bike Inspection Checklist
Here are second hand bike inspection checklist that should be ticked off before investing in the purchase:
Engine
The engine is the heart of any vehicle and the first thing that should be inspected prior to making any decisions. It is suggested that to determine the real condition of engine health, it should be checked in the morning when it remains unused/stagnant for the last 5-7 hours. It is because cold starting will let you know whether there is some abnormal sound in the bike engine or not, otherwise in a heated engine those abnormal sounds are often ignored. If there are any grinding sounds, smoke, or oil leakage then you should not opt for that bike.
Brakes
Brakes are one of the most important parts of any vehicle and used bike inspection is necessary. Before buying a second-hand bike it is crucial to check its condition. If the brakes are making squeaking noises and grinding noises, it means they’re worn out and need to be replaced. Additionally, also check for the age of the brake pad and ensure there is no pulsing.
Electricals & Battery
Next up on the list are Electricals and Battery health which need to be evaluated beforehand. The easiest way to check battery health is by charging it for some time and then starting it. The reason is if you divide the capacity of the battery (AH) by the power of the charger, you will get the exact time frame for how long you need to charge it. After starting the battery, if it starts fine, leave it overnight and check again the next morning. If the battery needs a jumpstart or it starts very slow then it needs to be replaced.
Oil Leakage
The area between your engine block and the oil pan is prone to wear and tear over the bike’s lifecycle and you should always diagnose if there’s any oil leakage because of the same. You can check it by inspecting the dipstick.
Tyres
With persistent usage, tyres are one of the first parts to wear out, so it is important to check out tire condition beforehand. You can diagnose it by inspecting the rear wheel. Rotate the rear wheel and notice the sound of the chain as it should be uniform. Also, tyres should have a good thread with no signs of unevenness. If the tyre has been repaired many times and has multiple cracks on it, then it needs to be replaced.
Lights, Horn and Indicator
All three – lights, horn, and indicators might look like a tiny part but are extremely crucial when driving on the road. Inspect all three very thoroughly and make sure they are all in perfect condition.
Exterior of Bike – Dents, Scratches & Cracks
It is important to carefully examine the exterior of the bike which includes dents, scratches, and cracks. Even though it is a used bike, it should be in adequate condition.
Corrosion/Rust
Surface rest is not an issue but deep rust with crumbling iron flakes is a sign that the bike is not maintained properly and might require extra maintenance in the future.
Additional Used Bike Inspection Tips
Here are certain tips that will help you to choose the best inspection services for your bike:
Make sure you get a complete report of vehicle condition and information across 120+ checkpoints to determine the exact condition
Make sure you get a score of each section of the bike including the Body, Handlebar & Control, Lighting Switches, and Wheels.
Make sure you get thorough evaluation of vehicle highlights like accident history, flood damage, tire life, bank hypothecation, etc before making a decision.
Are all these steps stressing you out? Fret not! Droom offers a one-stop solution for all these services via ECO Inspection, by which you can avail inspection services right at minimal charges at your doorsteps.
Used Bike Inspection Cost
Although you can inspect the bike’s condition on your own, it is more feasible to hire a professional to take care of it. You should go for inspection services that offer complete inspection reports of the vehicle. Droom offers in-depth premium inspection services for used bikes at just Rs 299 where you will get a full-fledged report covering 120+ checkpoints.
Conclusion
So, this was a detailed guide to all the aspects and conditions you should take into consideration while getting the bike of your dreams. Who said only new bikes qualify as being the dream bike? Don’t take any chances and be an informed consumer. If you are planning to buy a used bike at an affordable price then head to Droom. Here you can find all the top-selling bikes as per your requirements and budget. Along with that, you can also avail ECO Inspection services to get an in-depth Inspection Report of the used vehicles curated considering 1100+ checkpoints.
Droom is an automobile e-commerce platform offering a 21st-century automotive buying experience online with its four value pillars including trust, selection, low price, and convenience second to none. It offers 250k+ vehicles online in 1,100 cities — both used and new. Droom deals in buying and selling cars, 2-wheelers, and other vehicles too. It is an AI and data science-driven platform designed with the best ecosystem tools. Here, we have a team of auto-experts and auto enthusiasts who are dedicated to covering every sphere of the auto industry by simplifying the procedure of buying and selling with Unified Droom Experience. To know more, click here.
