Guide to Buy & Sell 2nd Hand Bike

So you have taken your first step towards buying a used bike:
Your reasons can be many:
1:You cannot afford to buy a 1st hand vehicle
2:You do not want to spend a bomb on a new vehicle as you need it for a short duration
3:You want a 2nd vehicle to be used sparingly, over short distances for communting.

Whatever it may be might be, be ready to accept one truth, finding a good used vehicle needs utmost attention and a strong will.Attention, because even a small thing that your eye misses can make you shell out cash later

Will beacause if a deal seems too good to be true,then it might be just that.

Start the inspection with papers, make sure you inspect that the vehicle has how many transfer count before. Many a times people finalise a deal (moneywise) only to find out later that the vehicle has changed hands Numerous times!Surely, its always good to buy vehicle with minimal transfer count, ideally zero.

Next best thing to look for will be the servicing/repair history. Ideally it will be good if the owner keep a full track of servicingrecord that the bike undergo. If the owner has one then it means that the guy has taken care of the veh when he bought it and has been a good user.It is not fool-proof but then,nothing is.

Now lets get to the technicals,
1)Check level of engine oil. If correct and oil quality is good, then itmeans the previous owner has looked after the bike properly.

2)Check for leaks of oil from crank-case, front forks(shock-ups for the common man) and ENGINE SEALS.

3Check spokes of both wheels. See if any are missing. Also hold spoke by hand and tug hard to see if any are loose. Though tightening spokes is an easy, simple and quick job, loose spokes show lack of attention on the part of previous owner. Make a note of it. [Not applicable for phantom, but will be an addition knowledge ]

4) Take the bike off-stand and roll it front-back with gear in neutral.. Listen for sounds. There should be no sound. Now put the bike in each gear one-by-one, and do front-back with clutch pressed. Should be no sound. This is for knowing more about the gear box and clutchplates.

5) Have a look at the chain and chain sprocket,mainly the teeth. THey are an important part.Average and power(pickup) depend heavily on the chain.If the chain has rust then insist on getting it replaced.I mean the whole chain set alongwith chain sprocket. (a new set can set you back by SGD $120 - $160).

6)The date of battery purchase is important.Ideally the battery should be less than two years old,if more then insist on a new one as the batteries have only 1 year warranty.

7) Both indicators and all switches should be working and all wiring and wire joints should be firm and insulation and cable joints at the bend should be in place..

8)Check for bend on handle and also move your hand along the fuel tank to feel the surface.If it is bumpy it might have undergone denting and painting job.

9 Put bike on main stand with rear wheel not touching the ground. Ask the owner to start the bike, and put it in second gear and raise engine. The wheel will turn. Sit on the ground, straight behind the rear wheel and look at it turning. Watch turning tyre carefully. If there is any rim bend or wobble, it will become immediately apparent. Point it out to the owner. Do the same with front wheel. You will have to turn it by hand. Turn it as hard and fast as you can. Faster the wheel truns, easier and more pronounced the bend or wobble and will be easier to identify.Make sure to look at the quality of the tyres as well...quite important.

10)Point out shortcomings reasonably.Its your money that is at stake.If the bike is bad then criticize but if it is good then make sure you appreciate it as well.