So you have taken your first step towards buying a second hand vehicle: 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 for your wife/husband to be used sparingly, over short distances.
4>You dont trust your young hot-headed son with an expensive bike and want him to start off on a low cost-ultra low power vehicle Whatever it might be, be ready to accept one truth, finding a good used vehicle needs utmost attention, because even a small thing that your eye misses can make you shell out cash later.
lf a deal seems too good to be true, then it might be just that. Start the inspection with papers, make sure that the vehicle is a single owner vehicle only.Many a times people finalise a deal only to find out later that the vehicle has changed hands 2-3 times. Strangely, an Ownership Document does not have to be in the name of the person who owns the bike. When buying second hand vehicle, the Ownership Document must be obtained along with a written statement from the previous owner stating that the vehocle has been sold to you(an NOC-No Objection Certificate). There is no need to get the Ownership Document changed into your name. Next best thing to look for will be the servicing/repair history. Most manufacturers offer free servicing for the first few months and for the same they give buyers coupons which are a part of buyers manual/guide/spec sheet.
If the owner has the service history with him then it means that the guy has taken care of the vehicle 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 it means the previous owner has looked after the vehicle properly.
2>Check for leaks of oil from crank-case, front forks(shock-ups for the common man) and ENGINE SEALS.
3>Check spokes of both wheels. See if any are missing. Also hold spoke/alloy 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 and hard riding on bumpy terrains.
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(the pointy things on the circle). THey are an important part.Fuel economy and power(pickup) heavily depends 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 600-1300 bucks depending on the bike).
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.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.