10 Tips for Buying Your First Bike

Guide to Buy Your First Bike

Take a look at the list of 10 tips that you cannot miss to make your deal successful:

1. Know Your Requirements

   As you know, there is a wide range of choices available for two-wheelers in the market. Firstly, you need to understand the type of two-wheeler you want to buy.

   You can either buy a bike or a scooter. The primary difference between these two modes is the gears.

   Generally, the scooters are quite easy to handle, and gears are not present. Also, they offer more storage units as compared to motorbikes. However, bikes are more stable and easy to control. In India, the majority of people prefer bikes as they are equipped with powerful engines and let you cover long distances without any worries.

2. Understand the Functionality of the Bike

   Another important tip to consider before buying your first bike is to know its usability and the area where you reside. Knowing the functionality or usage will help you in deciding the model.

   Buying a sports bike or superbike is not a good idea if you reside on a congested city road or if traffic congestion is the major problem in your area. Similarly, you should prefer a cruiser or adventure bike for long road trips.

3. Decide the Right Model

   As you know, there are several bike models available in the market to choose from. Each model is different and has different purposes to serve. It is therefore important to understand the functionality so that you can make a wiser decision while finding the right bike model for yourself.

4. Always Consider the Bike Riding Experience

   Even though it is your first bike, you must have learned to ride a two-wheeler using your friend's vehicle. Since this is your first bike, it is better to buy an entry-level vehicle that falls under the category of 100-150 CC so that it can be handled easily. Once you gain ample experience through practice, you can upgrade it.

5. Know the Budget and Fuel Efficiency

   While buying your first bike, it is always better to know your budget in advance. Your spending capacity will decide which two-wheeler will be a perfect fit for you. Setting a budget helps you to filter and narrow down your choices.

   Moreover, it is advised to think about the fuel efficiency of the bike as the most expensive or higher engine capacity bikes have lower fuel efficiency because they utilize extra fuel to generate power. So, choose a fuel-efficient model to save money.

6. Research is Important

   Once you have decided on all the above points, it is the right time to do thorough research. You can connect with your friends who have enough knowledge about the same model and take their valuable feedback. On the other hand, you can research online and look at their mileage, pricing, and service centre availability in your city. Also, ensure you check other factors as well, such as engine power, fuel type, accessories, etc.

7. Look for Customer Feedback

   Looking for customer feedback online and offline will help you to understand the bike's performance and efficiency before making the deal. The best way is to look for comments and feedback given by verified customers. It will offer an idea of the engine's performance, on-road pricing, and real issues that are usually faced by experienced riders during the journey.

8. Check the Availability of Service Centres

   Your vehicle will go on scheduled servicing for maintenance and care after a particular period. Thus, you must check the availability of service centres in your city. Other than this, check the accessibility of bike parts and accessories at the nearest service center. If you miss this tip, there are chances that you might face trouble in finding the right part or accessories for your damaged bike.

9. Test Ride is Significant

   Once you have decided on the right model for you, you can visit the nearest showroom and go on a test ride. This will help you in giving a riding experience. It also will help you in finding the pros and cons of the same model.

10. The Final Decision is Yours

    Here comes the final step toward buying your first bike. Here are some suggestions that you should not miss before you make the final decision:

    • Check the balancing and weight of the bike
    • Find the right two-wheeler dealership that will offer you discounted deals and a hassle-free procurement process
    • Do not miss the right two-wheeler insurance for your precious possession.

You may like to Read: 8 Road Safety Tips for Bike Riders

Bike Insurance for the New Two-wheeler

According to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, all two-wheeler owners must hold at least third-party bike insurance. Once you have purchased your new bike or scooter, you will need to insure it with an adequate bike insurance policy.

Now the question comes, ' Is it mandatory to buy insurance from a bike dealer itself?'

If you are intending to buy a two-wheeler anytime soon, then the dealer will provide you with 2-wheeler insurance coverage. Depending upon your wish, you may buy the bike insurance policy from the dealer, however, there is no such compulsion. You can easily find the best deals online as well on websites like Policybazaar.com. The platform allows you to compare and find the suitable bike insurance policy within your budget.

Moreover, it is suggested to buy a comprehensive bike insurance policy as it provides coverage against any loss or damage caused to your insured bike from several unforeseen events such as natural calamities, man-made calamities, etc. Besides, it also protects the two-wheeler against third-party liabilities.

You may like to Read: Bike Insurance Inclusions & Exclusions