Gone are the days when motorcycles where just a commuter option. The choice that we bikers have now are vast and at the same time confusing.
Here is a quick set of tips that you should keep in mind when you are out to buy that dream machine of yours.
1. Whats your budget?
The first and primary step, decide on how much you want to spend.
2. What are you going to use the bike for?
Ask yourself the basic question what is it that you are going to use the bike for. Touring? Stunting? City riding? Track riding? Off-road riding? or mix and match of the above options.
3. What are all the manufacturers out there?
There are lots of new manufactures coming into India every one of them giving you an option. Shortlist all that interest you.
4. Test ride.
Once you have a list of probables, your decision is never close to completion until you test ride each bike on the list. In most of the cases this is the decisive step.
5. Make sure the dealership is genuine.
There are lots of ‘offers’ that you might receive that make it seem that you are saving money. But most of them in the long term make sure that either you end up paying the same or more with lesser services that a major dealer would offer.
6. The best time to buy a bike?
All festivals usually see the best financing options coming up. The motorcycle market demand being pretty much a constant one, festivals times are when most dealers offer better discounts to increase volume of sales. Also make sure you do not buy it in the last couple of months of the year. This would help you increase the year of purchase which is good in re-sale point of view.
7. Current owners.
It would be good if you can have a word with existing owners of the bike and find out issues or any other note worthy information like mileage, spare availability etc.
8. Visit multiple dealerships.
Its a good practice to visit multiple dealerships and get quotes from them such that, you can get the best possible discount.
9. Finance options.
This in one are that you have to be very clear about.  Make sure of checking the actual interest rate rather than the quoted one.
10. Inspection before registration.
Most people perform a on delivery inspection. However it is wise to select your bike yourself and make sure you go through it in detail for manufacturing defects.
11. And of-course inspection after registration.
Similarly perform a check on the bike at the time of delivery to make sure you are getting the same undamaged piece.
12. Listen to your heart.
At the end of the day there is nothing that can convince you more.
And don’t forget that helmet and riding gear!
Hi,
I am looking to buy Hondaunicorn. Purpose is mostly within City and occassional outings.I would be exchanging my olf bike Hero splendour (2000) model. Though it had run only 57K kms, i had re-bored the engine once and recently spent about 4.5 K and it’s in running condition. Here are my questions:
1.What would be the exchange price at the current rate that I would get for my old bike?
2.With couple of months left for this year (2013), if I postpone to sell it off next year, would I gain anything?
3.Again related to above question – If I buy a new bike this year ,does this affect the re-sale price later?, if so, to how much %?
Can you pls help me out on the above?
Hi,……..I booked the new R15.V2 about 20 days ago. And now I am confused with royal enfield(thunderbird 350) . I don’t know which bike to go for anymore. I’m not much of a tourer and spend almost all my time within the city. personally i like R15 more. but many people(frnds&relatives) says….why r u going for the big crap of plastic get new thunderbird350 strong,wild and a life long bike. plzzzzz…….suggest me………. what should i do in this condition??
Hey,
I booked the New Thunderbird 350(Flicker) about 3 months ago. And now with the introduction of the Duke 390, I’m in a dilemma. I don’t know which bike to go for anymore. I’m not much of a tourer and spend almost all my time within the city(I’m 19. College woes!). Though I travel Almost 20 Km one way to get to college, maneuvering through traffic. And I go out on these short(-ish) distance trips once in maybe a couple of months(40-50 km one way).
With so many tempting models available for my budget(1.5 lakhs – 1.8{MAYBE 2}lakhs), I’m just left confused. I’m not sure of whether I want to go for – A) New Thunderbird 350, B) Royal Enfield Classic 500 Desert Storm, D) KTM Duke 390(or Duke 200).
I would REALLY appreciate some guidance on which of these motorcycles to go for, why and also how they compare to each other.
Also the fact that I’m new to riding motorcycles has to be considered. I do ride a scooter on regular basis(TVS Wego) and have a fair idea and practical experience in riding a geared motorcycle. what would you suggest I go for..?
Well, to be honest the 390 will be a handful for a first bike. Its going to be a bit heavier on the pocket for a daily use bike aswell considering you are in college. The Bull’s might not be you piece of cake, as they need a lot of attention too. Our suggestion, get a Duke 200 :)
@Motorcycle NewsDesk, Thanks a MILLION for your help. This question and state of doubt has been troubling me for a VERY LONG time. At least now I have a clear idea of what to go for. Again, thanks a bunch..! (y) :).
Also can I know what the drawbacks of the Duke 200 are? And will it be getting ABS anytime soon? And your take on any other bikes I should consider?(like the Honda CBR 150 & 250, or Pulsar 200NS?)
Well there are no major draw backs as such, maybe the fuel efficiency could have been better. Although be advised the Duke 200 also is a pretty fast machine, so you will need to careful till you have got hold of the power. :)
@Motorcycle NewsDesk, Thanks again. I guess I’ll be going for the Duke 200 then. The Honda CBR 250R, I feel is a wee bit too pricey(Considering the mind blowing price of the Duke 390). And the CBR 150R doesn’t appeal with the towering presence of the R15(though I’m not a huge fan of it). I think the Duke 200 checks most of the boxes.
Also, with some practice on another bike would it be acceptable to go for the Duke 390? Or do you think more experience would be required..?
Its not rocket science, but yes you have a lot of learning, balancing and learning to ride is one thing, but facing everyday situations in traffic, your throttle control, panic reaction, these come with riding, yes any bike for long enough. But all bikes are different and each has a learning curve. So get the basics right before you go out to tame a monster :)
Also, in this post it is mentioned that it’s always better to select my own piece and check it for manufacturing defects. What all should I be looking at when inspecting the bike?
Hi bro…..wat t select between these 2 cbr 150r or r15v2………my body type is athletic fit nd 60 kg…..height around 165 cm…. pls do suggest me a bike
hi friends need help.i am planning to buy bike for me..budget is arnd 1.50 lacs. Note:i am having slim body. weighted 55 kgs.so please suggest bike which suits my body.my main concern is this bike must suit my body.i thought over KTM DUKE 200.give replies and suggestions.all suggestion most welcome from you guys.
Hiii i m new to bike world. I want full aggressive nd impressive bike which can be used for any ride. I m bit confused between ktm duke 200 nd yamaha r15 v2.0. My buget is upto 1.50 lakh. Any other bike you guess best for me vil do
go 4 karizma zmr r cbr 150
MYSELF KAUSHIK SARKAR,I WANT 2 PURCHASE A BIKE,I NEED PICK UP & ALSO GD8 MILLAGE,MY BUDGET IS 1.50 LACK SO SIR PLZ SUGGEST ME WHICH BIKE IS BEST 4 ME?
go 4 karizma zmr r cbr 150 in these 2 bikes de designer has kept both power & mileage , and designed these bikes
Its actually a bit of all :)
Hi. I’m new to this bikes world, as i used to drive only gear-less vehicles such as activa, deo etc.. Now I’m planning to buy a bike (new one).. So kindly suggest me which bike is good and comfortable for a beginner like me.. Thank you in advance:)
Hi Santhosh, your selection of motorcycles is dependant on a lot factors, primary of which is your intended use. daily office commuting/touring/ high performance or a bit of all ? :)