India has developed into one of the world's major markets for two-wheeler vehicles. Two-wheelers are far more readily available and accessible than purchasing a new bike. One of the benefits of buying a used motorcycle is that you may obtain one in reasonably good condition for a fraction of the price you would spend on a new one. Easy access to the internet has enabled a person sitting in the remotest corners to sell his used motorcycle without breaking a sweat. The COVID-19 pandemic and the imposition of social distancing trends further contributed to this rising trend of e-trade of used bikes. The sales of used bikes online recorded a staggering growth of 27% in the financial year 2021-22.
However, in the market, not everything is what it seems to be and you should always look out for certain aspects. So be apprised of a few precautions that you should undertake when buying a used bike, especially when the process involves two different states.
NOC
The transfer of bike registration from one state to another requires a no objection certificate (NOC) from the Regional Transport Office from which the vehicle was registered. The document asserts that the department has no objection if the vehicle is transferred to an RTO of another district in another state, provided there are no pending dues and taxes. The ownership of the vehicle will not be transferred if this NOC is not obtained.
Read more - How Can You Get NOC for Your Bike Online?
Two-wheeler Insurance Policy
Above all other things, do check if the seller has paid for his/her two-wheeler insurance policy and renewed it at regular intervals. God forbid, if you were to meet with an accident and later realize that the insurance papers were not in place, it would lead to multiple problems piling up unnecessarily.
Background Verification of the Seller
To verify the legitimacy of the seller, it is essential to run a thorough background check to prevent any chance of deception.
The information archived in the central database of motor vehicles in India makes it possible for citizens to check ownership details by the vehicle’s registration number. Make use of this facility to ensure you don’t end up buying a stolen vehicle.
Avoid intermediaries and purchase directly from the owner as it reduces communication hurdles and saves you money otherwise spent on commissions.
Registration Certificate
The Regional Transport Office verifies the original registration certificate in the form of an RC Book or RC Smartcard before providing a NOC to transfer the ownership of the vehicle. It contains the engine number and the chassis number of the bike.
For bikes purchased via bank financing, the RC Book has a bank seal on it. You are required to get Form 35 attested and stamped by the bank concerned. You also need to submit a NOC from the bank confirming no pending loan installments.
Pollution Under Control Certificate
The ownership transfer requires a certificate from the pollution board stating that the emissions from the vehicle are under the stipulated limits. This is done by examining the bike’s release and issuance of a Pollution Under Control Certificate.
Read more - How to Check the Status of Two-wheeler’s PUC Certificate?
Service Records
It is a tendency for many bike owners to become complacent in matters regarding the maintenance of the bike after a few years of purchasing it. If you want to gauge the maintenance history of the seller, it is essential to check the service booklets or records in the form of receipts. It provides information about any prior accidents and the intervals between services. Getting the bike serviced every 10,000 kilometers is important to keep it in good condition. Ask the current owner as many queries about the model, usage, number of services, if there had been an accident, and so on as possible.
Other Documentation
Check if there is a loan on the bike by examining the bike papers for ‘released’ signatures. If so, then it’s the cue to look for other options.
You should be cautious of any disclosure with ‘as is’ as this implies that once you buy the vehicle, the seller is free from any accountability if something goes wrong with the bike.
You must obtain a bill of sale in writing which mentions your contact details as a buyer and the seller’s contact details, details regarding the vehicle (like the purchase cost of the bike, the date of purchase, and the registration details of the vehicle) with signatures of both parties.
The seller should mandatorily sign on all the pages of the copy of the deed.
Condition of the Vehicle
The seller is not bound legally to let you ride your vehicle before you purchase it. But you can always request the seller to show some proof of the smooth operation of the bike by video footage of the bike ride.
It is wiser to get the bike inspected by a trusted mechanic to look out for any physical damages like dents, condition of the tires for grip, gears, pulsating brakes, etc. If there is any damage visible or not, you can always ask the seller to get it done before the delivery of the bike.
Conclusion
Bikes will always remain a favorite mode of commute for the zesty and adventurous youth of the country. Many might decide to buy a bike from another state due to wanting a particular model or affordability. The pointers mentioned above may help you make your purchase easy and stress-free.
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