Top 10 Essential Tips for Purchasing a Used Motorcycle in Good Condition

The used motorcycle market offers a wide variety of options, from well-known brands like Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki to lesser-known Chinese brands. When buying a used bike, it’s best to stick with trusted, high-quality brands that are popular in Vietnam. Honda, for example, is a great choice due to its durability and reasonable pricing. Avoid Chinese brands as their engines tend to be lower quality, and while spare parts may be cheap, they wear out quickly, making repairs more expensive in the long run than opting for a reputable brand.

The first step when evaluating a used motorcycle is to perform a thorough inspection of the bike, including checking the paint, the uniformity of old and new parts, and other details. Pay attention to any parts that look too new compared to the rest of the bike, as these may have been repaired or replaced. Additionally, examine the original paint on parts like screws and joints. If you find many parts with the original paint, it indicates the bike is still mostly original and hasn’t undergone significant replacements.

Checking the engine is one of the most critical and challenging parts of purchasing a used motorcycle. A poor engine can lead to frequent breakdowns and costly repairs after the purchase. To evaluate the engine, consider these methods:

• Inspect the engine bolts for any dents or scratches. If the bolts still have the original paint, that's a good sign they haven't been tampered with.
• Start the bike to see if it starts easily, and listen for smooth and steady engine sounds. Any irregular noise could indicate a malfunctioning engine.
• Test the horn, lights, brakes, and exhaust for unusual signs. For example, check if the horn works properly, if any lights are dim or not functioning, if the brakes are responsive or make any strange sounds, and if there is smoke coming from the exhaust while the engine is running.
• Check the chain for looseness or any unusual noises.

Taking the bike for a test ride is essential to check its performance on real roads and see if any issues arise. A good bike should provide a smooth, comfortable ride. Test it on different terrains, from flat roads to rough paths, to evaluate its stability, listen for any strange noises when crossing bumpy areas, and check if the bike feels balanced while riding. Motorcycles with technical issues, especially those that have been in heavy collisions, often struggle with these basic aspects of performance.

This step is crucial to ensure the motorcycle you're considering is legally registered. There have been numerous cases where stolen bikes are sold with fake documents. You need to check the vehicle's registration, carefully examine the details, and look for signs that confirm the authenticity of the documents, such as official stamps or watermarks. Additionally, compare the chassis and engine numbers on the paperwork with the ones on the bike itself.

Thieves sometimes alter the frame and engine numbers to hide the bike's stolen history. Unless you're a mechanic, it's often very difficult to spot tampered numbers with the naked eye.

Visiting a single shop does not mean you have to purchase from them. By checking out motorcycles at different stores, you gain the advantage of comparing options, both in terms of quality and price, as well as after-sale services. However, be cautious of the temptation to go for the cheapest option without considering other important factors mentioned earlier.

Sellers typically aim to get a good deal. As a result, they might set a higher asking price so they can lower it during negotiations to reach the price they’re actually hoping for. Therefore, don't hesitate to negotiate. Offer a smart counter-price to ensure you’re getting a fair deal. Remember, the principle of ‘both sides benefit’ applies, and there’s no need to accept their initial offer immediately.

Hiện nay việc mua bán hàng qua mạng đang ngày càng phát triển, xe máy cũ cũng là một mặt hàng được rao bán khá nhiều. Tuy nhiên, việc mua bán qua mạng cũng mang lại không ít rủi ro. Người bán xe có thể đưa cho bạn địa chỉ, thông tin liên hệ giả, sau khi mua bán xong, nếu xe gặp trục trặc, bạn không thể liên hệ lại được với người bán. Nguy hiểm hơn là tình trạng lợi dụng bán xe để lừa đảo, cướp tài sản. Bạn không biết người đó là ai cho đến khi gặp mặt, nếu đó là một tên lừa đảo, dàn cảnh hẹn gặp mua xe để cướp tiền của bạn thì đúng là “tiền mất tật mang”.

Do vậy, khi mua xe cũ, tốt nhất bạn nên lựa chọn đến các cửa hàng hoặc cá nhân có địa chỉ rõ ràng, tìm hiểu trước khi đến để đảm bảo việc mua xe diễn ra an toàn. Tuyệt đối không hẹn gặp người lạ tại những nơi hoang vắng, hẹn giao dịch vào buổi tối,...

If you're not well-versed in bikes, especially for women, purchasing a used bike can be a tricky process. It’s difficult to find a bike that meets your needs, is still in good condition, and fits your budget. In some cases, buyers may even fall victim to scams. Having an expert with you can help minimize these risks when buying a used bike.

Buying a used bike doesn’t mean you should settle for poor quality. If you choose a bike that’s too old just because it’s cheap, you might end up spending more on repairs later than what you paid for the bike itself. Many used bikes are still in relatively good condition, and some haven’t even been ridden much. It’s worth putting in a little extra effort to find a bike that’s old but not falling apart.