Second Hand Bike

While bikes have become more affordable after GST rate cuts, choosing a second hand bike can still be advantageous

To boost consumer spending, the government recently reduced GST rates on various items. In the case of bikes up to 350cc displacement, the GST rate was reduced from 28% to 18%. Bike sales have witnessed strong growth, indicating that the strategy to reduce GST has worked in the desired manner.

From the consumer’s perspective, buying a new bike makes more sense now. However, for budget-conscious folks, many bikes may still be out of reach. That is where the need may arise to look for a second hand bike. Let us take a look at some key advantages of choosing a second hand bike.

Why choose a second hand bike?

No extra charges – When you are buying a second hand bike, you do not need to pay charges like road tax, long-term insurance and dealer charges. Even the RTO charges for transfer of ownership are included in the cost price of the second hand bike. Such charges are typically treated as a loss and are borne by the seller. When you buy a new bike, the difference between ex-showroom and on-road price can be around 10% to 20%. With a second hand bike, you do not have to worry about such additional expenses.

Low price – If you have good bargaining skills, you can negotiate a very reasonable price for the second hand bike. Anyone who is selling the bike essentially does not have any need for it. So, asking for additional discounts of around 5% to 15% would be relevant. You may get a very good deal if the seller is cooperative and wants to sell the second hand bike as soon as possible.

Low EMIs (If taking a loan)- For a new bike, the monthly EMIs could be a big burden. But in the case of a second hand bike, the EMIs will be a lot less. This is especially true if you are purchasing a second hand bike that is around five years old. In this case, the price will be quite less in comparison to a brand-new bike.

More options to choose from – When purchasing a new bike, you may have shortlisted one or two models at the most. But when buying a second hand bike, the options are significantly higher. There must be hundreds of second hand bike sellers in your city and each of these usually has dozens of second hand bikes for sale. You can check out the bike’s condition, kilometers driven and take test rides to choose the best available option.

No anxiety about theft or damage – New bikes often have a higher risk of getting stolen. With a new bike, you also have to worry about its maintenance and upkeep. But with a second hand bike, such hassles are no longer applicable.

As is evident from above, there are various benefits of choosing a second hand bike over a new one. Make sure you select the right second hand bike seller, who can take care of all the documentation. Also look out for second hand bike sellers who may be offering some form of warranty like 6 months or 1 year. Make sure you take a test ride to check out critical components such as chassis and engine performance. By following these guidelines, you can have a much better experience with a second hand bike.