Published 12 July 2015 ● Last Updated on 6 April 2021
Have you been exploring classifieds for motorcycles for sale? Finding the perfect ride can be tricky, even for a first-time owner. Here are a few pointers to help you evaluate options in the second-hand market. Best of luck!
1. CHECK YOUR 2 WHEELER LICENSE ELIGIBILITY
Singapore has 3 different classes of two-wheeler license.
For Class 2B : up to 200cc engine allowed
For Class 2A : up to 400cc engine allowed
Class 2 allows any engine size bike
Earning the driver’s license, or even upgrading it from one class to another, can be a lengthy process in Singapore, so restrict your search to what your license permits.
2. SELECT THE TYPE OF 2 WHEELER
For example- Scooters are easy to ride with plenty of storage. There are options available for street bikes, sports bikes, touring bikes, classic retro style bikes. Each have their unique styling, riding comfort and appeal. I personally am a big fan of the Italian styling and love the Ducati Monster (street bike) which provides easy riding in the city and comfortable to take a pillion rider too. Sports bikes are not comfortable riding with a pillion and within the city traffic. Cruisers are extremely comfortable to go on long distance rides out of Singapore. Triumph and Royal Enfield make really cool classic retro styled bikes.
Choose what appeals to you.
3. CHECK COE AVAILABILITY
Depending on the original registration date of the bike, the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) availability reflects how many more years can you ride it on the road. You won’t want to pay too much for a bike whose COE is expiring shortly after you purchase it.
4. INSPECT THE PHYSICAL CONDITION OF THE VEHICLE
Check the physical condition of the bike such as paint wear and tear, any obvious visible accident damage, etc. Look closely at the engine below and on rims, body parts for rust/corrosion. For eg. If the previous owner has parked the vehicle in the open parking, it may have taken a harder beating with the direct rain and sun. Singapore weather is humid and hot which corrodes the vehicle more easily. One can replace or paint corroded accessories such as rear view mirror, mudguard, handle bar, etc but it is better to avoid a vehicle if the corrosion is on the engine.
5. CHECK THE ODOMETER MILEAGE
Depending on the engine size of the motorcycle, the wear and tear varies with the usage. Smaller engine bikes in the class 2B category need more care and maintenance after crossing 40,000 kms. Larger engine bikes in the class 2/Class 2A category are still comfortable even after crossing 75,000 kms. In my personal experience Japanese bikes require much lesser maintenance as compared to Italian bikes. An average rider in Singapore could clock 15,000 kms per year. So if the bike is only 3 years old and has crossed 50,000 kms then the previous owner has done a lot of long distance cross country riding or spent hours on the race track in Malaysia.
6. INSPECT TYRES
It’s important to have a good set of tyres for Singapore as it rains frequently. Make sure the tyres have grooves and are not bald. Tyres could last anything from 10,000 kms – 15,000 kms depending on the bike size and owner’s driving habits.
7. CHECK ELECTRICALS
Switch on the ignition and check if the electricals work fine. Check if the lights, indicators, horn, speedometer meters and dash are working normally.
8. TEST RIDE
Many shops offer a small test ride to prospective buyers. Although you may only get to ride it around their showroom block but it gives you a chance to find out little better about the bike. Try and see if the bike revs normally when you squeeze the throttle. Check the handling and balance. If the bike wobbles then it must have had an accident where the chassis or wheels are not aligned. Gears should change smoothly. Check the response of the brakes when riding. Avoid shops that don’t allow test rides.
9. BIKE SERVICE HISTORY RECORD
Request for the bike’s service record history. If the previous owner has kept the receipts of the bike’s service history, it is more likely that you know better about the bike’s condition. Check if the bike has had regular service with oil change, air filter cleaning at least every 5,000 – 8,000 kms.
10. RIDE SAFE
Once you’ve bought the bike make sure you get a full service before you start riding. Would be a good idea to get engine oil changed, check brake oil, spark plugs, battery, air filter, brake lining, greasing the chain and check the chain tension. Enjoy the ride & obey traffic laws.
Pawan Razdan is a bike-lover who prefers riding the streets of Singapore (and Malaysia!) in his Ducati, rain or shine, even as his car gathers dust in the parking lot. If he wasn’t selling software he would be motorcycle mechanic.
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