9 tips to get the best value for your old two-wheeler

Almost everyone dreams of owning a two-wheeler as soon as they start earning. However, as time passes, everyone evolves and updates. The same is true for motorbikes. There are many bike lovers who feel the need to upgrade their bikes after a few years. If you are someone who is thinking of selling your old two-wheeler then you should know these few tips that would help you to sell your bike at a good price and complete your deal.

Here are the top 9 tips to sell your bike at a higher price:

1. Get it serviced: The first thing you should do before you set out to sell your bike is to have it serviced. A bike or scooter service will allow you to identify any mechanical problems that may be present or could occur in the future. When a vehicle is properly serviced and performing well its value increases.

2. Polish your bike: As time goes on, your bike’s paint will fade and chip. Scratches and dents make your bike look damaged. Polishing all of those paint areas will dramatically enhance the look of the bike. A bike that looks good and is well-built will always sell for a higher price than one that is scratched and dented.

3. Maintain a service record log: If you have a service record for your motorcycle, it boosts customer confidence as it shows that the motorcycle has been serviced on time, which ensures good engine performance. In addition, you will be able to get a good price for your used motorcycle.

4. Do proper valuation: The exact value of a vehicle depends on a number of factors at any given moment.  A vehicle’s value also depreciates over time because of wear and tear. “To find a true value of a two-wheeler, consider the age, make and model, distance traveled, physical condition (aesthetics), mechanical condition (mechanics), service history, insurance history, ownership (new vs. used), and documentation needed,” guides Auto expert Tutu Dhawan.

5. Keep all your documents ready: To secure the desired deal with an individual buyer or with an agency, you should ensure that all your documents are ready.  While riding any vehicle, you must carry the registration certificate (RC) and insurance policy. These documents should be transferred in the name of the new owner along with Road Tax Certificate, Form 28 – Application and Grant of No Objection Certificate, Form 29 – Notice of Transfer of Ownership of a Motor Vehicle, Form 30 – Application for intimation and transfer of ownership of a motor vehicle.

6. Get the insurance updated: It is important to update a third-party two-wheeler plan as it is mandated by law. An uninsured vehicle cannot be legally driven on any public road. “If you have opted for a 5-year comprehensive insurance policy then you can bid higher before putting them up on sale as your vehicle will have high Insured Declared Value (IDV) as compared to market along with providing all-round coverage which can benefit the buyer in future,’’ explained Naval Goel, CEO, and Founder, PolicyX.com.

7. Quote higher than the expected price: The price should always be higher than you would consider fair value. People who want to buy used bikes will always try to negotiate. You will have no room to negotiate if you do not quote a higher price than expected.

8. Be proactive: Selling your two-wheeler legally means you need to transfer the necessary documents. Initiate the documentation process in your own way instead of waiting for the buyer to do so. Be proactive by transferring all the required documents and making photocopies of them.

9. Sell directly, not through agents: It is always better to sell your two-wheeler yourself. If you sell through agents, there is always the risk that they will underpay for your vehicle as agents take their portion. Selling directly through web portals or social media sites will get you a better price and save you some commission.