Tips For Buying Your First Bike

Buying a bike for the first time is a special occasion for most individuals in their lives. Whether it’s for commuting to work or for road trips, it is undoubtedly a major purchase. So, there are a ton of things to consider when you buy new bike. Here’s where the top tips for buying a bike can come in handy. You will need to consider the type of bike you want to buy, the functions it is going to serve, and your budget. Above all, you need to purchase a bike insurance plan to meet the legal requirements and to protect your finances in case of any major repairs.

Here are a few tips you must take into account before new bike purchase:

• Finalise the Type of Vehicle

When it comes to two-wheelers, you can choose from a variety of vehicles available in the market. So, firstly, it is essential to finalise the type of two-wheeler you wish to purchase. The primary difference between a bike and a scooter is the absence of gears in the latter.

Scooters are quite easy to handle and offer a storage unit. Moreover, scooters are quite cost-effective when compared to motorbikes.

Whereas, bikes provide more control and stability to the rider, allowing you to reach your destination comfortably. Most people in India prefer a motorcycle because of its powerful engine that lets you travel long distances effortlessly.

• Know the Functionality of Your Bike

A very important factor to consider before buying a bike is to think about where you will use it and also, your area of residence. For example, most Indian bikes are made to be ridden on tarred roads, but buying a superbike for congested city roads is a very bad idea. Similarly, if you are looking for a bike to go on trips, you should choose a cruiser style bike rather than a sports bike.

• Decide the Model You Wish To Buy

There are plenty of bikes with different models you will need to choose from. They all have different purposes, so make sure the bike you wish to buy fits your purpose. Once you have decided on the functionality of your bike, the decision to buy a type of bike becomes easier. Some popular types of bikes are- sports bikes, cruiser bikes, muscle bikes, racing bikes, dirt bikes, among others. Most consumer-focused bikes in India are economic and highly fuel-efficient, making it a good choice for the masses.

• Consider Your Experience as a Rider

Just say you have learned how to drive a bike using your family or friend’s vehicles. By the time you are ready to buy your first bike, chances are that you are already a pretty good rider. However, if this is the first time you are going to be around a bike, it is best to get an entry-level or commuter bike, which falls in the range of 100 to 150cc and has easy handling and ride quality. Once you have an ample amount of experience and practice in handling a bike, you can upgrade to more powerful machines.

• Take Budget and Fuel Efficiency Into Account

The most important aspect of buying a bike is your budget. You will need to decide how much you are willing to spend on your new bike. In today’s automobile market, you can find bikes that start at very economical prices and superbikes that can go up to tens of lakhs. Setting a budget will help you narrow down which bikes you can buy. Moreover, you will need to think about the fuel efficiency of your future bike. Most expensive bikes have lower fuel efficiency as they require more power. It is recommended to buy a bike that is fuel-efficient to save money in the long run.

Read also: Upcoming Bikes Under ₹2 Lakhs in India

• Research Possible Options

After you have decided and narrowed down on all the above points, it’s time for research. You can go online and look at the type of bike you want to buy and shortlist a few options that best suit your requirements. It is important to look into all the details such as engine power, fuel efficiency, bike type, price, fuel type, and more, so you have all the relevant information about each shortlisted bike. You can also seek help from your friends who are knowledgeable about bikes.

• Refer to Customer Reviews

One of the most important tips for buying a new bike is checking customer reviews for that model. Such reviews help you understand the vehicle’s overall performance before you make the purchase.

You can look for comments and suggestions given by people who have been using the same model for quite some time. It will provide you with information on the engine’s performance, fuel efficiency, on-road performance, and real issues that riders face in regards to the bike.

• Check Availability of Maintenance Centers

Over time, a few components of your bike will need maintenance and care. Thus, you must service your bike from time to time to maintain its top-notch performance. So, while you buy a new bike, make sure that the components are readily available in the market or at the service centres near you. In case they aren’t, you might face trouble in the future and hence, it is best to go for some other brand.

• Compare Your Options

Once you have shortlisted the bikes as per your budget and interest, compare them against each other. Try to objectively make a list of pros and cons to help you determine which bike will be the best option for you. A good idea is to take a test drive of the shortlisted bikes to check their comfort. Make sure to further narrow down the list based on bike riding comfort.

• Test Ride the Vehicle

Finally, you can visit the nearest showroom that has the two-wheeler model and give it a test ride. This step will enable you to try out how the bike feels in reality and cross out some cons pointed out by customers. Test riding the bike is essential before purchasing it, so don’t skip this step!

Additional Read: Tips for Biking Safety

• Make Your Decision

Once you have gotten all the technical stuff out of the way and thoroughly tested all options, it’s time to choose your bike. A good idea is to go for a bike that feels the most natural and comfortable for you during the test drive. Make sure it is not too heavy and has a good balance. You should always buy your bike from a reputed bike dealership that will provide you with all the relevant paperwork you will need to establish ownership over your bike.

After you have purchased your new two-wheeler, you are going to need an insurance policy for your bike. The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 makes it mandatory for all vehicle owners to have at least third-party bike insurance. However, third-party insurance may not be enough if you are ever involved in an accident, as it will not cover the damage to your bike.

A good idea is to have a comprehensive insurance cover that will provide you with additional benefits such as own damage cover, bike theft cover, accidental cover and much more. You will have the choice to buy these additional covers as per your needs during the time of buying a comprehensive insurance plan.

Buying a two wheeler is a significant investment, but there are several financing options to make the process smoother and more affordable. Understanding these options will help you manage your budget and avoid unnecessary financial burden. 

Here’s what you should consider when planning to finance your first bike:

Compare Interest Rates

Interest rates on two wheeler loans vary widely across lenders, often influenced by your credit profile, loan amount, and tenure. Even a small difference can substantially impact your total payouts over the loan period. Always compare not just the headline rates, but also check if they are fixed or floating, and verify any special conditions or introductory offers. Use online EMI calculators and request personalized quotes from different financial institutions to secure the best possible deal for your needs

Down Payment

The down payment required for a two wheeler loan typically ranges from 10% to 30% of the vehicle's total cost, but some banks may offer loans with zero down payment for eligible customers. Making a higher down payment directly reduces the principal borrowed, lowering your EMIs and the total interest paid over the life of the loan. A substantial down payment may also boost your chances of approval and fetch you a better interest rate

Loan Tenure

Selecting the right loan tenure is crucial for balancing affordable monthly payments with the total interest paid. Shorter loan tenures lead to higher EMIs but significantly decrease the overall interest burden, letting you clear your debt sooner. Longer tenures reduce your EMIs but increase the total sum paid through interest. Consider your monthly budget and future financial plans to choose an optimal tenure that won't stretch your finances too thin

Credit Score Impact

A higher credit score not only improves your chances of loan approval but usually qualifies you for lower interest rates and smaller required down payments. Lenders see good credit as proof of responsible financial management, offering better terms to applicants with scores typically above 750. Conversely, a low score may lead to higher rates, larger down payments, or outright rejection. Check your score in advance and correct any discrepancies to improve eligibility.

Prepayment Charges

Prepaying your loan,either partially or fully, might seem an attractive way to save on interest, but many lenders impose prepayment or foreclosure charges. These fees are often calculated as a percentage of the outstanding principal and may be higher if paid early in the loan tenure. Always examine your loan agreement for prepayment policies, as hefty charges can offset the interest you were hoping to save.

Hidden Fees

Loan agreements often contain fees not immediately apparent, such as processing charges (usually 1-4% of the loan amount), documentation fees, late payment penalties, and insurance costs. These can add up and significantly raise the effective cost of your loan. Always request a comprehensive breakdown of all fees before signing and factor these into your comparison when choosing a lender

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for two wheeler loans generally depends on factors like your age (typically 21 to 65 years), income (minimum monthly income requirements), employment status (salaried or self-employed), and creditworthiness. Some lenders require a minimum work tenure or business history. Meeting all criteria improves your chances of approval and may qualify you for better rates and terms, so review requirements in advance and gather necessary documents for a smoother process

Making informed decisions about financing will help you ride away on your new two wheeler with peace of mind.

Buying your first bike is an exciting milestone that requires careful thought and planning. From choosing the right type and model based on your needs and experience, to considering crucial factors like budget, fuel efficiency, and the availability of service centres — every step plays a vital role in ensuring a wise investment. Thorough research, checking customer reviews, comparing shortlisted options, and taking a test ride all contribute to making an informed decision. Moreover, understanding your financing options — from interest rates and down payments to hidden fees and eligibility criteria — helps you purchase your dream bike without straining your finances.