[jyoti]

So I am interested in buying a bike. My Indian friends have told me pretty adamantly that I should NOT buy a used bike as any repairs would cost nearly as much as the bike itself.  Thus, I should buy a new bike.   I don't get it--how can people drive around these obviously ancient bikes and scooters when it cost more to fix them than it does to buy another used one...    And how can they cost so much to buy used if they're worthless as soon as it requires any repair?

So, my question is this:  Is it foolhardy to look at buying a used bike, assuming that I am willing to go through all the hoops to make sure it's a good bike before purchasing?  Is there any way to purchase from a "used bike shop" and have some kind of guarantee?

Or:  Are they overly concerned because I am a girl and can't handle the upkeep of a used bike or something?    Or is the fact that I am a foreigner and the assumption that I obviously have the money to invest in a new bike part of it?  (Which I don't have...).  

I am looking at some kind of Hero Honda, or similar, with gears, and a bike not a scooter.  If I can manage to get a license, that is...

Thanks for any input! If anyone wants to come shopping with me in a couple of months, feel free to volunteer.  

[captmahajan]

no, it is not foolhardy, specially since you seem to be aware of the hoops, and the fact that if you get a lemon, you may end up spending more on it than you had planned.

some suggestions and answers.

-no, there are no guarantees of any kind with used shops. sometimes, quite the opposite.
-take a local along, and pretend he/she is buying.
-if possible, try to buy from somebody you know. or else, pay a mechanic from a nearby shop to inspect. be careful, the mechanic may get in league with the seller.
-haggle
-internet prices are usually more expensive, and open to more haggling. but to get an idea, google "used bikes India".

-tips at

http://www.autoindia...eelerIntro.aspx

[jyoti]

thanks, capt.  I'm hoping to come across someone who has a bike for sale that's only a year or two old. It's no hurry, so I have a couple months to browse around and wait for just the right deal--and lots of Indian friends to help me with negotiating! If I have to bite the bullet and get a new bike, I will, but only if I really have to!

[Mervin]

jyoti, on Oct 21 2006, 10:37 AM, said:

thanks, capt.  I'm hoping to come across someone who has a bike for sale that's only a year or two old. It's no hurry, so I have a couple months to browse around and wait for just the right deal--and lots of Indian friends to help me with negotiating! If I have to bite the bullet and get a new bike, I will, but only if I really have to!

Hey Jo,

Wat kind of bike you are looking for? What is the purpose of the bike first of all. May be we can then suggets what you need to do?

[jyoti]

It would be just for me, for driving around town (Bangalore).  I can't really afford it now and don't have a good way to practice without serious risk of getting run over. But, if I did get one, I'm looking at one of the little Yamaha bikes or maybe a Hero honda.

They had exactly what I want in Nepal!  It's a bike but built a bit more like a scooter, with the lower center.  (yes, I know, i really need to learn what I'm talking about).  But, they also have gears--so a bit like a sissified bike.  I can't bring myself to drive an actual scooter, especially with no gears!

[Mervin]

jyoti, on Apr 23 2007, 07:07 PM, said:

It would be just for me, for driving around town (Bangalore).  I can't really afford it now and don't have a good way to practice without serious risk of getting run over. But, if I did get one, I'm looking at one of the little Yamaha bikes or maybe a Hero honda.

They had exactly what I want in Nepal!  It's a bike but built a bit more like a scooter, with the lower center.  (yes, I know, I really need to learn what I'm talking about).  But, they also have gears--so a bit like a sissified bike.  I can't bring myself to drive an actual scooter, especially with no gears!

Well in that case you can look in for a two wheeler with automatic transmission. if you are in Bangalore, let me know which place so May be we can suggest you few best places for pre-owned vehicles. Yamaha is known for its performance and pickup so its a good choice. However if you can lay your hands on one of those models back form 80's you may get a Japanese make which is worth the deal.

[jyoti]

Mervin, on Apr 23 2007, 02:38 PM, said:

Well in that case you can look in for a two wheeler with automatic transmission.

Oh, no!  I WANT gears.  That's my biggest issue with driving a scooter...  I liked the ones in Nepal b/c they're not quite as "butch" as a motorcycle, but they're not a scooter either.  i think it's a new model, though, and have never seen one india side.

[Mervin]

jyoti, on Apr 24 2007, 10:25 AM, said:

Oh, no!  I WANT gears.  That's my biggest issue with driving a scooter...  I liked the ones in Nepal b/c they're not quite as "butch" as a motorcycle, but they're not a scooter either.  I think it's a new model, though, and have never seen one India side.

well in that case we did have few models few years back with rotary gear system, where the moped has gears but you dont need to control it with a clutch. There was a model from Hero Honda called STREET. Very reasonable vehicle with good fuel efficiency but not too sure on performance. May be someone here should have more clue on it. But I think it shud fit in for what you are looking for.