Buying a second-hand motorbike

Posted by Hieu_Q: I'm starting work in District 7 next month, and I need a motorbike. My budget is about twenty million dong. A shop near me has a ten-year-old Honda that looks perfect, but I know nothing about engines. I'm worried about paying too much for a bike that breaks down in a week. Any tips from people who've been through this?

Reply from minhthu88: Good question. First, ask to see the registration papers, and check that the name and the engine number match the bike. Never buy from someone who says the papers are coming later. That's a red flag. A bike without papers can be impossible to register, and you could even lose it at a police check.

Reply from old_mechanic_tan: I've worked on bikes for thirty years, so let me add a few things. Start the engine when it's cold, not warm. Sellers often warm it up first to hide problems. Listen for knocking, look for blue smoke from the exhaust and squeeze both brakes hard. Then take it for a proper ride, not just once round the block. If the seller won't allow that, walk away.

Reply from Hieu_Q: Thanks, both. I went back on Saturday with my cousin, who knows a little about bikes. The owner got nervous when I asked for the papers, and it turned out the registration was in a stranger's name. We left. The next shop was happy to show us everything, and the engine started first time. They wanted twenty-two million.

Reply from minhthu88: Don't accept the first price. In my experience most shops expect you to bargain, and a few million off is normal. Ask them to include a helmet and a service in the deal. Keep your money in your pocket until the papers are in your hand.

Reply from old_mechanic_tan: One more thing. Set some money aside for the first month, because even a good second-hand bike usually needs new tyres or a chain. Take it to a mechanic you trust for a full check, and change the oil straight away. Do that, and it should serve you well for years. Good luck!