Owning a bike has surely been on the bucket list of many. Be it for finding your way out of the congested Indian traffic roads or for a quick getaway to a nearby location, a bike is an ideal mode of transport serving various purposes.

Though purchasing a bike may sound like an exciting and a rather easy task at hand, there are quite a few things which need to be done and taken care of, after you have actually bought one. To get you acquainted and give you a heads-up, here’s a list of all the essential things you need to look at after buying a bike.

Registering Your Bike

After finally purchasing your bike, you would surely be waiting to take it on the roads. But before you can do that, it is necessary for you to get your bike registered. Ideally, keep this task right after the delivery of your bike as you will have only 7 days to get your bike registered. To do so, you will have to go your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) and submit the following documents:

  • Completed Application Form (Form 20)
  • Original Sales Certificate (Form 21)
  • Certificate of Road Worthiness (Form 22)
  • Proof of Identity (Aadhar Card, Passport, Driving License, etc)
  • Address Proof (Aadhar Card, Ration Card, Utility bills, etc)
  • Customs Clearance Certificate (If it is an imported bike)
  • Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate
  • Manufacturer and Dealer Invoice as proof of sale
  • Valid Insurance Certificate (Attested copy of vehicle insurance)
  • Chassis Number (Vehicle Identification Number)
  • Challan Receipt
  • Affidavit (Non – Judicial Stamp Paper)
  • Form 34 (if your vehicle is on loan)

Note: Your vehicle dealer can also assist you with the process of registering your bike, in most cases. So, you can clarify the same with your bike dealer and get through the process easily.

Getting Your Bike Insurance

Another very important, rather necessary step for you to do after purchasing your bike, is to get it insured. Though mandatory, it is also beneficial to get bike insurance as it helps you financially in case of unforeseen circumstances or accidents. Many bike dealers also offer insurance, but it is better if you thoroughly compare different insurance policies and then choose the one that best suits your needs. After all there are several options available when it comes to motorbike insurance in India.

Understand Your Bike And The Gears

While you may have done a good research before finalizing the bike that you would want to buy, understanding and knowing your bike after you have purchased it, is an equally important step. With the different types of bikes available in the market today, each one being a little different from the other, it is important that you get well versed with your bike first. Even though you may have driven a bike earlier, it is better if you spend adequate time with your new bike as well and follow the same steps of understanding the gears and the suspension, as you would have when you bought your first bike. Also make sure to understand the warranty of your bike as well as the guarantee on its different parts.

It is advisable that you maintain a speed of not more than 40 – 50 kmph, at least for the first 1000 kms of your bike travel. After your second service, when you would have probably travelled around 2000 – 2500 kms on your bike, you could gradually increase your speed for every 100 kms that you travel. This gives you and your bike enough time to get acquainted with each other, as well as ensures good maintenance of your two wheeler.

Also read: Things to know before riding a Superbike

Service Checks

Just like you need a rest break or a relaxing time to refuel yourself, your bike too needs to have regular service checks. The first two service schedules for your bike are said to be the most important ones. Ideally, the first service for your bike would be scheduled around 30 days after you have started to ride your bike. You need to thoroughly go through the user manual that you will get after purchasing your bike as it lists all the details with regards to the services that your bike would need.

In most cases, the company that you buy your bike from offers a free first service for your bike. Some of the services that are common for all kinds of bikes include changing the engine oil and fluids, cleaning the air filter, adjusting the nuts and screws as well as inspecting the tire pressure. Apart from these, you could also ask your service center for any other services that you may need.

Though you may have to get your bike serviced regularly from authorized centers, it is always better to know a few tips up your sleeve as well. For instance, knowing how to keep your bike chains clean and regularly keeping a tab on your bike’s air pressure, can definitely help you maintain your bike for a good time.

Investing In Accessories

Once you have ticked the box of purchasing a bike off your list, what you could do next is invest in a few bike accessories. Buying a good quality helmet is of course necessary, but in addition to that, you could also look for accessories that would enhance the look as well as safety of your bike. Some of these could be, a complete bike cover or a tank and a headlight cover separately, anti – puncture sealant, and a side panel set or toolkit. While every bike or brand may differ with the accessories that are needed, you can pick the ones that you feel are necessary, and at the same time best suit your requirements.

Conclusion

Although a thrilling experience for most of us, owning a bike comes with its own set of responsibilities that need to be taken care of. Right from the time that you purchase it, till the time that you are using it, your bike would require all the care and attention, if you want it to be your partner for a long time. Give it the time, care and maintenance that it needs, and your bike will surely take you a long way!

Also read: Is it Good to Buy a Bike on EMI?