For anyone growing up watching old-school movies or cartoons, owning a bike feels like not just a matter of convenience but a symbol of freedom. 

As we reach the age when we can afford one, we must consider it more practically and learn about the potential pitfalls that a rider may not know. 

This article explores the five crucial steps you must follow in order to buy your first bike, whether new or a used one. 

Step 1: Knowing your demands

In the busy and narrow streets of Dhaka, having something as agile as a bike helps to navigate the traffic effectively and, most of the time, without hassle. A motorcycle also makes sense if you are a daily commuter who has to cover long distances for their work. 

Oftentimes, a bike is more efficient in both cost and time compared to any other public transport. Therefore, if you are someone who is involved in a profession that involves regular travel and you have a long commute, buying a motorcycle is a viable option for you.

The next thing to consider is the model you want to buy. The market currently holds various models coming from foreign and domestic companies. Prices for brand new motorbikes range from just over Tk120,000 to Tk5 lakhs. The first step in finding the right model is to know what you can afford.

In terms of mileage, if you feel your commute will be long and may require you to ride your bike on a daily basis, then it is advisable to choose a bike with a fuel injection engine model rather than a carburettor. 

Although this model of engine is in the upper echelons in terms of price, it is better to invest in the long run, as your engine inevitably will lose mileage as the years go on. 

If you feel that your commute will not involve long distances, then the average difference in fuel economy between a carburettor and a fuel injection model is quite negligible, and you can choose any one of them based on your preferred budget.

Step 2: Choosing between pre-owned or brand new

Bangladesh holds a large market for pre-owned or second-hand bikes, which can be a lucrative option for you. 

Various bike enthusiasts are constantly upgrading their packages and selling off models that are in excellent condition and at a lower price. First, contact a market expert to help you navigate the aftermarket’s price ranges. 

Please be aware that the showroom price of a relatively newer model might cost you more compared to buying it from the aftermarket sellers.

In analysing the difference in price range, we reached out to Saiful Islam, a student who had recently bought a Suzuki Gixxer secondhand and had saved a lot. He said, “Buying a used motorbike saved a lot of cash. I saved around Tk40,000.”

However, if you do not have anyone with that particular expertise, you can surely opt for a brand new model right out of the showroom. It will definitely ensure reliability and certain company perks which an aftermarket product cannot provide.

Step 3: Verifying your purchase

This step is not relevant for those who plan to buy directly from the showrooms; rather, it is the most crucial step for people buying the bike second-hand. 

Ensure that your bike has an up-to-date service book, which should be provided by the manufacturer; the bike’s odometer (measuring the total distance the bike has travelled); and, finally, it should have proper registration from BRTA along with a tax token (the proof of tax payment for a certain period—2/10 years). 

Regardless of the smoothness or attractiveness of your product, it is essential to thoroughly review the paperwork, particularly if there are issues with the previous owner’s paperwork.

The bike’s registration or BRTA name transfer will require a significant amount; you have to consider that within your budget as well. Depending on the engine capacity (CC) and number plate cost, the total amount might range from Tk3,500 to Tk5,000.

Step 4: Maintenance

Routine maintenance is essential to keep a motorcycle running smoothly, safely, and efficiently, especially in a country like Bangladesh, where road conditions, weather, and traffic can put extra stress on bikes.

You have to build up a habit of regularly inspecting some basic functions such as tyre pressure, engine oil requirement, braking grip, and the chain condition. Most bikes have built-in tyre pressure sensors that will appear on the dashboard.

You should learn how to check the engine oil and inspect other checks to ensure your bike is in proper condition. Regular inspection will also keep your possession in top shape, which will add significant resale value to your bike.

Every model is different, but a general rule of thumb is to change your engine oil every 1,500 to 2,000 kilometres. 

You should use the recommended engine oil by the manufacturer, but be careful in diverting to other local options, as these may contain adulterated and burnt oils which are very harmful for your purchase.
You should do a routine inspection of your whole bike every 4,000 to 6,000 kilometres, which will include cleaning your air filter, checking your spark plug, adjusting your clutch and throttle, and your coolant check if applicable. Every 1.5 to 2 years, you should perform a full servicing of your motorcycle to ensure that it is up to road condition.

Step 5: Safety

Please do not brush off any of the safety precautions. Wear a durable helmet not designed for style but rather function. You need to invest in your safety. 

Basic elbow or knee pads may seem pointless, but they could be the last line of defence against road hazards.

Ensure that your indicators are properly working before starting your bike, and be sure to keep sharp attention on the road and look out for others’ indicators. 

Your choice of clothing should not be damp or thin; it should be durable enough to withstand any incidents that may cause friction on the road. In discussing Saiful’s experiences on the road, he explained that he too had faced an accident, luckily not fatal. The advice he gave: “Never overtake in blind spots.”

Owning a bike is a liberating experience, but given the conditions of the roads in Bangladesh, it can very well turn ugly. 

Your behaviour on the road with this liberty will be a determining factor not only for you but also for the people with whom you share it. The need for caution can never be overstated, just as the thrill involved in owning and riding your very own motorcycle.