Millions of Indians trust and regard two-wheelers as the most convenient form of personal transport in the country. Two-wheelers offer time-saving advantages by whizzing past congested traffic intersections, bustling streets, and narrow lanes. Apart from being one of the fastest modes of urban commute, two-wheelers also offer parking advantages by fitting into compact, cramped spaces with ease.
Given these benefits, the popularity two-wheelers enjoy today is unprecedented, with brands like Hero MotoCorp, Honda, TVS, and Bajaj Auto launching new models every few months. However, with so many options, finding the right fit can be difficult for a novice rider. So, if you want to bring home your first two-wheeler, this two-wheeler buying guide will simplify this daunting process. With this bike purchase guide, you can streamline your quest and select the right two-wheeler in an instant.
Choosing the right two-wheeler
First up in this two-wheeler buying guide, we cover the various types of two-wheelers available in the market. While this is not a comprehensive list of all types of two-wheelers, we have included the most common types to make your choice easier.
- Scooter: Scooters are convenient and practical commute partners for city folks. Available in 100-150cc options, scooters have an automatic transmission, making them easy to ride. They also feature extensive under-seat storage, making them great errands and shopping companions.
- Commuter bike: Commuter bikes are entry-level bikes available in varying engine capacities to meet the daily commute requirements of riders. These bikes are characterised by affordability, comfort, great mileage, and a no-frill design.
- Sports bike: Sports bikes feature powerful engines and advanced suspension systems, making them perfect for adventure seekers. Inspired by the race tracks, these performance-oriented bikes flaunt a sharp aerodynamic design and forward-leaning riding stance.
- Cruiser bike: Cruiser bikes are characterised by low seats, a laid-back riding stance, and retro styling. Cruiser bikes are favoured for their touring capabilities and make the perfect companion for relaxed long-distance travels on the highway. However, they lack the mileage returns of commuter bikes.
When choosing the ideal two-wheeler, consider your riding style, terrain, and purpose. Since each of these two-wheelers is perfect for a definite purpose, evaluating your lifestyle and needs will help you decide on the right option. For instance, if you need a two-wheeler for everyday office travel, a mileage bike from the commuter range would be perfect. However, if you wish to pursue weekend adventures or road trips, a cruiser might be better suited.
Making a choice: Electric or petrol
Once you have decided on the ideal type of two-wheeler, it is time to choose between fuel options. The choice between electric and petrol two-wheelers depends on your needs and preferences. Each has its pros and cons. Electric bikes and electric scooters offer an eco-friendly mode of travel with lower emissions and operational costs in the long run. They come with low maintenance costs and are better suited for shorter commutes. However, petrol bikes offer more powerful riding performance and are better suited for diverse terrains and long rides. Moreover, refuelling a petrol bike is easy, given the availability of gas stations across the country. Since the EV infrastructure is still developing in the country, finding a charging station can be difficult.
Tips to make a smart purchase
Determining the right type of two-wheeler is just the starting point of this two-wheeler buying guide. Next in this bike selection guide, we cover a few tips to help you make a smart decision.
- Set a clear budget: Figuring out the budget for your purchase beforehand is important because you do not want to overspend once you start browsing through models. With the growing demand for two-wheelers, you can now purchase scooters and commuter bikes with a budget of Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 1 lakh, while premium sports and supersports bikes will cost you a few lakh. Setting a budget right at the onset of your search helps guide it, narrowing down what you can and cannot purchase.
- Check for fuel efficiency for long-term savings: Next on the bike selection guide is mileage. Whether you wish to use the two-wheeler for everyday travel or infrequent errands, good mileage is the key to future savings. While the 35 kmpl to 40 kmpl range is the base, mileage bikes and scooters can offer up to 80 kmpl. With fuel costs skyrocketing in the country, good mileage figures can bring you consistent savings for the next few years.
- Look for service centres near you: Repair needs may arise without warning. Hauling the two-wheeler to a faraway service centre can be inconvenient if there are no service centres located close to home. To avoid this hassle, you should review the service centre network of the brand to see if there are any authorised centres within a 10 km radius of your residence.
- Compare your options and read user reviews: Once you have shortlisted your preferred options, it is time to compare them. You will find several online comparison tools that let you compare bike/scooter models free of cost. Comparisons will help bring out differences more clearly. You should also consider first-hand user accounts for the model covering everything from mileage, braking, and comfort to real-world performance. These insights can help you make a prudent choice.
- Estimate maintenance costs: Next on our two-wheeler buying guide is the running cost of the vehicle. Every two-wheeler requires regular maintenance and periodic servicing for optimum performance. While every new two-wheeler is eligible for a few free services, you should inquire about the paid service expenses and spare parts cost.
- Go on a test ride: While reading about the features of a two-wheeler is one thing, actually riding it is a whole different experience. You should take test rides on the shortlisted models to understand which fits your riding style best. Doing so will also help you ascertain if the two-wheeler is too heavy for you or if it is too high for you. A test ride can help you assess various parameters, including riding comfort, braking performance, throttle response, and suspension system.
- Review the resale value: The last tip in this two-wheeler buying guide is about the resale value of a two-wheeler. The resale value of the bike/scooter will entirely depend on the brand, year of purchase, and condition. Buying from a well-established brand like Hero MotoCorp, Honda, Yamaha, or TVS is prudent because these brands have a good resale value. Opting for a model with good resale value will help you trade it in for a new model a few years down the line.
Financing your two-wheeler purchase
Financing your dream two-wheeler is next on this two-wheeler buying guide. Funding your purchase with a Bajaj Finserv Two-Wheeler Loan is a smart move since this will help reduce your payment burdens while simultaneously fulfilling your dream of owning a two-wheeler. This two-wheeler loan comes with minimum documentation requirements and comes with quick approvals and disbursals. So, you can finance your purchase and convert the cost of the bike/scooter into EMIs to be repaid over a convenient 12 months to 72 months tenure. Moreover, Bajaj Finance offers up to 100% on-road price coverage for two-wheelers, as per your eligibility for the two-wheeler loan. Thus, opting for the Bajaj Finserv Two-Wheeler Loan allows you to safeguard your savings without postponing your two-wheeler purchase.
