1. Visual inspection for scratches, chipped paint etc before registration.
2. Once you select the vehicle, note the engine/chassis number which is present on the same sticker with the mfg. date
3. During delivery, ensure it’s the same engine/chassis number vehicle that is being given to you
4. Ask the dealer to show the engine oil level and ensure it’s at the correct level.
5. Make sure all electrical components like horn, blinkers, electric start etc are working fine.
6. Ensure all accessories you have opted for are fitted on the bike.

1) Keys and key chains(Suzuki logo)
2) Tax paid receipts and Insurance (Insured for 43 odd amount)
3) User manual (very detailed instructions about Break in period. I like it)
4) Tool Kit (Essentials and some Allen keys more than other normal kits)
5) First aid Kit (placed inside the scooter).

Now that the bike has arrived.....

  • A thorough visual inspection is a must for any new product. I make it a point to inspect it properly, be it mobile phone or a car or even clothes! It is a good habit to get into.Also, check for Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). It is basically like the birth certificate for your motorcycle. It is usually found on the chassis, particularly on the head-stock. Check for any discrepancies in it and also make sure the chassis and engine number matches with the number allotted to you.
  • Walk around the bike multiple times and check for any dents/scratches on the motorcycle. Make sure the motorcycle is in broad daylight. It'll help you better, visually. In liquid cooled motorcycles, check for radiator damage and ensure the fairing is sturdy and in place.
  • Check the bike's side stand and centre stand. Ensure they come out/ retract smoothly.
  • Put the key in and check the odometer reading. It should be less than 6-10 km. Question if the odometer shows anything more than 15 km. Also, check whether both original and the spare set of keys work properly.
  • Put the bike in centre stand, roll the wheels and check the wheel balance. Also, check brake disc alignment, chain slackness, clutch freeplay and brake freeplay. They all should be within recommended values. It is better if you give the instruction manual a glance before you get the bike. It will give you a fair idea about the basics of the bike.
  • Check the electrical bits of the motorcycle. Your headlight, brake light, day time running lights, should all work properly. Open the battery compartment and see if there is any signs of corrosion around the electrodes of the battery. They should be covered with petroleum jelly. If you have any optional accessory like indicator buzzer, check that as well.
  • Open the toolbox of the bike and ensure the first aid kit and tools are all in place. Make sure the toolbox opens and closes without any trouble.
  • Check the frame for any welding defects and look out for the presence of rust in any metal part.
  • Inspect the tyres. Look out for any unnecessary wear and tear. A brand new tyre should have those "vent spews". These are basically tiny hair like extensions on the surface of tyre which is formed while removing the vacuum and preventing it from building up when the rubber is shaped in the tire mould. Also, ensure the tire is of the right size and specification as given by the manufacturer. Check the air pressure as well. It should be as per manufacturer's recommendations.
  • Check your motorcycle's fluids are all topped up. This includes brake fluid, coolant, engine oil and adequate fuel in the fuel tank.

Time to take your motorcycle for a short ride.....

  • Crank the engine and let it idle for about two minutes. Check for any abnormal smoke coming out of the exhaust. After the engine is all warmed up, slot it in first gear and slowly roll off. Look out for any unusual noise/ vibrations. As you gather speed, check if the handlebar is aligned properly. The bike should not veer off to any particular direction. Check whether the NVH (Noise Vibration and Harshness) levels are within acceptable limits at high speeds. Make sure all the gauges in your motorcycle work without any errors.

Final Touches:

  • It is advisable to opt for extended service package as it would save you some money on maintenance in the long run. If you have opted for any other accessories like crash guard, different exhaust, alloys, etc., make sure it's all there. Check and double check all the required paperwork (bills, registration papers, insurance papers, etc.) and also do not forget to follow up with them to complete the process.
  • Personally, I would also go for road side assistance if the manufacturer provides it. It could be a real boon at times when you least expect your motorcycle to give up on you!
  • Last butnotthe least, invest in good riding gear. It is an absolute no-brainer that it could save your life! Ride happy and ride safe!

1. Never accept the delivery in the late evening. Call the dealership ahead of time and let them know that you plan to perform a very detailed delivery check during daylight hours. Getting through your checklist may take couple of hours or more so see that you get an earliest possible appointment (0930 hrs or even earlier if possible) so that you will be having sufficient time to inspect the motorcycle, put accessories/modifications and fix any defects found, complete the paper work, all under a bright daylight. Also insist that no Invoice to be made in your name till you complete the pre-delivery inspection.
2. Some people believe that taking delivery of 'Metal' goods on Saturday is inauspicious, while some insist on a ''Muhurat'', plan and prepare accordingly if you are one of them.
3. Call couple of days in advance to confirm the delivery date and time to avoid any disappointment in case dealer is unable to deliver the motorcycle for what so ever reasons on that appointed day.
4. In the meantime, keep your paperwork ready. Check with the dealer well in advance about documents required completing motorcycle Registration, Insurance, motorcycling finance formalities etc.
5. If any financial transactions are to be completed on that D- Day, carry all PDC, cash, DD etc.
6. Check and verify that your motorcycle insurance starts the minute you take delivery.
7. It is prudent to have somebody, a third person, not emotionally attached to your motorcycle buying process, accompany you during the whole process. And if you can manage to have an experienced Auto mechanic or an eagle-eyed friend or relative along with you nothing like that; four eyes are better than two. This also helps in case dealership tries to pressurize you on any account.
8. Don't forget to take your camera / camcorder with you (of course with fresh batteries, film/ cassette/ memory card), not only for capturing the moment of joy but in case you find any cosmetic defect in the motorcycle, a picture will serve as a proof.
Now you are in the Showroom!
1. Treat all front desk, sales, service, and delivery and administration staff with respect. Buying a new motorcycle could be a proud moment for you but delivering a motorcycle is a routine matter for them. You had spent considerable amount of time in researching a motorcycle make and model, made several visits to dealerships for test rides and price negotiations, now it is a matter of couple of hours more so observe patience and courtesy. Don't lose temper and start fighting with people over there, some delays, and minor irritations are quite possible and they do happen! You’re sober, mature and decent behaviour will make a very good impact on the staff over there and that in term will help you in getting better respect and service from them in future.
2. Don't depend on dealer's mechanics and preparation people to take care of every last detail. Inspect it yourself and if it isn't right, have it corrected. People do make mistakes and forget things (sometimes deliberately!) Always remember that the dealership will be more receptive to making repairs before the sale. So have any corrections made before you take delivery.
3. Part of the salesperson's job is to acquaint you with your new motorcycle's features and how each one operates. Ask him to demonstrate the motorcycle fully, top to bottom, in order to understand how everything works on the vehicle. The salesperson is more likely to give you his or her undivided attention before, rather than after, the sale is final.
Now let us begin with the visual inspection first:
1. Note the mileage. Before you do anything else. It should be as close to zero as possible. What you don't want is a motorcycle with 100 or 200 Km that's been a demo vehicle to every lead-footed prospective buyer in town. Be reasonable, but question anything greater than 50 Km.
2. Look over the bodywork. Do it in an open space and under a bright daylight. Walk around the vehicle several times looking from as many angles as possible. Carefully sight along the sides of the motorcycle, from front to rear and vice-versa, looking for ripples, dimples and dings. Look for paint over-spray on door ledges or around the edges of the engine compartment that might indicate repairs. Make sure seams and door lines are straight and true. Remember, a careful inspection is critical because after the motorcycle leaves the lot, the dealer could reasonably claim that anybody damage was caused by you.
3. Check for alignment of disc plate : Put the bike in centre stand and roll the wheels to check if there is any alignment’s problem with front or rear disc (if any)
4. Check for leaks under the tank where fuel sensor is inserted, and also the petrol outlet pump, Check for leaks around the kick-shaft, and chain slackness and fill adequate petrol and check for the proper working of fuel sensor.
5. Check the Battery: No corrosion should be present on the electrodes. It should be properly connected -- fastened to wire leads and properly secured / tied down in the vehicle. Ask about how to jump it properly. Does it have a special separate warranty?
6. Check for alignment of both the rims: Once again, put the bike in centrestand to roll the wheels to check for alignment problem with the Rims (front and rear)
7. Tires: Are all the tires the same and as ordered? (Some performance tires have several different speed ratings and associated cost levels. Check the specific numbers on each tire.) Check the dates on the tires, tires should be fresh. What is the proper air pressure? What is the tire warranty and where is it? The tires should show no signs of wear, and should be properly inflated. Tires should be scuff- free. Are the hubcaps properly affixed?
8. Look in the glove box. Does it open properly? Does it lock?
9. Keys: Do you have more than one set? Is the remote entry working? (If any) How does the alarm work (codes and disarmament)? Is there a panic button and cut off switch?
10. Make sure tire- changing equipment, owner's manual, plus any unusual items that may standard equipment - like a first-aid kit should of course, be on board.
Then be sure the motorcycle has any optional equipment that you paid for - premium or alloy wheels or an off road silencer, as examples. No reputable dealer would try to cheat you out of these things. But should any be missing, he'll go to more trouble to get them quickly if you refuse to take delivery of an incomplete vehicle.
10) Check and make sure that front fork sleeve should not touch the mudguard or the fork. (Especially royal Enfield classic 500 efi model)
11) Rust on the main frame, especially at the welding joints. (Do check at the bottom, where the main stand mates with the frame)
12) Ask them to open the OVAL TOOL BOX and show you. In most cases it’s jammed and difficult to open. (Especially royal Enfield classic 500 efi model)
13) Check for proper retraction of main and side stand. Sometimes they hang mid-way as springs are faulty.
14) Fill adequate petrol and check for the proper working of fuel sensor. (Especially royal Enfield classic 500 efi model)
Now it is time to crank the engine:
Start the motorcycle. Let the motorcycle idle for 2 minutes and check for leakages. Engine should also vibrate normally. Switch of engine and engage breaks, Switch on motorcycle electric circuit and observe the following:
a. Engine oil lamp on indicator should come on (if any) and then go off after some time on speedometer.
b. When brakes are engaged lamp should glow. On releasing the brake, the same should be extinguished. Start engine. Battery charging should start and battery indication lamp on the speedometer should now stop glowing.
Check the operation of all the lighting systems:
Headlights (low and high beams), tail lights, emergency flashers, brake lights. Check left and right turn signals (front and back -- you'll need a helper) proper operation, and switch positions Do the lights work correctly?
Now it is time to Spin:
You may have already test driven the motorcycle, but this time be on the lookout for any malfunctions. The dealership still owns the vehicle, so expect the salesperson to accompany you. But request him or her to keep quite as you'll need to concentrate - and listen - as you put the truck through its paces. Be sure to take it on the highway, not just around the block.
1. Hop on and sit tight!
2. Ignition System: Does the motorcycle start properly?
3. Listen carefully to engine idle. Does it sound okay?
4. Look at the exhaust pipe. Any abnormal smoke or colour? Moisture?
5. Brakes: Do you like the feel of the brake pedal (even and smooth)? How do the disc / drum break work?
6. When you put the vehicle into gear, does it sound okay?
7. Noise Check. Drive over various road conditions and speeds that you know you will be frequenting. Listen for the Buzz Squeaks and Rattles (BSR). Also note NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) -- no loud thuds, or strange shaking between above 60 Kmph allowed.
8. Watch the gauges. Do they move and register properly? (Gauges include the odometer, speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure)
9. Check the vehicles acceleration and braking for proper operation.
10. Check the vehicle's handling: Can it turn a tight U-turn? Does it make any strange noises? Make right and left turns. Does the handle bar respond properly?
11. Battery not charging glow lamp should not come on.
12. On a straight stretch of road ride at 60 Kmph and motorcycle should keep straight and not pull to left or right. In case if it pulls towards left or right, dealer has to do the wheel balancing and also wheel alignment.
13. Check operation of horn.
After the spin
1. Have a look at the engine. Any new fluid leaks? Check the oil and transmission levels yourself. Take a quick peek under the vehicle and make sure there are no fluids dripping on the pavement.
2. Is every option you ordered and paid for installed properly in the vehicle? So many options exist that it is impossible to make any kind of accurate listing. What is important is that what you've paid for is there, and that you know how to operate each one.
3. Service Department: Have you met the service manager and taken a tour of the service area? Have they explained the specifics of the dealership's service policy and hours of operation? (Some dealers are by appointment only; some are first- come first-served. Most treat buyers from their dealership better than other walk-in customers. So keep that license plate holder with the dealer's name printed on it.)
4. Has the service manager reviewed the basics of the service plan for your vehicle with you?
5. Does the dealership have a free check-up? What period of operation does it cover?
6. Does your vehicle have a 24-hour roadside assistance program? What does it entail?
7. Did you buy a special service plan? What is covered?
8. Do you have a business card for each of the dealership personnel you've worked with?
9. Is every defect that you've noted been properly corrected?
Now it is time to complete paperwork and other formalities.
Read the paperwork! Don't take anybody's word for anything. Make sure all the blanks in the contract are filled in. Insist on having a copy of each document you are signing. Make sure you're paying what you agreed to pay in your earlier negotiations. And make sure you're not paying for anything you didn't agree to buy.
Once you're certain both the motorcycle and the paperwork are in order, you're ready to sign the contracts and drive away. Ask to be shown the internal PDI Certificate for the chosen piece. Check Chassis number and Engine number of motorcycle matches with the Invoice and or Chalaan.
Check the Chassis number and Engine number are properly endorsed in the Registration papers and Insurance Papers Collect warranty card of the motorcycle. Check warranty details are properly endorsed and ensure that all free service coupons are in date.
Collect warranty cards of battery and all accessories. Collect Pollution certificate. This is valid for one year. Check all papers once again.
Ensure that invoice, sale certificate, receipt, Registration, Pollution certificate, Warranty card, Battery warranty card and warranty card of accessories are in your possession. Check out from the Owners Handbook what all items are FOC with the motorcycle, such as Toolkit (# of pieces), and spare fuses/lamps, First Aid Kit etc. If opted for additional warranty (on payment of specified price) ensures that motorcycle details are endorsed correctly in the additional warranty.
Ensure/Demand that the motorcycle has at least 2 litre of Petrol in it, as is provided for by the OEM. Check pressure of air in all tyres and should be as per the recommended pressure.
In addition here are some more tips:
1. Check the motorcycle manufacturing month/year.
2. In case of extended warranty check its coverage and deductibles. Also check whether this warranty is transferable to a new owner in case you need to sell your motorcycle while this warranty is still in force.
3. Get all promises and commitment from the dealership in writing.
4. I repeat here again remain very friendly and decent while at the motorcycle dealership, as you are going to visit them many times in near future. Make some friends over there. You may feel at the top of the world while taking the delivery of your motorcycle but for the dealership yours is just one out of half a dozen deliveries they are going to make on that particular day.
Now about some modifications and accessories:
Remember any alterations, modifications, add-ons has got effects on your motorcycle Warranty and Insurance coverage and most important functioning of your motorcycle. There are several cases in the recent past in which warranty and/or insurance claims are refused just because of such changes. Most common and favourite add-ons are:
1. Alloy wheels
2. Bigger and broader tires
3. Tubeless Tires.
4. Central locking
5. Teflon coating and/or any antirust coating
6. Any gadgets such as fog lamps, High mast break light, Digital clock, RPM meter etc.
What I think and suggest is:
1. Better stick to original tires. The motorcycle manufacturer has arrived at those specs after a considerable study and research, and in most cases it is the best compromise after considering the intended use profile of the vehicle, expected fuel economy, safety and road structure in India. (If it is offered as an option then you may consider it.)
2. Working on Alloy wheels and Tubeless tires is a skilled job and needs specialized tools, which is difficult to find at any roadside garage. If at all you decide to change tires/wheels then check with the dealership and insurance company regarding warranty and insurance. Get it endorsed on your motorcycle documents; RTO also needs to know about such modifications. Also get the tires changed at the dealership as they are better equipped to handle alignments and balancing.
3. Central locking: Its effectiveness is a debatable issue. Simple mechanical type gadgets are much better and cheaper too. If offered by the motorcycle maker as an option you may consider it. In many aftermarkets locking systems (even offered by dealerships) need altering motorcycle wirings, drilling body parts etc. Which is again not good for your motorcycle warranty, insurance claims.
4. Teflon coating is also a debatable issue; by and large it is observed that it is pretty useless. If dealership is offering it as a freebie it is better to decline it and convert it into some cash discount. Altering wiring will void your warranty and may cause serious malfunction in future and insurance claims will be refused.
5. for all other accessories check with the dealership and Insurance Company about their impact on warranty and insurance claim.