Caution buying used bikes

[kzone]

at the end of the day, the 5-6K COE is still affordable to many (not all). Its just that we are not used to it.

 

and we dont like it

[filtered]

70% have spoken mah.....lol

[filtered]

yes, bigger portion still the bread n butter bikes. but the share has reduced. Registrations of basic bikes is on the downward trend while "luxury bikes" on the increase.

 

That's because the premium dealerships can offer deals like free coe. So if ur shopping for a lifestyle bike, why not take advantage of the promo?

 

Whereas how many bread n butter dealerships can offer free coe? They don't have enough margins to cover

[kzone]

That's because the premium dealerships can offer deals like free coe. So if ur shopping for a lifestyle bike, why not take advantage of the promo?

 

Whereas how many bread n butter dealerships can offer free coe? They don't have enough margins to cover

 

Yeah. ... all abt margin

[FTW.]

how u calculate the depreciation or from the log card?

 

Cos' the calculation i see, it looks more like TCO calculation.

Edited September 30, 2015 by FTW.

[aimnfire]

how u calculate the depreciation or from the log card?

 

Cos' the calculation i see, it looks more like TCO calculation.

 

selling price divide by number of months left then time 12 will get yearly depreciation

[kzone]

selling price divide by number of months left then time 12 will get yearly depreciation

 

that's assuming the bike value is zero after COE expiry.

[aimnfire]

that's assuming the bike value is zero after COE expiry.

 

Bike value not zero meh?

Unlike cars which have parf value. My car that going to be scrap will get back ard 6k parf value.

[kzone]

Bike value not zero meh?

Unlike cars which have parf value. My car that going to be scrap will get back ard 6k parf value.

 

depends on which bike lar... most 2A and all Class 2 bikes won't be zero

 

value not as in parf but u can fetch if u were to sell. and even when it's "zero" it's probably a couple of tens of dollars at the scrap yard.

[Paikia44]

Bike value not zero meh?

Unlike cars which have parf value. My car that going to be scrap will get back ard 6k parf value.

 

You are talking 'paper value' in terms of LTA rebates. If your analogy is the fact, then all COE renewed bikes will only cost the PQP paid right? Then why isn't it so?

 

Buyers should understand the market. Like any commodities there's the law of demand and supply. Why the heck a old 1960's Vespa be worth more than a brandnew BMW GSA? Why a 90's Honda Super4 NC32 is worth and sought after and cost almost the same as a brandnew Super4?

 

For mainstream bikes, even after deregistering the bike itself could fetch a couple hundred if not a grand base on the parts which can be cannibalized and sold individually. Even the scrap metal can fetch some money.

[aimnfire]

You are talking 'paper value' in terms of LTA rebates. If your analogy is the fact, then all COE renewed bikes will only cost the PQP paid right? Then why isn't it so?

 

Buyers should understand the market. Like any commodities there's the law of demand and supply. Why the heck a old 1960's Vespa be worth more than a brandnew BMW GSA? Why a 90's Honda Super4 NC32 is worth and sought after and cost almost the same as a brandnew Super4?

 

For mainstream bikes, even after deregistering the bike itself could fetch a couple hundred if not a grand base on the parts which can be cannibalized and sold individually. Even the scrap metal can fetch some money.

 

Sorry let me clarify my term of zero value.

 

Yes it worth a few dollars at scrap yard and it may worth few hundred or maybe thousand for the spare. (To scrap you just need the engine and chasis)

 

What i dont agree is sellers either individual or shop trying to pull a fast one.

 

I do agree you need to make a profit but what is the limit?

 

For example at bikemart, there are used bikes depreciate at 3-4k when new ones depreciate at 2.5-3.5. I came across spec 3 depreciate at almost 4k. Madness isnt it.

 

Last time without forum or internet probably we would buy the bull story whatever the seller telling us why the price is such. Now at least with it we can trade our opinions and let others pause, think and digest it then make their decisions.

[teambhp]

Sorry let me clarify my term of zero value.

 

Yes it worth a few dollars at scrap yard and it may worth few hundred or maybe thousand for the spare. (To scrap you just need the engine and chasis)

 

What i dont agree is sellers either individual or shop trying to pull a fast one.

 

I do agree you need to make a profit but what is the limit?

 

For example at bikemart, there are used bikes depreciate at 3-4k when new ones depreciate at 2.5-3.5. I came across spec 3 depreciate at almost 4k. Madness isnt it.

 

Last time without forum or internet probably we would buy the bull story whatever the seller telling us why the price is such. Now at least with it we can trade our opinions and let others pause, think and digest it then make their decisions.

Super 4, those fairly new to old ones are way overpriced.

[honda5583]

Sorry let me clarify my term of zero value.

 

Yes it worth a few dollars at scrap yard and it may worth few hundred or maybe thousand for the spare. (To scrap you just need the engine and chasis)

 

What i dont agree is sellers either individual or shop trying to pull a fast one.

 

I do agree you need to make a profit but what is the limit?

 

For example at bikemart, there are used bikes depreciate at 3-4k when new ones depreciate at 2.5-3.5. I came across spec 3 depreciate at almost 4k. Madness isnt it.

 

Last time without forum or internet probably we would buy the bull story whatever the seller telling us why the price is such. Now at least with it we can trade our opinions and let others pause, think and digest it then make their decisions.

 

Sometimes we cannot just look at the price and number of years left. We also must take into considerations the modifications done, accessories and nice number plate. All these will make the bike a bit more exp as compare to others of the same model. Perhaps 1-2k more. This kind of "extra" charges i can accept it.

[aimnfire]

Sometimes we cannot just look at the price and number of years left. We also must take into considerations the modifications done, accessories and nice number plate. All these will make the bike a bit more exp as compare to others of the same model. Perhaps 1-2k more. This kind of "extra" charges i can accept it.

 

True to be fair to owners we just need to make our own decisions whether the extra justify the price.

Same as me if the bike is done nicely i willing to pay abit more.

However there are some who just anyhow up the price because claiming the accessories and mod worth thousands of dollars.

From my experience, you go to bike shop, shop only interested in your motor and give you low low price but once they got their hand on that bike, they sell touting all the accessories to justify the higher price.

 

Most of the buyers currently in delima including me. To jump in now and be slaughter on 2nd hand price or to wait for 1st once coe soften.

[honda5583]

True to be fair to owners we just need to make our own decisions whether the extra justify the price.

Same as me if the bike is done nicely i willing to pay abit more.

However there are some who just anyhow up the price because claiming the accessories and mod worth thousands of dollars.

From my experience, you go to bike shop, shop only interested in your motor and give you low low price but once they got their hand on that bike, they sell touting all the accessories to justify the higher price.

 

Most of the buyers currently in delima including me. To jump in now and be slaughter on 2nd hand price or to wait for 1st once coe soften.

 

Your concerns not only restricted bike owners, cars owners are feeling the same too. Assuming you can afford the high COE, ask yourself is it worth to spend so much just to own a vehicle.

 

My suggestions is to hold on to your old bike first. If we go with the flow of the system, COE prices will remain so high.

Remember, dealers are more worried than us if everyone hold on to their old bikes. They have rental to pay, employees to feed, COE on hand to let go within a specific period of time, etc.

That is why those flexible loans comes in to lure bike owners to get a new bike.

Anyway, nobody can force a cow to drink water if the cow doesn't wants to. So the decision is still up to individual.

[aimnfire]

Your concerns not only restricted bike owners, cars owners are feeling the same too. Assuming you can afford the high COE, ask yourself is it worth to spend so much just to own a vehicle.

 

My suggestions is to hold on to your old bike first. If we go with the flow of the system, COE prices will remain so high.

Remember, dealers are more worried than us if everyone hold on to their old bikes. They have rental to pay, employees to feed, COE on hand to let go within a specific period of time, etc.

That is why those flexible loans comes in to lure bike owners to get a new bike.

Anyway, nobody can force a cow to drink water if the cow doesn't wants to. So the decision is still up to individual.

 

Agreed in that.

[kzone]

Most of the buyers currently in delima including me. To jump in now and be slaughter on 2nd hand price or to wait for 1st once coe soften.

 

depends on wat bike u're looking for. for bread n butter 2b bikes, more chance for the 8 to 9 yr old bikes to drop in prices as most are unwilling to renew.

 

but for popular class 2 bikes, unlikely to drop in price.

 

I think "best buy" are unpopular Class 2 bikes while cheapest buy should be unpopular 2b bikes.

[superRiderz]

Your concerns not only restricted bike owners, cars owners are feeling the same too. Assuming you can afford the high COE, ask yourself is it worth to spend so much just to own a vehicle.

 

My suggestions is to hold on to your old bike first. If we go with the flow of the system, COE prices will remain so high.

Remember, dealers are more worried than us if everyone hold on to their old bikes. They have rental to pay, employees to feed, COE on hand to let go within a specific period of time, etc.

That is why those flexible loans comes in to lure bike owners to get a new bike.

Anyway, nobody can force a cow to drink water if the cow doesn't wants to. So the decision is still up to individual.

 

I second it.... coe wont be going down anytime soon.

[teambhp]

Why do people have the idea it will go down?

[aimnfire]

Why do people have the idea it will go down?

 

probably new minister wants to make his mark on his new portfolio

[honda5583]

Why do people have the idea it will go down?

 

probably new minister wants to make his mark on his new portfolio

 

Not that. Is due to economy not doing well now.

If economy get worst, some ppl will lose their job or some companies might not make it.

Who still have the ability to buy new cars or bikes when they have lost their job?

 

If lesser ppl buying new cars or bikes, do you guys think the COE will drop?

 

My guessing is not 100% accurate but I do hope that i am right.

Edited October 12, 2015 by honda5583

[desewer]

this thread is very informative. i'd like to share my own bike buying experience.

 

i needed a bike to replace my s4 (coe 31/12/15 non renewable) so i started bike shopping in january this year. i was damn shocked to find out all these prices. ridiculous depreciation amounts. especially from riders who wanna sell you their "beloved bike" and charges you an unjustifiable high price. at any rate, i took my time and found a carb fazer 1000. this model, bike shops selling at 9.5k coe 2024. reasonable depreciation for a renewed-coe bike.

 

i managed to find a direct owner selling this model and bargained the price down to 7k. luckily for me, cos after buying it (engine was good condition) the electricals were horrible. in the few months that i have had the bike, i replaced the wire harness complete set, thermostat, thermostat housing, magneto, stator coil, starter relay, rear brake pads, front brake lines, and a few more stuff here and there. and mind you, these are all repairs, not modifications.

 

i've spent like 1.8k on the repairs, and it's still cheaper than the 9.5k the shop was offering. and i can sleep at night knowing the bike has a new harness, magneto, stator coil, etc etc. confirm plus chop the electricals can last until 2024.

 

i guess the learning points are these. even u test ride a bike, the hidden problems (electrical for me) cannot be easily detected. to overcome the depreciation problem, all riders need to act collectively and dont agree to buy overpriced used bikes.

 

ride safe everyone.

[teambhp]

Some dun even allow you to test ride. They afraid you will find out something. Who would anyone buy a 5 figure sum bike if test ride not allowed. Buyers unite please

 

Sent from my E2353 using Tapatalk

[Orleng]

Some dun even allow you to test ride. They afraid you will find out something. Who would anyone buy a 5 figure sum bike if test ride not allowed. Buyers unite please

 

Sent from my E2353 using Tapatalk

 

And if an irresponsible buyer crashes the 5 figure sum bike in a carpark. Or knocks down a pedestrian should they not be used to the handling/power of a new-to-them bike? Why would any seller put himself at such risks? Risk of financial loss if buyer refuses to pay for dropping/damaging bike during test ride. Risk of loss of license for allowing someone other than the named owner or the subrider operate the vehicle.

[Paikia44]

And if an irresponsible buyer crashes the 5 figure sum bike in a carpark. Or knocks down a pedestrian should they not be used to the handling/power of a new-to-them bike? Why would any seller put himself at such risks? Risk of financial loss if buyer refuses to pay for dropping/damaging bike during test ride. Risk of loss of license for allowing someone other than the named owner or the subrider operate the vehicle.

 

Exactly. It's an insurance issue and not always a case of afraid of buyer finding out something is wrong with the bike. Gone were the days where bikes like cars are insured for 'any rider'. Without insurance coverage, would the buyer be willing to bear responsibilities if something went wrong (not the bike but what bro Orleng mentioned).