The 30 Point Bike Inspection Checklist
Tap each item to mark it checked. Your progress saves automatically on this device, so you can close the page and come back to it.
Documents and Ownership
0/6Registration book matches chassis and engine numbers
Cross check every single digit. Altered numbers mean a stolen bike.
Seller CNIC matches the name in the registration book
If the names do not match, ask to see the transfer documents.
Token tax is paid and up to date
Unpaid token tax becomes your problem the moment you buy.
Chassis number stamped on the frame matches the documents
Usually stamped on the frame near the steering stem. Use a torch.
Engine number stamped on the engine matches the documents
Stamped on the engine casing. Look very carefully with a torch.
No pending challans, verify with the excise office or online
Outstanding traffic fines transfer to the new owner.
Engine and Mechanics
0/7Cold start, engine fires on the first or second kick
Hard cold starts point to worn piston rings, weak compression or carburettor problems.
Engine idles smoothly with no hunting or roughness
Rough idle usually means a carburettor issue, dirty air filter or valve problem.
No knocking, tapping or unusual noise from the engine
Tapping means valve clearance. Knocking means serious internal wear.
No oil leaks around the engine, gaskets or drain plug
Slide a white tissue under the bike and check it for dark oil spots.
Engine oil is dark brown, not black sludge
Thick black oil means it was never changed. Milky oil means a coolant leak, which is serious.
Exhaust smoke is clear or very light
Blue smoke means burning oil. White means head gasket. Black means a rich mixture.
Chain and sprocket are not stretched or worn down
A worn chain set costs around PKR 2,500 to 4,000 to replace. Use it to negotiate.
Frame, Body and Accident History
0/5No bends, cracks or welds anywhere on the main frame
Crouch down and sight along the frame from the front and the rear.
Paint is even, no mismatched panels or fresh paint on one side
One freshly painted side almost always means that side went down in an accident.
Both footpegs, mirrors and handlebar ends are undamaged
Bent pegs or scraped bar ends mean the bike has been dropped.
Fork legs are straight with no oil leaking from the seals
Bent forks mean an accident. Leaking seals need immediate repair.
Bike sits straight on the centre stand, not leaning
A lean means a bent frame or bent axle. Walk away.
Brakes, Tyres and Wheels
0/5Front brake feels firm, not spongy or pulling to one side
A spongy disc brake means air in the line. A drum brake should bite well before the lever reaches the bar.
Rear brake works firmly and the bike stops in a straight line
Squealing under braking means worn pads, dirt or a warped disc.
Tyre tread depth is more than 2mm all the way around
Bald tyres cost around PKR 2,000 to 4,000 each to replace.
Spin each wheel, no wobble and no play in the bearings
Loose bearings or a bent rim are dangerous and costly to put right.
No flat spots, cracks or bulges in either tyre
A bulge means the tyre is close to failing. Replace it before riding.
Electrics and Lights
0/4All lights work: headlight high and low, tail, brake and indicators
Test every one. Bulbs are cheap but bad wiring is a long headache.
Horn works and is loud enough to be heard in traffic
A missing or weak horn is a traffic violation in Pakistan.
No loose, taped or burnt wiring under the seat or near the battery
Amateur wiring work is a fire risk and causes electrical faults for months.
Speedometer and all instruments are working
A broken speedo is cheap to fix but signals general neglect.
Test Ride
0/3Gearbox shifts cleanly through every gear with no false neutrals
Difficult gear changes point to a worn gearbox or clutch plates.
No vibration at cruising speed and the bike tracks straight
Vibration means wheel balance. Pulling to one side means bent forks or a dragging brake.
Clutch engages cleanly with no slipping under acceleration
A slipping clutch means worn plates. A clutch set costs around PKR 1,500 to 3,000.
Instant Red Flags, Walk Away
If you see any of these, do not buy the bike no matter how good the price looks
Seller refuses a test ride
Every honest seller lets you ride. A refusal means something is being hidden.
Engine or chassis number is scratched, filed or re-stamped
This is a stolen bike. Do not buy it, and consider reporting it.
No original registration book, or only a photocopy
A bike without proper papers causes legal trouble for as long as you own it.
Seller pressures you to decide today
Good bikes do not need pressure selling. Walk away and think it over.
Blue or white exhaust smoke at startup
An engine rebuild is coming, and it could cost more than you paid for the bike.
Price is far below market value
A "perfect" CD 70 at half price is stolen, flood damaged or badly repaired.
What Common Problems Cost to Fix
Found a fault during your inspection? Use these approximate repair costs to negotiate the asking price down.
| Problem Found | Approx Repair Cost | How Serious |
|---|---|---|
| Worn chain and sprocket set | PKR 2,500 to 4,000 | Moderate |
| Both tyres replaced | PKR 4,000 to 8,000 | Moderate |
| Clutch plate set | PKR 1,500 to 3,000 | Moderate |
| Fork seals leaking | PKR 1,500 to 3,500 | Moderate |
| Battery replacement | PKR 2,000 to 5,000 | Minor |
| Full engine rebuild or overhaul | PKR 15,000 to 40,000 | Serious |
| Bent frame straightening | Do not buy | Walk away |
| Altered chassis or engine number | Do not buy | Walk away |
Costs are approximate and vary by city, workshop and bike model. Confirm locally before negotiating.
Pro Tips for Pakistani Buyers
Small things that make a big difference when checking a used bike
Inspect in daylight, never at night
Paint defects, oil leaks and frame damage are almost invisible under poor lighting. Insist on daytime.
Take a mechanic with you, it is worth the money
A trusted mechanic spots in five minutes what takes a beginner an hour. Paying them for the trip is money well spent.
The cold engine test tells you the most
Ask the seller not to warm the bike before you arrive. A cold start reveals compression problems that vanish once the engine is hot.
Turn every fault into a discount
Worn tyres, deduct the replacement cost. Chain set, deduct that too. Small issues add up to a much better price.
Bike Inspection Questions Answered
How do I check a used bike before buying in Pakistan?
Work through six areas in order: documents and ownership, engine condition, frame and accident history, brakes and tyres, electrics, then a test ride. The single most important checks are that the chassis and engine numbers on the bike match the registration book exactly, and that you start the engine from cold. The checklist above covers all 30 points.
How much does a bike inspection cost in Pakistan?
There is no widely available formal bike inspection service in Pakistan yet. Most buyers either inspect the bike themselves using a checklist like this one, or take a trusted mechanic along and pay roughly PKR 500 to 1,500 for their time and travel. Using this checklist costs nothing and catches the majority of serious problems.
How do I check if a bike is stolen?
Check that the chassis number stamped on the frame and the engine number stamped on the engine casing both match the registration book exactly, digit for digit. Use a torch, these stamps are often dirty or in awkward places. If either number looks scratched, filed down or re-stamped, walk away immediately. You can also verify registration details through your provincial excise and taxation department.
What should I check first when inspecting a bike?
Start with the documents, before you look at anything mechanical. If the paperwork is wrong or the numbers do not match, nothing else matters and you have saved yourself an hour. Once the documents check out, move on to a cold engine start, then work through the frame, brakes, electrics and finally the test ride.
What are the biggest red flags when buying a used bike?
The most serious warning signs are a seller who refuses a test ride, altered or scratched chassis and engine numbers, no original registration book, blue or white exhaust smoke at startup, a price far below market value, and heavy pressure to decide the same day. Any one of these is reason enough to walk away.
Why does starting the engine from cold matter so much?
A cold start exposes weak compression, worn piston rings and carburettor faults that completely disappear once the engine warms up. Ask the seller in advance not to warm the bike before you arrive. If you turn up and the engine is already hot, that is worth questioning on its own.
Can I use this checklist on my phone at the seller's place?
Yes, that is exactly what it is designed for. Open this page on your phone, tap each item as you check it, and your progress is saved on your device so you can close the page and come back. You can also print it if you prefer paper.
Is this checklist free?
Completely free, with no signup. Byke Lelo is a free motorcycle marketplace for Pakistan where you can also browse used bikes, check on-road prices and list your own bike for free.
Inspection Done. What Next?
If the bike passed, work out what it should really cost on the road including registration and token tax. If it did not, there are plenty more listed by sellers across Pakistan.