| A | Cold check |
| 1. | Visually inspect the whole bike for any leaks or damage, including under the seat |
| 2. | Check if engine oil, radiator fluid, and brake fluids are present |
| 3. | Check the number of kilometers on the odometer (< 50 Kms is good) |
| B | Hot check |
| 1. | Start the bike, let it idle, listen for any bad sounds |
| 2. | Check the headlight, indicators, horn, and instrument console works |
| 3. | Give it some throttle, listen for any bad sounds |
| C | Final check |
| 1. | Match the engine/chassis numbers on the bike and the invoice |
| 2. | Check the owner’s manual, tool kit, both keys, |
| 3. | Check the payment receipt, insurance, temporary registration, and both number plates |
All the PDI checklists for motorcycles that I could find on the internet were overcomplicated. Part of the reason seems to be that they tend to follow the checklists for cars. Cars are a nightmare to PDI, they’ve got music players and heaters and ACs and sensors and shit, there’s no reason why bikers need to suffer for it.
The fact is that I’ve not really bothered to do proper PDI on any of the bikes I’ve bought so far. The list isn’t too long, a Pulsar 150, a Duke 390, and an Xpulse 200, but all I really check is the odometer, and that stuff isn’t leaking or falling off the bike too hard.
That is also not a good idea though. I bought my Xpulse, and rode it back home some 50 kms, then realized that the rear indicators and number plate was missing. A little diligence is good. However, too much is bad in my opinion, it ruins the buying experience. There’s no reason to be too concerned, warranties exist.
This 9 point checklist seems to be the best compromise to me. Hope you find it useful.