5 Pros and 5 Cons of Buying a Bike at Year-End Sale

  • Author :
  • TATA AIG Team
  • Last Updated On :
  • 04/02/2025

You may consider numerous variables when purchasing a new bike, such as displacement size, mileage, power, acceleration, and a variety of other factors. Aside from that, you may also be on the lookout for a cost-effective deal.

As trends show, bike sales often peak at the end of the year. The most likely explanation for this is the festive year-end mood.

But is the end of the year a good time to buy a bike? Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of Buying a Bike at Year-End Sale

You Get Great Deals at the End of the Year

As a bike enthusiast, you must be aware of new bike launches. You have probably observed that two-wheeler manufacturers, whether sports, commuters, or cruisers, release new models yearly.

When a new model hits the market, interest in older versions plummets drastically. The dealership attempts to clear out old stocks at a minimal profit to increase revenue and use it to purchase upgraded models and increase sales.

You may also get free helmets, gloves, insurance, and servicing for your bike. These deals can help you get more value for your money and reduce your overall cost of ownership.

Remember that a new release does not imply that older versions or a bike released a few months ago are no longer suitable for usage. It is just that you might receive a few less advanced features.

Get Ahead of the Price Hike

Price hikes are common. The reasons for these hikes are inflation, rising input costs, and new regulations. Bike manufacturers announce the price hikes for the next year in advance, and they can range from a few hundred to a few thousand rupees, depending on the model and segment.

For example, Honda and Yamaha announced a price hike for most of their models in advance last year.

The price increase becomes much more critical because it raises the cost of your two-wheeler insurance. For those unaware, bike insurance premiums are directly tied to vehicle costs.

So, purchasing a bike towards the end of the year and protecting it with long-term insurance for two-wheelers will save you a good sum.

You Get Better Exchange Deals

Bike dealers offer attractive motorbike exchange offers to customers who want to upgrade their bikes, and they are more generous at the end of the year as they want to clear their inventory and meet their sales targets.

For example, you can get up to ₹10,000 off on your new bike if you exchange your old bike, or you can get a loyalty bonus of ₹5,000 if you buy a bike from the same brand. These offers can help you get rid of your old bike and get a new one with ease and convenience.

You Can Negotiate Better

Dealership executives' sales targets are usually higher near the end of the year. As a result, they may go out of their way to get you to buy from them. You can take advantage of this situation and negotiate for a better offer.

For example, you can request to cut the price, ask for free accessories, such as a helmet or riding outfit, or even enquire about free insurance.

Make sure to practise your negotiating abilities at several dealerships for the best deals.

You Can Enjoy the Festive Season

The end of the year is a time of celebration and joy, with festivals like Diwali, Christmas, and New Year.

Buying a new bike can add to the excitement and happiness of the festive season and make you feel proud. You can also use your new bike to visit your friends and family or go on a road trip or a vacation.

Disadvantages of Buying a Bike at Year-End Sale

The Impact on the Resale Value

A bike's resale value depends on several factors, such as its condition, mileage, maintenance, and demand. But one of the most important factors is its year of manufacture and registration.

A bike manufactured and registered in the same year will have a higher resale value than a bike manufactured in one year and registered in the next year.

According to some estimates, a bike can lose up to 10% of its value in the first year and up to 15% in the second year. So, if you prefer to use one bike for a few months before replacing it with a new one, you must wait until the new year.

You Lose Out on the Newer Models

As said before, bike manufacturers introduce new models and update existing ones with better features, technology, and design every year to keep up with the changing customer preferences and market trends.

For example, TVS updated the Apache RTR 160 4V with a new LED headlamp, Bluetooth connectivity, and improved performance.

By buying a bike at the end of the year, you miss out on the latest and best offerings from the bike makers and may feel outdated soon.

You Have to Settle for Limited Options

If you are very particular about your bike's colour, variant, and availability, then buying a bike at the end of the year can limit your options and make you settle for less. Bike dealers have limited stock and inventory at the end of the year and may have a different model or colour than you want.

You may have to compromise on your preferences and take what is available or wait a long time to get your desired bike.

For example, you may want a red Honda ACTIVA 6G, but the dealer may only have a white one in stock, or you may want a Suzuki Gixxer SF with ABS, but the dealer may have a waiting period of two months for it.

**You Have to Deal with More Pressure and Hassle

This one is related to the negotiation point we discussed before. The end of the year might not be the best time to buy a bike, as dealers are aggressive and pushy at the end of the year to sell as many bikes as possible and meet their sales targets.

They may use tactics and strategies to persuade you to buy a motorcycle, such as creating a sense of urgency, offering limited-time offers, or making false promises.

They may also try to upsell you a more expensive bike or a higher variant or add unnecessary charges or fees to your bill.

You Have to Manage Your Finances Carefully

You may be saddled with various expenses at the end of the year. These can include annual medical insurance premiums, festival-related expenses, such as gifts and travel, education-related costs, such as tuition, and a few other things.

Most rent agreements also expire at the end of the year. With so many expenses to deduct, purchasing a bike might be a financial strain.

Conclusion

Buying a bike at a year-end sale has pros and cons, depending on your priorities and budget. You need to weigh them carefully before making your decision. Now that you have the idea of the best time to buy a bike in India, you must equip yourself with the relevance of buying a two-wheeler insurance policy.

No matter when you buy a bike, it is important always to cover it with insurance to comply with the law and ensure complete financial protection.

Take a step toward better financial protection. Simply use a bike insurance calculator, enter your vehicle details, and get an immediate quote for your preferred plan!

FAQS

Which time is best for a bike purchase?

The answer to this depends entirely upon your personal preference and budget.

Is it good to buy a bike at the end of the year?

It may be a good decision as you benefit from discount offers and complementary services or equipment. However, you may have to compromise on the model or variant due to limited inventory.

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