Should You Opt for a New or Used Yamaha R15 V4 in India with a Monthly Income of INR 60,000?

When considering which motorcycle to buy, whether it's a used R15 V3 for around 1.5 lakh (1.5 lakh) or a new R15 V4 for 2.25 lakh (2.25 lakh), you need to assess your financial situation and prioritize your preferences. Buying used is a good option, but it requires thorough inspection and ongoing maintenance. Conversely, a new bike offers peace of mind and more predictable expenses.

Pros and Cons of Buying Used vs New

Buying Used Motorcycle:

Lower initial purchase cost May need repairs or maintenance right away Future expenses can be unpredictable Higher cost for frequently failing parts (e.g., front and rear tyres, engine oil, oil filter, air filter, battery, brake pads, chain sprocket kit, etc.)

Buying a New Motorcycle:

Guaranteed new parts with no need for immediate repairs Advantage of manufacturer's warranty and first free services Predictable maintenance costs, with service records detailing exactly what was done in previous services Fewer headaches in the long term

Service History and Maintenance Costs

A new bike, especially a well-maintained one, offers a clear path for future expenses. For instance, the service history of a new R15 V4 might include the following:

First Service: Engine Oil, Oil Filter, Consumables, Chain Clean, Lube, Free Service Second Service: Engine Oil, Oil Filter, PEA Carbon Cleaner, Consumables, Chain Clean, Lube, Free Service Third Service: Engine Oil, Oil Filter, Front Brake Pads if required, PEA Carbon Cleaner, Consumables, Chain Clean, Lube, Free Service, Labor Charges Fourth Service: Engine Oil, Oil Filter, Air Filter, Rear Brake Pads if required, PEA Carbon Cleaner, Injector Cleaning, Chain Clean, Lube, Free Service, Labor Charges Fifth Service: Engine Oil, Oil Filter, PEA Carbon Cleaner, Consumables, Chain Clean, Lube, Free Service Sixth Service: Engine Oil, Oil Filter, Front Brake Pads if required, PEA Carbon Cleaner, Spark Plug, Cone Set Replacement if required, Chain Sprocket Replacement if required, Free Service, Labor Charges Then Paid Service.

A typical second-hand R15 V4 in India might start to incur significant costs in the first year for failed parts and frequent maintenance, totaling around Rs. 15,000 more or less. This includes:

Front Tyre (100/80 R17) Rear Tyre (140/70 R17) Engine Oil, Oil Filter, Air Filter, Battery, Front Disk Pads, Rear Disk Pads, Chain Sprocket Kit, Cone Set if required, Clutch Cable, Throttle Cables, Paid Service, Labor Cost

This can escalate over time, making the total cost of ownership higher in a used bike than a new one.

Conclusion

Firstly, I commend your choice for getting a Yamaha motorcycle. If your salary figures indicate, and considering your age group of 25-30 years, opting for a brand new Yamaha R15 V4 M will be a wise decision. Here are the reasons:

Technician Availability: Yamaha service centres may not have all the required expertise, especially for older models. Spare Parts: Genuine spares are limited to authorized service centres, which may not be readily available. Warranty and Free Services: The manufacturer's warranty will cover at least 1 to 2 years, and you'll get the first few free services, providing peace of mind.

In summary, while a used bike can be a cost-effective option initially, a new bike offers more stability, peace of mind, and long-term cost efficiency, making it a better choice considering your monthly income and financial goals.