Odometer tampering, or “meter back,” is one of the most common scams in the used two-wheeler market. Sellers do this to make a bike look younger and less used, allowing them to demand a higher price for a “money pit” that may soon require expensive repairs.
Here is how you can spot odometer fraud:
The “Consumables” Test
Parts that wear out naturally over time are the best storytellers.
- Tires: A bike with around 20,000 km should typically still be on its original set of tires or a very fresh second set. Check the manufacturing date on the tire sidewall (a 4-digit code like 1215 means the 12th week of 2015). If the bike has brand new tires but the odometer says 10,000 km, something is wrong.
- Brake Discs & Pads: Look for deep ridges or “lips” on the edge of the brake disc. Significant wear usually doesn’t happen until well past 25,000–30,000 km.
- Footpegs & Grips: Rubber footpegs, gear shifters, and handlebar grips shouldn’t be worn smooth on a 20,000 km bike. If they look “bald” or have been replaced with cheap aftermarket ones, the bike has likely traveled much further.
Check the Digital and Physical Clues
- Dashboard Screws: Look closely at the screws around the instrument cluster. Are they scratched, burred, or mismatched? This is a sign that the cluster was opened to manipulate the circuit board.
- Digital Display Errors: On modern digital meters, look for flickering digits, missing segments, or condensation inside the glass. Fraudsters often damage the seal when tampering.
- The “Alignment” (Analog): If the bike has an old-school analog dial, the numbers should be perfectly aligned. If they are crooked or “wobble” while riding, the gears have been manually turned back.
Verify the Paper Trail
- Service Records: This is the ultimate “truth serum.” Ask for the service booklet. Even if it’s not complete, look at the last recorded mileage. If a 2021 entry shows 18,000 km, it’s impossible for it to still be at 20,000 km in 2026.
- Online History Reports: You can use platforms like Vahan (for registration dates) or third-party service history tools to check the last recorded mileage during insurance renewals or official services.
Ride Quality
A bike which has covered big number on its kms should feel “tight.” How can you know for sure?
- Engine Sound: Listen for excessive “tappet” noise or timing chain rattles.
- Suspension: The front forks shouldn’t be leaking, and the bike shouldn’t feel “vague” or bouncy. High-mileage bikes often feel “looser” in the chassis
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