Understand these four things before you modify your two-wheeler 14^th October 2021

Bikes are never out of fashion, and every biker wants his favourite bike to be the show-stopper. You may have seen a lot of tastefully customized bikes and may be interested in modifying your two-wheeler. Different people have different reasons for customizing their motorcycles. Some do it for better designs, while others do it to improve performance or safety.

No matter the reason, here are four things that you should know before you shift into high gear and head straight to one of the bike modification shops.

1. What The Motor law says:
When considering change, the first thing to examine is if the law allows it. To illustrate, if you wish to update the engine to boost its power output, your registration certificate should reflect such modifications. As a result, you must go to the Regional Transport Office and have your registration certificate updated. Minor cosmetic changes, such as adding a sticker, are permissible without clearance. Each state has its own set of rules regulating the use of lights, indicators, license plates, and horns. Before making any changes to your bike, you must comply with the government's regulations, or you'll have to pay a heavy fine. Ensure that you stay lawful!

2. Types of Modifications and their Impact on premiums of 2 wheeler insurance:
Performance-based modification: Performance enhancements on two-wheelers often involve fuel-efficient technologies or mechanisms to enhance speed. Remember, a higher speed increases the probability of an accident. Given the danger, it will surely raise your 2 wheeler insurance premium.
Aesthetic modification:When you modify your bike to look more aesthetic, it raises the chances of theft, thus increasing the premium.
Safety modification: By adding security features to your bike, you reduce the chances of bike theft. As a result, you save money on insurance costs too.
Modifications for the disabled:If a specially-abled person rides a bike and is modified to meet the convenience, the insurance provider will not charge an additional premium.

3. Inform your insurance provider:
Keep your insurance company informed of any alterations you want to make to your two-wheeler. Some two-wheeler changes may result in an increased premium amount. Failure to disclose these modifications may be seen as unlawful, leading to claim denial by the insurer.

4. Get the job done by a professional:
While the potential for heavy-duty modifications to two-wheelers is restricted, you can still make many alterations. Paintworks, for example, are still permitted as long as they are within the RTO guidelines. Similarly, the installation of minor extras such as decals, visors, and engine fairings remains allowed. Make sure that only specialists perform these tasks.

Remember, your bike is a machine, and like any other machine, it has its limitations. Therefore, you need a skilled bike modifier who can assess your bike's capabilities, consider your needs in terms of adjustments, and then begin working on a plan.

Whether you modify your vehicle or not, you must hold valid insurance if you want to ride your two-wheeler lawfully on Indian roads. Also, you need to prepare yourself for uncertain events or situations like accidents, maintenance fees, and other service costs involved before they take a toll on your finances. So get reliable 2 wheeler insurance and forget all the stress.

Click HERE to know about the most economical plans for your 2 wheeled companion.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.