New bikes sell like hotcakes, but oldies still have a niche market

Ramkote: It is a second hand vehicles market which is located in the middle of the city. In this market used motorcycles, scooters and different types of two wheelers are purchased and sold. People who want second hand vehicles come over directly to Ramkote market. 

A survey of the market, however, presents a mixed picture. The sellers are of various kinds and with various concerns about the future of it. Though the market has modern and newer models, this reporter saw a few shops which were having a few old model vehicles, dating back to the 1970s and 1980s.

Silky Singh, who owns three shops and two spare parts shop in the market said: ‘From 1998 I am into this business. I started with one shop with two wheeler vehicles like Chetak, LML and Yezdi. 

I sold many two wheelers and purchased many and I earned more profit in those days. Companies now a days have come up with new technology models and demand for these vehicles increased. I started purchasing and selling these vehicles and slowly I came into spare parts, currently am earning more profit in spare parts not in second hand vehicles’.

Mirza Yousuf, a dealer who also sells and purchases two wheelers said that from 20 to 25 years he has been running this business. My father started this business in 90’s and at the age of 17 I use to come to the shop with him. The whole market is full of two-wheeler spare parts, mechanics. You can find each and everything related to two wheelers.  Earlier I use to sell 10 to 12 vehicles in a day now I sell only five. 

People have lost trust on this market, many stolen two wheelers from different states was brought and sold in this market by changing the number and RC and it was caught by police. This is the main reason that our business got spoiled and we are in big loss and also because of online business’.

‘Present two wheelers are very risky and not up to the mark and no long term service and no energy no power. From its looks, they are good but nothing more’ Jahangir Baig, a veteran seller said.  ‘I am 57 years old and I am in this business from the age of 20 years. I have started this business only with Chetak, Bajaj, LML and even currently am selling the same two wheelers. As per my experience I can say old is gold. 

In Ramkote market these two wheelers are very rare, as these vehicles are not for all and are only for senior citizens who have passion of riding these vehicles.  But I am happy with this because some old people whose vehicles are no more in running condition want to sell it and I purchase them. As far as these vehicles go, I’ll only repair and sell it.  This is my speciality’ he adds.

Talking about modern trends, he concludes: ‘Now a days people only want bikes like Royal Enfield Bullet, CBR, Pulsar etc... There is more demand for these vehicles in the market and people are ready to buy it anytime’.

By Mohammed Hussain