The inspection you do at handover is the evidence that decides any deposit disagreement later. Walk through this list every time - it takes thirty seconds.

Lights and electrics

  • Headlight on low and high beam - riding unlit between 18:00 and 06:00 is a fine, and a dead headlight is also an equipment violation.
  • Brake light - check with both levers.
  • Turn signals front and rear.
  • Horn - in Hanoi traffic the horn is communication, not aggression.

Brakes

Front and rear, both tested rolling the bike. The front brake should bite without pulling the lever to the bar; the rear should lock under firm pressure. Test them again at low speed before you join traffic.

Steering and controls

  • Turn the bars lock to lock - no notchiness, no cable snagging.
  • Throttle snaps closed cleanly.
  • Mirrors present and adjustable - riding without the left mirror is an equipment violation in Vietnam.

Tyres and chain

Tread visible on both tyres, no cracks in the sidewalls, pressures firm. Chain on manual and semi-automatic bikes: about 2-3 cm of play, not rusted stiff. A loose chain can be fixed by the shop in minutes - flag it at handover, not after.

Fuel, plates and papers

  • Note the fuel level and agree the return level - the fuel-policy article explains the two conventions.
  • Number plates fitted and clean - riding without plates is a serious violation with the bike at risk of being held.
  • Registration certificate with the bike, insurance certificate available.

Body and photos

Walk the bike with your phone camera out. Photograph every panel, both sides, the exhaust and the underside, and any scratch that already exists. Send the photos to the shop’s chat - a timestamped record that protects both of you.

What to reject outright

Bent frames, brakes that do not stop the bike confidently, tyres with cords showing, missing mirrors, no plates. A cheap rental with failed brakes is not a bargain.

If the bike passes, sign, photograph, and ride. If anything is marginal, ask for a different bike - availability changes, so contact us to confirm what is in stock today.