Would ya buy a bike that you aren't allowed to test ride?

**Finn** · 7th February 2006, 21:46

Originally Posted by marty

even car dealers won't let you take a brand new car for a test drive - they'll have a demo, or a 2nd hand one available. find a 2nd hand trumpy and take that.

That's what we're talking about. Car dealers have demo's, where most bike dealers don't.

**Shadows** · 7th February 2006, 23:05

No way would I buy a bike worth more than a grand without taking it for a ride. Fair enough, no cash no ride or break it you buy it, if the seller isn't keen on that then he can go forth and procreate.

**inlinefour** · 8th February 2006, 05:26

I got to test ride a multitude of motorcycles before I made the decision to buy what I wanted anyhow. Only thing was that I was not in any hurry to purchase and test piloted bikes for several months. I was quite impressed infact how many shops allwed my to ride their bikes. I'm now looking for another enduro bike and I'm not forking out for a new one without a test pilot to check if its me or not.

**marty** · 8th February 2006, 06:42

have you thought about this one? if you don't like it just sell it again

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=24283

**skelstar** · 8th February 2006, 07:14

I did see that yesterday...ZX6R(R)'s I understand are fantastic bikes...probably the best/fastest in that class for that year, but I have also read that they are not so good long distance. I plan to do some long dist as Welly has awesome riders, but not many good roads (IMHO). Ill be heading to Auck, Naki, SI shortly after dialing in the new bike.
Test Pilot's GSXR600K4 (Orange=yummy) is another poss.

**Lou Girardin** · 8th February 2006, 07:27

AMPS current list:
Sprint ST, Speed Triple, T100, Superduke, 950 Supermotard, Street Rod, Heritage, Buell XB12R, XB12SS, any of the 5 late model rentals. Coming - VT750, Hornet.
There's a few bucks tied up in demos. How many more do you think we should have?

**sAsLEX** · 8th February 2006, 07:39

Originally Posted by skelstar

but I have also read that they are not so good long distance.

well keeper just did two laps of the SI......

**Finn** · 8th February 2006, 08:13

Originally Posted by Lou Girardin

AMPS current list:
Sprint ST, Speed Triple, T100, Superduke, 950 Supermotard, Street Rod, Heritage, Buell XB12R, XB12SS, any of the 5 late model rentals. Coming - VT750, Hornet.
There's a few bucks tied up in demos. How many more do you think we should have?

Cool, can I book all of the above for a ride this afternoon Lou?

**Lou Girardin** · 8th February 2006, 08:59

Originally Posted by Finn

Cool, can I book all of the above for a ride this afternoon Lou?

Just going up Huntly Ave and back then?

**Finn** · 8th February 2006, 09:01

Originally Posted by Lou Girardin

Just going up Huntly Ave and back then?

Okay, but your paying for the gas.

**Hitcher** · 8th February 2006, 10:35

Originally Posted by Lou Girardin

AMPS current list:
Sprint ST, Speed Triple, T100, Superduke, 950 Supermotard, Street Rod, Heritage, Buell XB12R, XB12SS, any of the 5 late model rentals. Coming - VT750, Hornet.
There's a few bucks tied up in demos. How many more do you think we should have?

So the New Zealand licensed distributors don't assist dealers with demo models? Truly odd. I would have thought it would make some sense for them to make available demos for dealers to share -- particularly less common models that weren't volume sellers. For example, I should then be able to (say via their web site) make contact with Kawasaki New Zealand Ltd to find out where in New Zealand their ZZR1200 demonstrator was and when it could be available to be ridden at a Kawasaki agent close to where I live. It's asking a bit much for dealers, particularly those not in the main centres who probably sell mostly quads to farmers, to have bikes in stock that they may be unlikely to sell.

**Finn** · 8th February 2006, 11:04

Originally Posted by Hitcher

So the New Zealand licensed distributors don't assist dealers with demo models? Truly odd. I would have thought it would make some sense for them to make available demos for dealers to share -- particularly less common models that weren't volume sellers. For example, I should then be able to (say via their web site) make contact with Kawasaki New Zealand Ltd to find out where in New Zealand their ZZR1200 demonstrator was and when it could be available to be ridden at a Kawasaki agent close to where I live. It's asking a bit much for dealers, particularly those not in the main centres who probably sell mostly quads to farmers, to have bikes in stock that they may be unlikely to sell.

No I think the distributors keep all the demo models for management who can't ride, while they add more dealers and reduce margins.