Test-riding a shop's bikes: is intended immediate purchase morally necessary?

[jrandom]

A recent discussion brought this question up.

Mully's shy, and thinks he shouldn't ask a shop to let him test-ride one of their bikes when he doesn't really plan on buying it.

I argued in response that there is, in fact, the chance that he'd like it enough after a test-ride to change his mind on that question, and that I doubt the shop would mind under the circumstances.

In fact, in my experience (such as it is) decent shops, when a test ride is requested, don't usually ask questions that go beyond checking that one has a current licence and isn't a blackguardly incompetent scoundrel who'll bin the machine and run away.

So. Your opinions please, ladies and gentlemen (and, of course, I use both terms very loosely, in present company).

Is it morally reprehensible to turn up at a motorcycle shop and ask, mostly out of curiosity, to test ride a machine that one probably won't buy, unless some sort of unexpected epiphany occurs during the test ride?

Or is that perfectly all right?

[BMWST?]

i have told shops before i ask for a test ride that my purpose for test riding is more for interest than for purchase.....they know this,but the chances of selling a bike is much higher after a test ride....drive.
I am completely upfront about it...I do not pretend that i am serious

[Grubber]

Generally i don't test ride unless i'm keen to buy. Doesn't really interest me to test ride just for the sake of a ride. Already got a bike to ride so don't really need to ride others.
Have found in the past that dealers are very good when i do ask for a ride.

[Madness]

Not bike related I must admit, however Mrs Madness & myself recently test-drove a couple of used cars at a stealership in East Orchland. We were trying to decide on which of two cars Mrs M would like to upgrade to in the not-too-distant future. What followed was the most blatant hard-sell, high-pressure sales pitch I've ever been witness to. Sadly this approach left us with a clear decision that we would not be buying anything from this particular business and she's still undecided on the car she wants, typical!.

Edit: What's up with the mighty GSX14, not enough torque for ya Mully?.

[slofox]

I argued in response that there is, in fact, the chance that he'd like it enough after a test-ride to change his mind on that question...


Eggsackery. That is what happened to me last bike change. I'd seen this gixxer in the shop over a period of several months. Eventually I asked for a ride being as how I'd never ridden an IL4 let alone a performance version...I had NO intention of buying it...until the end of the test ride at which point I knew my resolve not to buy was, to coin a phrase, "fucked"...

[george formby]

Nothing wrong with being up front. From a dealers perspective ( I would hope ) it is an opportunity to demonstrate good service & build a relationship with a potential customer. They can only say no.

[steve_t]

I think there's a difference between probably won't buy and can't buy. If you don't have the financial capacity to buy the bike, then it's morally reprehensible to be test piloting demonstrator bikes. If you probably won't buy the bike but are open to having your mind changed, I think you should go for it. Go Mully :niceone:

[White trash]

From an industry insiders point of view, I have no problem with people riding our demonstrators just for the hell of it. As long as they're not expecting to take it all day.

Used bikes are a different story, I'd prefer to keep the kays off them if I can.

What REALLY fucks me off is people blatantly bullshitting, riding our demo bikes and buying out of town or privately or riding our used bikes as a demo to buy a new bike of a franchise that doesn't have a demonstrator.

But ride our demos all ya want, that's what they're here for.

[jrandom]

If you don't have the financial capacity to buy the bike, then it's morally reprehensible to be test piloting demonstrator bikes.

I'd agree with that.

The bike that kicked off the discussion that prompted this thread, though, is a ten-year-old second hand example that's quite within Mully's reach if he wanted it enough (I mean, Mrs Mully probably wouldn't let him change bikes again, but that's beside the point).

So my initial comments were cast in light of that.

[jrandom]

Used bikes are a different story, I'd prefer to keep the kays off them if I can.

Good point. I didn't think of that. Still, I wouldn't let it stop me from asking.

[SpankMe]

No it's not. I brought my first GSX-R750 after test riding it just out of curiosity. Wasn't looking to buy a new bike, but the ride made me decide to change bikes.

[Maha]

Same could be said when purchasing takeaways...
''Dude, do you mind if I eat some first, I may not want to pay for that shit''.

[Mully]

Thanks, Mr Random for setting this up. Been some interesting responses.

This started as a post on Facebook asking for someone to lend me a Harley cos I want a go on one. In the manner of all good posts, it evolved into something else.

I think the issue I have is I don't like feeling I'm wasting the salesman's time (moreso than the dealer) when I have no "permission' (my own and, more importantly, Mrs Mully's) to buy a new bike. And really, no desire to change at the moment.

I always think there's some bloke on the other side of the shop floor with a wodge of cash who will actually buy what he's looking at while I'm discussing tassles per square inch.

I did go and ride a demo Buell from AMPS once - cos Mrs Mully wanted the free backpack that they were offering (which the fuckers never sent, come to think of it!)

Maybe once the house is prepped and on the market, I should spend a weekend day on a demo....


Same could be said when purchasing takeaways...
''Dude, do you mind if I eat some first, I may not want to pay for that shit''.

Our local new Indian takeaway does that - which I personally think is a marvellous plan. Lets me try new stuff without having to buy a big serving of it which I may not like.

[jrandom]

Same could be said when purchasing takeaways...
''Dude, do you mind if I eat some first, I may not want to pay for that shit''.

I was in a local liquor store the other day, contemplating a bottom-shelf whisky that I hadn't tried before (I'm a working class man these days, y'know), and asked the shop attendant if it was palatable.

He didn't know, but called the manager from out the back, who proceeded to open a bottle and serve me a shot to try.

We're talking a $35 bottle of whisky here, not a case of Laphroaig. They weren't about to make a mint on it. But he still poured me a shot.

And, yes, I bought the bottle. It wasn't too bad.

Letting customers try before buying is good business.

[Big Dave]

Any salesman worth his oats has long, medium and short term prospects.

He should properly qualify you for your purchasing ability and time frames first - and then make appropriate investment in cultivating you as a future client.

Part of that investment is making vehicles available to test ride. It's a service that may eventuate in a sale.

[BMWST?]

No it's not. I brought my first GSX-R750 after test riding it just out of curiosity. Wasn't looking to buy a new bike, but the ride made me decide to change bikes.

thats what test rides can do....:yes:......and of course they know it

[pritch]

There's an obvious difference between a test ride and a joy ride.
Riding with no intention to buy is the latter.

If you establish a relationship with a dealer, or even dealers, they will tend to make bikes available. If you prefer to hunt endlessly for bargains, never visiting the same shop twice in months, good luck with that.

[pritch]

We're talking a $35 bottle of whisky here, not a case of Laphroaig. They weren't about to make a mint on it. But he still poured me a shot.

And, yes, I bought the bottle. It wasn't too bad.



So what was quaffable bargain?

[NZsarge]

Usually I don't bother taking a bike for a ride if it doesn't at least interest me as in on my radar for future possible purchase but on occasion I have ridden a demo bike which I have no real intension of purchasing.
While in at AFC Motorcycles in Palmerston North recently I found they had the new 2011 Kawasaki ZX10 in stock and it was a demo bike, it's a bike which I found interesting and while talking to the salesman about it and another new Kawasaki out at the moment (Z1000SX) he offered a test ride on the 10 and I thought why the hell not. I've been curious for a while now as to how well a modern (read new) litre sports bike goes with all the hype around the BMW S1000RR and the new 10 the offer of test riding one of them appealed so i took him up on the offer all the while exclaiming that I wouldn't be buying one.
Thanks to AFC by the way, the new 10 is indeed a very nice bike but i'm not trading my beloved 14 in on one, in the 14 I think I have just about the perfect bike for me but I do like looking 'coz ya never know....

[hellokitty]

Any salesman worth his oats has long, medium and short term prospects.

He should properly qualify you for your purchasing ability and time frames first - and then make appropriate investment in cultivating you as a future client.

Part of that investment is making vehicles available to test ride. It's a service that may eventuate in a sale.

:yes: yep, one night when the shop was closed, my husband and I had out faces pressed against the window of Cyclespot eyeing the Fury, the owner drove in to drop something off and let us (insisted) in the shop. He made me sit on the Shadow to get an idea of how light it was. Because of his great attitude I went back a few months later to buy the Shadow... We have bought 3 bikes off them in the last year.

[NZsarge]

There's an obvious difference between a test ride and a joy ride.
Riding with no intention to buy is the latter.



When I first test rode a ZX14 I only thought it might be something I could be interested in and had no intention of buying one right then at least after all i'm a Yamaha man through and through, still am but Kawasaki's i've always considered good machines and the one and only Kawasaki i've owned has only confirmed my thoughts on that.
Point is the first ride on a 14 peaked enough interest in me to later look at one seriously and purchase. Sometimes a seed gets planted....
When I can't be arsed riding two wheeled Can Am Spyder's will be getting my full attention after riding TSS's demo.

[jrandom]

So what was quaffable bargain?

You know what, I'm buggered if I can remember the name of it. Google's no help; I'll have to go back to the shop and check.

NZ brand. Blended in the South Island from a mix of local distillation and imported Scotch product. Bottled at 37%. Rough strong sort of taste, with distinct notes of bird shit and diesel smoke.

[AllanB]

Letting customers try before buying is good business.

Unless you are running a knocking shop :facepalm: Please come again later sir ......


Back to your question.

Yes to new demo models

And fair point made re used or traded bikes on the shop floor - you'd hope your customer was pretty keen first.

Another point was made re riders using a dealers demo then purchasing elsewhere. - I am guilty of that but it was not intentional. I test rode a Hornet twice then sat down to talk a deal and I was not happy with the trade price offered as it was significantly less than I'd be told it was worth from other local dealers. I contacted the Dunedin dealer I'd purchased my tradable ride from as they were a Honda dealer and got the trade I wanted and a grand of my new Hornets already lowered price.

Shit happens and a inability to meet me halfway at the local lost a deal.

[wysper]

I test ride under two personal conditions.

I am looking to buy
And I have an interest in the bike I want to test ride.

I don't test ride, just for fun, I wont put k's on a new bike unless i am really really keen to buy.

If I have no way of buying a bike, I wont test ride.

But as others have said, sometimes a test ride leads to an unexpected purchase.

[DEATH_INC.]

I won't ride any other bike as a rule, because it may make me realize mine is a pos.
Unless I'm seriously interested in buying it.

[Crasherfromwayback]

I did go and ride a demo Buell from AMPS once - cos Mrs Mully wanted the free backpack that they were offering (which the fuckers never sent, come to think of it!)


Bad buzz! Whilst I don't have any Buell backpacks, I'll happily send you up the same HD backpack if you'd still like one?

[Bassmatt]

Asked to test rise a bike at a Suzuki dealer which I was very interested in buying. They didint say no but made it very obvious they didnt want me to test ride it. Went round to the Kawasaki dealer that same day asked to test one of their bikes, " yep no problem", went back with a bank cheque a couple of hours later and rode it home.
Laughed my arse off as i rode past the Suzuki shop.:yes:

[Mully]

Bad buzz! Whilst I don't have any Buell backpacks, I'll happily send you up the same HD backpack if you'd still like one?

Mate, you're a champ.

That'd be awesome.

[Crasherfromwayback]

No sweat mate

[Kendog]

I have test ridden 20 odd bikes, most of the time with no intention to buy. One turned into a sale that I was not expecting, just like Spank it was the K7 750.

[Iggy]

I have Ducati ST2 and am very happy to keep this bike for awhile longer, however I am in the process of upgrading my car so went to a couple dealers in CHCH last weekend. As I am trading my old car and make the difference up with cash , I went to one dealer and took one of their cars for a drive with only the proof of drivers licence and came back and was happy to do a deal but was undecided on the car, if it was practical for me. I went to try another dealer, saw a car I really liked, dealer said we are happy trade your car and a cash deposit before you take our car out of their yard for a test drive WTF!!!! .. Now I see this dealer has advertised Quake specials, we need your business urgently, well they can get fucked!!!
Is this normal business practice?

[Maha]

Our local new Indian takeaway does that - which I personally think is a marvellous plan. Lets me try new stuff without having to buy a big serving of it which I may not like.


I was in a local liquor store the other day, contemplating a bottom-shelf whisky that I hadn't tried before (I'm a working class man these days, y'know), and asked the shop attendant if it was palatable.

He didn't know, but called the manager from out the back, who proceeded to open a bottle and serve me a shot to try.

We're talking a $35 bottle of whisky here, not a case of Laphroaig. They weren't about to make a mint on it. But he still poured me a shot.

And, yes, I bought the bottle. It wasn't too bad.

Letting customers try before buying is good business.

Did I say takeaways?...sorry, I ment women....:facepalm:

[James Deuce]

You know what, I'm buggered if I can remember the name of it. Google's no help; I'll have to go back to the shop and check.

NZ brand. Blended in the South Island from a mix of local distillation and imported Scotch product. Bottled at 37%. Rough strong sort of taste, with distinct notes of bird shit and diesel smoke.

Sounds like Wilson's

[jrandom]

Did I say takeaways?...sorry, I ment women

I think your point that trying before buying isn't generally allowed in that instance has already been made, dude:


Unless you are running a knocking shop.

Trying before buying is still a sound course to take in such matters whenever possible, of course. Most principles relating to motorcycles apply well to women by analogy.

[Maha]

I think your point that trying before buying isn't generally allowed in that instance has already been made, dude:


And the best part of that is...no 'on road costs'.

[sinned]

I spend a fair bit of time looking but am reluctant to test ride as I may be tempted to buy. An offroad bike and a HD would fit in my garage but I may be unpopular if another bike was in said garage. Would never buy a bike unless able to test ride but have bought my last three vehicles without a test drive and the Mazda3, had never driven one, sat in one and read the reviews and that was good enough for me. I should have never ridden the Hayabusa as I could still be in the Triumph rat cult - going to their rat meetings where most turn up in a cage.

[MIXONE]

Unless you are running a knocking shop :facepalm: Please come again later sir ......


Back to your question.

:laugh:Well there was this one time back at band camp...:innocent:


The only bike I have ridden with no intention of buying (a brand spanking RD350) many moons ago, I was so impressed with that my best mate bought it's zero mileage twin the next day.

[vifferman]

Up until I bought my current bike, I was usually looking for a new bike when I went test-riding. However, when I bouth the VFR, I was only window-shopping for a new helmet for the vifferbabe. While we were waiting for some service, we were offered a test ride, took two bikes out, and ended up buying one. For that reason, I haven't test ridden a bike in the last six and half years...

So my answer would be that bike shops should be happy to allow test rides as it probably increases the likelihood of a sale.

One of the best shops for test rides is Holeshot Suzuki. I'd really like to buy a bike from them one day, as in the past they've been very willing to let me test ride their bikes, despite never finding one I liked.

[Ocean1]

Asked to test rise a bike at a Suzuki dealer which I was very interested in buying. They didint say no but made it very obvious they didnt want me to test ride it. Went round to the Kawasaki dealer that same day asked to test one of their bikes, " yep no problem", went back with a bank cheque a couple of hours later and rode it home.
Laughed my arse off as i rode past the Suzuki shop.:yes:

I've had similar experiences. Twice.

Both shops didn't simply fail to spot a cash buyer, they failed to understand that actual buyers look exactly like those annoying bastards that ask to test ride their bikes.

Conversely, I've been told, (having just written a rather large cheque) by a somewhat more enterprising salesman that the shop was firmly of the opinion that I was just another tyre kicker.


Maybe I should shave more often.

[DEATH_INC.]

One of the best shops for test rides is Holeshot Suzuki. I'd really like to buy a bike from them one day, as in the past they've been very willing to let me test ride their bikes, despite never finding one I liked.
Yep, they're always more than happy.....that's how I ended up with the gixxer back, they gave it to me so I could go with draco when she test rode the cbr....

[SPman]

I bought the SP after a test ride, with no intention (at that time) of buying. I liked it so much that I gave it a month then went past the shop and.....it was still there! Ergo: - it was meant to be mine...the FZR750 stayed behind - the trade was what I expected, and I rode the SP home....the beginning of a long love/hate relationship, and it wasn't even Italian........

[sinned]

I've had similar experiences. Twice.

Both shops didn't simply fail to spot a cash buyer, they failed to understand that actual buyers look exactly like those annoying bastards that ask to test ride their bikes.

Conversely, I've been told, (having just written a rather large cheque) by a somewhat more enterprising salesman that the shop was firmly of the opinion that I was just another tyre kicker.


Maybe I should shave more often.
Interesting that I have found the same and in other than bike shops. I have often wondered why I am not getting a sales person's attention when I am wanting to buy. Seems to happen a lot.

[sinned]

I've had similar experiences. Twice.

Both shops didn't simply fail to spot a cash buyer, they failed to understand that actual buyers look exactly like those annoying bastards that ask to test ride their bikes.

Conversely, I've been told, (having just written a rather large cheque) by a somewhat more enterprising salesman that the shop was firmly of the opinion that I was just another tyre kicker.


Maybe I should shave more often.

If not shaving works for you then don't shave - will save you some money. I often find I am ignored by salespeople in a range of areas. Haven't figured it out. I have worked out that few salespeople have any idea how to identify a genuine buyer or who has money and who doesn't.

[Swoop]

Test rides? What?

Dealers will not allow me a fucking test ride.
Seriously interested in a gxsr750. Dealer = no. = OK, I'll spend $$$'s elsewhere.
Honda dealer = no.
Others = same result.
OK, being an ugly bastard is one thing, but I was serious on all bikes and would possibly have parted with reddies for the right bike.




Mate, you're a champ.

That'd be awesome.
You do know that you'll have to cut the tassles off?

[boman]

Bein in the market for a new bike, at the precise moment. I have taken bikes for a test ride. The gixxer 600, and 750, and a Triumph 675 Daytona. I bought my current bike, SV1000, without a test ride, and although I have enjoyed it, I wouldnt buy my next bike, without a test ride. I had , when riding the 750 and 600, no intention of buying the bike from the dealer. And had no qualms about "using" their bikes for the purpose of riding.

[YellowDog]

I don't think it is unreasonable for the dealer to want to understand your siutuation and intentions.

I do think it is unreasonable for Joe Public to mislead the salesman.

Most new bikes are a big WOW, when compared with old ones.

It's tough not to grin broadly after a test ride and consider the tradein options.

IMO Test rides = potential for more unforecast business for the dealer.

[Smifffy]

When I test rode my bike I had to sign a $2k insurance excess. Is this normal?

It kind of puts one off just test riding for the hell of it.

[Ocean1]

When I test rode my bike I had to sign a $2k insurance excess. Is this normal?

It kind of puts one off just test riding for the hell of it.

I've had to sign for $1k -$1.5k, which as far as I'm concerned is too steep and demonstrates, (at best) a lack of understanding about the functions of insurance.

$2K is well over the top, for that he could cover himself at a tidy profit.

[Crasherfromwayback]

I've had to sign for $1k -$1.5k, which as far as I'm concerned is too steep and demonstrates, (at best) a lack of understanding about the functions of insurance.

$2K is well over the top, for that he could cover himself at a tidy profit.

Our excess IS actually $1000.00 for test ride insurance, but we'll only get the test rider to front with it if the accident is his/her fault. Hey...tip it over and snap a clutch lever, we may charge nothing. Case by case I guess.

[Ocean1]

Our excess IS actually $1000.00 for test ride insurance, but we'll only get the test rider to front with it if the accident is his/her fault. Hey...tip it over and snap a clutch lever, we may charge nothing. Case by case I guess.

I know. :rolleyes: And I don't have too much of a problem with that, but I've also declined to ride, (and therefore quite possibly purchase) bikes where I've been asked to front for much more than that.

Hope you're polishing my CR in there of a morning dude.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Hope you're polishing my CR in there of a morning dude.

Mine or yours? :bleh:233103

[Ocean1]

Mine or yours? :bleh:

Never owned on of dem. It's very very clean for a dirt bike innit?

I made a pair of shocks like that once upon a time, got them working just sorta OK. How do you reckon they work compared to a pair of traditional ones?

[White trash]

Mine or yours? :bleh:233103

I'm telling ya fuggin landlord!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Crasherfromwayback]

Never owned on of dem. It's very very clean for a dirt bike innit?

I made a pair of shocks like that once upon a time, got them working just sorta OK. How do you reckon they work compared to a pair of traditional ones?

Because this thread is all about test rides...I'll do my best to keep it on topic! Not one of my strong points at the best of times. Fox Air Shox are remarkably good for a 34 year old design. Come and test ride my RM400N that also has a set fitted and see what you think!

[jasonu]

A recent discussion brought this question up.

Mully's shy, and thinks he shouldn't ask a shop to let him test-ride one of their bikes when he doesn't really plan on buying it.

I argued in response that there is, in fact, the chance that he'd like it enough after a test-ride to change his mind on that question, and that I doubt the shop would mind under the circumstances.

In fact, in my experience (such as it is) decent shops, when a test ride is requested, don't usually ask questions that go beyond checking that one has a current licence and isn't a blackguardly incompetent scoundrel who'll bin the machine and run away.

So. Your opinions please, ladies and gentlemen (and, of course, I use both terms very loosely, in present company).

Is it morally reprehensible to turn up at a motorcycle shop and ask, mostly out of curiosity, to test ride a machine that one probably won't buy, unless some sort of unexpected epiphany occurs during the test ride?

Or is that perfectly all right?

Twice I went to Vinsens when they were downtown, to kick tires, no intention of buying. Ended up with an RZ500 then a year later a GSXR1100.

[tigertim20]

A recent discussion brought this question up.

Mully's shy, and thinks he shouldn't ask a shop to let him test-ride one of their bikes when he doesn't really plan on buying it.

I argued in response that there is, in fact, the chance that he'd like it enough after a test-ride to change his mind on that question, and that I doubt the shop would mind under the circumstances.

In fact, in my experience (such as it is) decent shops, when a test ride is requested, don't usually ask questions that go beyond checking that one has a current licence and isn't a blackguardly incompetent scoundrel who'll bin the machine and run away.

So. Your opinions please, ladies and gentlemen (and, of course, I use both terms very loosely, in present company).

Is it morally reprehensible to turn up at a motorcycle shop and ask, mostly out of curiosity, to test ride a machine that one probably won't buy, unless some sort of unexpected epiphany occurs during the test ride?

Or is that perfectly all right?

My $0.02...
I feel like theres more to test riding shop bikes than the purchase, I see it as a service, they are assisting you in making a decision on what you are going to purchase. If they provide that service to you, and treat you well, you are likely to go back there for servicing, parts, tyres etc etc (which arguably are more profitable than the sale itself anyway)

A bike shop down here (MCR) has in my experience always been awesome with this. I have on several occaisions been offered the keys to a bike, simply because Ive mentioned that 'xxx bike looks quite nice'
The owner of MCR has also given the keys to people for bikes KNOWING that person has no interest whatsoever in buying the bike. For him I think its about providing an open, friendly service to riders, building a rappore with potential clients, and generally being 'A good bugger'.

That practice has worked, I shop almost exclusively at that shop because im well treated, often given a small discount, and they always remember my name and take the time to chat to me for ten minutes before asking what I want to spend my money on.

Short answer, for me, Nah, you dont have to have any intention of buying THAT bike. But t would be rude to go round test riding just because youve nothing better to do that day.

[Katman]

Test rides? What?

Dealers will not allow me a fucking test ride.
Seriously interested in a gxsr750. Dealer = no. = OK, I'll spend $$$'s elsewhere.
Honda dealer = no.
Others = same result.
OK, being an ugly bastard is one thing, but I was serious on all bikes and would possibly have parted with reddies for the right bike.


Maybe that just says more about you than it does about the dealers,

[zeocen]

I always test ride bikes if given the opportunity. You never know what floats your boat until you ride it.

In the greater Auckland region I've found Honda to be the most accommodating with Suzuki and a local KTM machine a close second (I pretty much thrown on a KTM 690 one time!)

A Kawasaki shop in the later years (when I stopped getting my bikes serviced from them) was like getting blood from a stone, as a result I lost interest in the bikes (and they've lost their business). Although it wasn't really getting a test ride, they normally would, it was just actual attendance when I was in the shop!

Whenever I get the opportunity I'll throw my leg over and give it a bit of gas, even if around the block. As a result of those opportunities I've bought a good handful of bikes due to that test ride that was offered.

[Geeen]

I've tested a few bikes in the last year or so. Originally wanted a 'Blade but after riding a couple decided they didn't do it for me. Then on a whim took a S3 for a blast in Aucks, LOVED it. Things didn't quite click for money at the time but all fell into place 6 months later AND the bike was still there. The only reason I didn't buy it was the km's had doubled and price hadn't changed. Ended up with a newer S3 with less km's for less money. So yeah, test rides are the go.

[Swoop]

Maybe that just says more about you than it does about the dealers,
Possibly.
The new bike I purchased ended up being from a decent dealership whith whom I wanted to develop a relationship and get servicing, (etc, etc) done with.

A seriously interested buyer ended up spending dollars with a good outlet.

[madbikeboy]

A recent discussion brought this question up.

Mully's shy, and thinks he shouldn't ask a shop to let him test-ride one of their bikes when he doesn't really plan on buying it.

I argued in response that there is, in fact, the chance that he'd like it enough after a test-ride to change his mind on that question, and that I doubt the shop would mind under the circumstances.

In fact, in my experience (such as it is) decent shops, when a test ride is requested, don't usually ask questions that go beyond checking that one has a current licence and isn't a blackguardly incompetent scoundrel who'll bin the machine and run away.

So. Your opinions please, ladies and gentlemen (and, of course, I use both terms very loosely, in present company).

Is it morally reprehensible to turn up at a motorcycle shop and ask, mostly out of curiosity, to test ride a machine that one probably won't buy, unless some sort of unexpected epiphany occurs during the test ride?

Or is that perfectly all right?

Moral dilemmas? JR??? Huh?

BTW - What's with you trying to commit suicide by riding your bike under some poor cage? (according to rumour from another pedally the other day)

[jrandom]

BTW - What's with you trying to commit suicide by riding your bike under some poor cage? (according to rumour from another pedally the other day)

Wasn't me, dude, I quit that job and moved out of town months ago.

[Smifffy]

Possibly.
The new bike I purchased ended up being from a decent dealership whith whom I wanted to develop a relationship and get servicing, (etc, etc) done with.

A seriously interested buyer ended up spending dollars with a good outlet.

Many years ago Dad worked for an NZ motorcycling icon in his shop (probably many years before the person you may think).

He told me of an object lesson in not pre-judging the intentions, or financial means of a potential customer.

Turns out the guy who they didn't think could afford a bike had a big roll of cash in his pocket that he had been saving for a long time for the bike he wanted.

Missed out on the sale.

[Geeen]

Turns out the guy who they didn't think could afford a bike had a big roll of cash in his pocket that he had been saving for a long time for the bike he wanted.

One of my customer looks raggedy as anything yet has one of the most expensive stereo setups in NZ as well as Ferraris and such, to look at him you'd think him broke

[buellbabe]

I have bought 2 of the bikes I've test ridden and its only lack of $$s that have stopped me purchasing others...and really how many bikes do I need? (probably only 2 but that doesn't seem to stop me!).

Anyways I have always been completely up front with the bike shop, and there have been numerous occasions when I have had mates from out of town visiting (flown up to Aucks so bikeless) and I have arranged 2 bikes for us to take out for the day. The salesman has no problem with it.

Mind you one of those mates loved the bike she rode so much (it was her first time on an XB12R) that she went home to Ch Ch and not long afterwards she bought the exact same model :yes:

I reckon that satisfying your curiosity about a bike is the only way to know if its something you need and gotta have! And its alao a great way to confirm that your current ride rocks!

[Eyegasm]

This thread is very interesting.

I am looking at purchasing a new bike around August. I will be jumping on
every bike I can to make sure that it is right for me.

Question I have is how long is a decent test ride?

I am really looking at the Suzuki GSX-R 750 and want to make sure that it gets all the ticks. Would it be wrong to ask a dealership to have it for the morning/afternoon? (more than a ride around the block)

[White trash]

This thread is very interesting.

I am looking at purchasing a new bike around August. I will be jumping on
every bike I can to make sure that it is right for me.

Question I have is how long is a decent test ride?

I am really looking at the Suzuki GSX-R 750 and want to make sure that it gets all the ticks. Would it be wrong to ask a dealership to have it for the morning/afternoon? (more than a ride around the block)

Yes, that would be totally rude and unjustified. However, you're more than welcome to use our R6 for the morning/afternoon. :D

[buellbabe]

In my opinion a morning or afternoon is a reasonable request but it depends what day it is cos if its a Saturday then there are probably other people also wanting to test ride the same bike so time is limited.

I do my test rides during the week... and I have a very good relationship with a couple of dealers so am able to take bikes out for the entire day:yes: In fact I have even had a couple for an entire weekend!

[Eyegasm]

Yes, that would be totally rude and unjustified. However, you're more than welcome to use our R6 for the morning/afternoon. :D

Cheers Jimmy.

But you better get your hands on an Gsx-r 750! seriously it ticks all the right boxes at the moment, just lacking the test ride to confirm. The R6 is not as close to all the boxes...


In my opinion a morning or afternoon is a reasonable request but it depends what day it is cos if its a Saturday then there are probably other people also wanting to test ride the same bike so time is limited.

It will be weekday as the roads I wish to ride will be pretty much empty.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Question I have is how long is a decent test ride?

I am really looking at the Suzuki GSX-R 750 and want to make sure that it gets all the ticks. Would it be wrong to ask a dealership to have it for the morning/afternoon? (more than a ride around the block)

I'll happily organize you a 750 for an afternoon mate.


Yes, that would be totally rude and unjustified. However, you're more than welcome to use our R6 for the morning/afternoon. :D

He's not looking for a bike for his GF mate.

[White trash]

Cheers Jimmy.

But you better get your hands on an Gsx-r 750! seriously it ticks all the right boxes at the moment, just lacking the test ride to confirm. The R6 is not as close to all the boxes...



It will be weekday as the roads I wish to ride will be pretty much empty.

What year you looking for Clint? I'll keep an eye out brother.

[White trash]

He's not looking for a bike for his GF mate.

Lol. Maybe we needs to have a little R6 versus GSXR750 battle at the hillclimb my friend?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Lol. Maybe we needs to have a little R6 versus GSXR750 battle at the hillclimb my friend?

Would you like me to remove two, or three plug leads to make it fair?

[Eyegasm]

I'll happily organize you a 750 for an afternoon mate.

Have to wait till I get my full Pete, hence the timeframe.


What year you looking for Clint? I'll keep an eye out brother.

Would prefer 2011, but doubt you'll be able to get your mitts on one of those.
BPF and Brembos...Mmmmmm. But would look at 08' onwards.

[Toaster]

Would prefer 2011, but doubt you'll be able to get your mitts on one of those.
BPF and Brembos...Mmmmmm. But would look at 08' onwards.


The new 2011 GSX750RL1 is very nice indeed. Some nice updates over the existing L0 bike, and they are of course at run out prices circa $16k, so a fair bit of price difference there over the new bike somewhere around $20k apparently.

I am currently looking at selling my bike and moving to a tourer of some kind as my hip pain gets progressively worse in both hips. If you go for a 750, make sure it fits well.... they are narrow and very small. Too small for me anyway.

[p.dath]

I never take a bike/car for a ride unless I am actually looking to buy. I don't like wasting people's time (or having my time wasted ...), or the difficulty involved should an accident happen.

[Latte]

i don't think I'll ever test ride a bike from a shop... might end up doing something crazy and buying one....

[Old Steve]

I passed my 6F first thing this morning - stands and acknowledges applause.

At lunch time I went to tell Dave and Trish at Bay City Motorcycles here in Tauranga that I'd passed. I didn't buy my Hyosung GV250 from them, I bought it on TradeMe, but I got it delivered to their shop and had a full service done on it. Since then they've done the repairs (new sprockets and chain, fitted a ScottOiler and two new tires, I do my own oil and filter changes every 4000 km).

Anyway, Dave said the new Hyosung ST-7 is waiting for me to take it for a test ride, even though I've told him I can't afford a new bike. I reckon I'll take it for a test, maybe write a ride review. Look out for a post titled "Newbie tries 700 cc Hyosung cruiser".

So there's a dealer who doesn't mind building a relationship and letting you take a test ride, even though they know they're not going to sell a bike.

[p.dath]

Well done "Old Steve".

FYI, I personally lost a lot of confidence when I went from a 250 to 600. On paper the weight doesn't seem that much more, but boy could I notice it when I started riding a 600. Confidence came back after about a month or so.

It's funny, but although that was quite a while ago, I sometimes still yurn for the 250. They are just so "rideable".