Test rides from bike shops?

[netsky]

Hey guys.

I've recently got my learners and was wondering if bike shops will let me take bikes out for test rides?

I've ridden a 50cc scooter for years, but aside from that the only 'real' motorcycle was the one I used for the BHS test.

I still remember how to start, get in to first and progress up the gears.


Any wisdom greatly appreciated.


Cheers

[Gremlin]

Yes, most will. Rules around the test ride will vary. Some will have a specific route you must follow (usually insurance purposes) or a strict time limit. As long as your licence allows you to ride x bike, then you would be able to.

You will be required to show your licence, they will photocopy and have you sign an agreement. It will stipulate any existing damage and that you agree to pay the excess should something happen. This is often around $2500, so be aware.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Hey guys.

I've recently got my learners and was wondering if bike shops will let me take bikes out for test rides?

I've ridden a 50cc scooter for years, but aside from that the only 'real' motorcycle was the one I used for the BHS test.

I still remember how to start, get in to first and progress up the gears.


Any wisdom greatly appreciated.


Cheers


Yes, most will. Rules around the test ride will vary. Some will have a specific route you must follow (usually insurance purposes) or a strict time limit. As long as your licence allows you to ride x bike, then you would be able to.

You will be required to show your licence, they will photocopy and have you sign an agreement. It will stipulate any existing damage and that you agree to pay the excess should something happen. This is often around $2500, so be aware.

Come and see me anytime for a test ride if you feel up to it. You can take the bike where you like (within reason of course)...and our excess is actually only $1000.00!






Luckily was only $300.00 when I totaled one on a test ride at age 18.

[Maha]

Luckily was only $300.00 when I totaled one on a test ride at age 18.

...and thats is how much you pay someone to drink one of your coffees?..coincidence? :corn:

[GrayWolf]

...and thats is how much you pay someone to drink one of your coffees?..coincidence? :corn:

That cheap??? :gob:

[netsky]

Where are you guys located?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Where are you guys located?

I'm at Wellington Motorcycles on Kent Tce.

Pete

pmcdonald@wmcc.co.nz

[slofox]

...and our excess is actually only $1000.00!

Boyds sock ya 3k. Mind you, it makes ya careful with the hardware. Well, me anyway.

[Lozza2442]

Slightly off topic, but everytime I go into a bike shop and sit on a bike to see what it feels like I get given the evils. Does everyone get this or is it just the fact that I'm a girl so they assume I'm going to drop it?

Also, no one ever comes up to assist me. I've walked into bike shops before and there will be people standing around doing nothing and they'll go up to a guy who walks in a couple mins later. Irks me.

[slofox]

everytime I go into a bike shop and sit on a bike to see what it feels like

Every time I do that I end up buying the bike...:facepalm:

[Crasherfromwayback]

Slightly off topic, but everytime I go into a bike shop and sit on a bike to see what it feels like I get given the evils. Does everyone get this or is it just the fact that I'm a girl so they assume I'm going to drop it?

Also, no one ever comes up to assist me. I've walked into bike shops before and there will be people standing around doing nothing and they'll go up to a guy who walks in a couple mins later. Irks me.

I'd be surprised and disappointed if that happened here.

[GrayWolf]

Slightly off topic, but everytime I go into a bike shop and sit on a bike to see what it feels like I get given the evils. Does everyone get this or is it just the fact that I'm a girl so they assume I'm going to drop it?

Also, no one ever comes up to assist me. I've walked into bike shops before and there will be people standing around doing nothing and they'll go up to a guy who walks in a couple mins later. Irks me.

Depends on the shop/sales people... Partner has had the 'ignore' syndrome, and also the 'you need to buy this gear (pretty pretty) even when she pointed out she wanted 'functional' gear. Usually ends up buying men's medium size jackets.
What I have noticed is that women seem to head towards a female sales person, strange that?? I think the attitude towards female's on bikes IS changing slowly, simple answer is, 'she' hasn't gone back to the shops where they treated her as described above!

[Lozza2442]

simple answer is, 'she' hasn't gone back to the shops where they treated her as described above!

Problem is, I've had it at every single bike shop I've gone to.
Red baron (was the worst), The one in the Cycletreads building (Is this owned by Cycletreads?), Holeshot, Colemans Suzuki, etc etc.

I often go up to the people and they are always unhelpful as well.

I guess it's the fact that I don't go in looking butch, or wearing leathers. Combined with the fact that I'm a woman, and young..

I've always had better service when looking at gear. Esp from the Cycletreads guys

[pritch]

Slightly off topic, but everytime I go into a bike shop and sit on a bike to see what it feels like I get given the evils.

I always ask before I sit on a bike. In one local shop it takes something like that to get the attention of the sales staff.

OK, so normally I'm not dressed in bike gear when I go into that shop, but if other bike riders come in they usually greet me, sometimes we chat, and that might be taken as a hint by staff of greater perspicacity?

And no. It's definitely not Wellington Motorcycles...

[oneofsix]

Problem is, I've had it at every single bike shop I've gone to.
Red baron (was the worst), The one in the Cycletreads building (Is this owned by Cycletreads?), Holeshot, Colemans Suzuki, etc etc.

I often go up to the people and they are always unhelpful as well.

I guess it's the fact that I don't go in looking butch, or wearing leathers. Combined with the fact that I'm a woman, and young..

I've always had better service when looking at gear. Esp from the Cycletreads guys

When looking at gear they probably presume you are a pillion :gob: My daughter had the issue when looking at boots, always shown ones that would work for a pillion but not the rider, too much heal etc.

I'm told there is a shop in Wellington were if you sit on a bike you get a coffee to sip whilst you consider it ;) although the reports on the quality of the coffee vary

The perception must change as there are so many female riders now days, perhaps you need to sit on the "pretty" bike, and there goes the blaming the victim thing again

[Stirts]

Slightly off topic, but everytime I go into a bike shop and sit on a bike to see what it feels like I get given the evils. Does everyone get this or is it just the fact that I'm a girl so they assume I'm going to drop it?

No, I think they are just shocked to see a woman out of the kitchen.


Also, no one ever comes up to assist me. I've walked into bike shops before and there will be people standing around doing nothing and they'll go up to a guy who walks in a couple mins later. Irks me.

Ahhhhhh, the fond memories. I walked into a shop up in Aucks (Red Baron), ready and very willing to spend, the then copious amount of money I had, on my first bike. However, the Salesmen that were skulking around with their fingers up their arseholes did not acknowledge my existence.

Not a friendly smile or even a warm greeting such as ‘Good afternoon’ was offered. After a considerable amount of time had lapsed (giving them the benefit of the doubt that they didn't want to come across as pushy), my patience was worn and I fucked off and spent my money elsewhere.

Should I have said something? Probably, but given that I didn't get acknowledged with even a head nod, they don't deserve my feedback.

[slofox]

Ahhhhhh, the fond memories. I walked into a shop up in Aucks (Red Baron), ready and very willing to spend, the then copious amount of money I had, on my first bike. However, the Salesmen that were skulking around with their fingers up their arseholes did not acknowledge my existence.

Not a friendly smile or even a warm greeting such as ‘Good afternoon’ was offered. After a considerable amount of time had lapsed (giving them the benefit of the doubt that they didn't want to come across as pushy), my patience was worn and I fucked off and spent my money elsewhere.

Should I have said something? Probably, but given that I didn't get acknowledged with even a head nod, they don't deserve my feedback.

Places like that deserve to fail. After all, you are paying them not t'other way round.

Anything like that, I vote with my feet. And take me money with me.

[Stirts]

Places like that deserve to fail. After all, you are paying them not t'other way round.

Anything like that, I vote with my feet. And take me money with me.

Exactly!!! Just the initial acknowledgement of actually being in the store would have been enough for me. And if I needed any help, well, I am a big kid, I would have approached them quite happily. But nah good old Cyclespot Honda - I think...it seems so long ago, got me monies.

[Lozza2442]

Exactly!!! Just the initial acknowledgement of actually being in the store would have been enough for me. And if I needed any help, well, I am a big kid, I would have approached them quite happily. But nah good old Cyclespot Honda - I think...it seems so long ago, got me monies.

YUHH! At least they're trying. With their 'Ladies Zone' for their gear, shows they're approachable etc. I'm glad they call it Ladies Zone, and not like 'Chicks Zone' or something.

[Stirts]

YUHH! At least they're trying. With their 'Ladies Zone' for their gear, shows they're approachable etc. I'm glad they call it Ladies Zone, and not like 'Chicks Zone' or something.

A Ladies Zone?!!! :gob: I hope it has the appropriate hazard identification signage up?

<img src="http://www.teamjimmyjoe.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/SlipperyWhenWetSign.jpg"></img>

[Maha]

Slightly off topic, but everytime I go into a bike shop and sit on a bike to see what it feels like I get given the evils. Does everyone get this or is it just the fact that I'm a girl so they assume I'm going to drop it?

Also, no one ever comes up to assist me. I've walked into bike shops before and there will be people standing around doing nothing and they'll go up to a guy who walks in a couple mins later. Irks me.

There is a need for female sales people in bike shops no question, why no bike has cottoned onto this very scenario is beyond me...:corn:

[GrayWolf]

I'm told there is a shop in Wellington were if you sit on a bike you get a coffee to sip whilst you consider it ;) although the reports on the quality of the coffee vary



You BASTARD!!! what has she done to you, to threaten her with such punishment? :wacko:

Pete's coffee??? :crazy:

[oneofsix]

You BASTARD!!! what has she done to you, to threaten her with such punishment? :wacko:

Pete's coffee??? :crazy:

So the rumours are true then? :crazy:

[Lozza2442]

A Ladies Zone?!!! :gob: I hope it has the appropriate hazard identification signage up?
Ha. Yep - http://www.cyclespot.co.nz/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=68:ladies-zone-at-cyclespot&catid=1:latest-news


There is a need for female sales people in bike shops no question, why no bike has cottoned onto this very scernario is beyond me...:corn:
Agreed!


You BASTARD!!! what has she done to you, to threaten her with such punishment? :wacko:

Pete's coffee??? :crazy:
HAHA I have my coffee with 4 sugars, that normally makes any bad coffee better!

[Hopeful Bastard]

There is a need for female sales people in bike shops no question, why no bike has cottoned onto this very scernario is beyond me...:corn:

Come to TSS Redbaron Alicetown.. ;)

One in the Bike Sales department, One in Parts and Accessories. So that makes 2 Females in 1 shop... And they aint too bad looking either :woohoo:

[Hopeful Bastard]

HAHA I have my coffee with 4 sugars, that normally makes any bad coffee better!


No amount of Sugar can fix Coffee Pete makes... Better makin it yourself! HAHAH

[oneofsix]

Come to TSS Redbaron Alicetown.. ;)

One in the Bike Sales department, One in Parts and Accessories. So that makes 2 Females in 1 shop... And they aint too bad looking either :woohoo:


No amount of Sugar can fix Coffee Pete makes... Better makin it yourself! HAHAH

Not so friendly revelry between bike shops? :scratch:

[Hopeful Bastard]

Not so friendly revelry between bike shops? :scratch:

I've no problem with Wellington Motorcycles... Just have an issue with that coffee! :sick: Made a mistake of accepting it once. Havent had it again.












Disclaimer: I am not a worker in either store.. Not even in any motorcycle shop :cry:

[Lozza2442]

No amount of Sugar can fix Coffee Pete makes... Better makin it yourself! HAHAH

At least he's trying, even if it is crap coffee it's still 1000000000x better customer service than other places. Just sayin. Shame Welly is so far away...

[Maha]

Come to TSS Redbaron Alicetown.. ;)

One in the Bike Sales department, One in Parts and Accessories. So that makes 2 Females in 1 shop... And they aint too bad looking either :woohoo:

Was a general statement because I dont know the makeup of every bike shop in the country...good to hear though.

[gijoe1313]

Slightly off topic, but everytime I go into a bike shop and sit on a bike to see what it feels like I get given the evils. Does everyone get this or is it just the fact that I'm a girl so they assume I'm going to drop it?

Also, no one ever comes up to assist me. I've walked into bike shops before and there will be people standing around doing nothing and they'll go up to a guy who walks in a couple mins later. Irks me.

Go see Richard at Botany Honda, he has a great rapport with all customers ... he is a complete bastard and often just gives keys to unsuspecting bikers who suddenly find themselves buying a new bike all of a sudden!

[HenryDorsetCase]

Slightly off topic, but everytime I go into a bike shop and sit on a bike to see what it feels like I get given the evils. Does everyone get this or is it just the fact that I'm a girl so they assume I'm going to drop it?

Also, no one ever comes up to assist me. I've walked into bike shops before and there will be people standing around doing nothing and they'll go up to a guy who walks in a couple mins later. Irks me.

I hate to say it but you need to wear a halter top T shirt.... or be proactive and go up to them and say "Oi, cunt! tell me about this fucking bike"

[GrayWolf]

I've no problem with Wellington Motorcycles... Just have an issue with that coffee! :sick: Made a mistake of accepting it once. Havent had it again. [QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Lozza2442;1130390269]At least he's trying, even if it is crap coffee it's still 1000000000x better customer service than other places. Just sayin. Shame Welly is so far away...

Ahh no Lozza, tis why Wellington M/c's sells so many HD's.. A 'browser comes into the shop, the door is locked after entry..... "Good afternoon Sir/Madam, would you like to buy a bike? or perhaps try a cup of Pete's coffee???"

Another 'satisfied' owner exits the store!! :yes::yes::yes::yes::yes:

[Crasherfromwayback]

At least he's trying, even if it is crap coffee it's still 1000000000x better customer service than other places. Just sayin. Shame Welly is so far away...

The coffee is actually really good. They're just having me on. Honest.

[hellokitty]

Slightly off topic, but everytime I go into a bike shop and sit on a bike to see what it feels like I get given the evils. Does everyone get this or is it just the fact that I'm a girl so they assume I'm going to drop it?

Also, no one ever comes up to assist me. I've walked into bike shops before and there will be people standing around doing nothing and they'll go up to a guy who walks in a couple mins later. Irks me.

I recommend Cyclespot - I have bought many bikes from there. I was ignored at all the other shops (except KTL - they were nice).
My salesman of choice is Mike - he is very helpful and never ever says stupid things like "oh that bike has too much power for you"
If you want, I can follow you on a test ride (keep the cars off your ass)

[GDOBSSOR]

Problem is, I've had it at every single bike shop I've gone to.
Red baron (was the worst), The one in the Cycletreads building (Is this owned by Cycletreads?), Holeshot, Colemans Suzuki, etc etc.

I often go up to the people and they are always unhelpful as well.

I guess it's the fact that I don't go in looking butch, or wearing leathers. Combined with the fact that I'm a woman, and young..

I've always had better service when looking at gear. Esp from the Cycletreads guys

I haven't had the pleasure of being treated like that by a staff member as of yet (note sarcasm). However, if I ever was to be treated as described above, I'd give them a winning smile along with the middle finger. Places like that don't deserve customers.
Have you tried Wellington Motorcycles, Richard's Motorcycles in Jville or Scooterazzi? I bought a pair of gloves for my next bike and a pair of gloves for the new owner of my scooter yesterday, the lady at Richard's was very helpful and spent a fair bit of time helping me choose them. And the prices were reasonable.