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

[skelstar]

Scenario: I am in the market for another bike. I am on a restricted licence so therefore an unable to ride bikes that are sitting in Motorcycle showrooms. Trick is the bike I may want to buy (Daytona 650) is reasonably rare in these parts so I cant even test ride a mates. I could wait three months, but Im doing too many kms on my 250 (hurting resale) and its not doing my riding any good...I need a new challenge.

I love the look of these Daytona 650's, they are dead sexy, and Im used to having something a bit different than most folk. I think the 'style' of bike suits my riding (Im not that fast, but not that slow either) so its kinda a logical choice. Trick is I wont have ridden one before handing over the readies.

Would you do it? :weird:

edit - this goes for GSXR's, R6's and the like

[James Deuce]

Just buy it!

Seriously, it is really difficult to get stuck with a lemon these days, and the Daytona will actually be better than you expect it to be.

I've bought the R6 and Z750, and the CB400, and my TRX in the last 3.5 years without test rides. None of them disappointed me, and in fact all exceeded expectations.

[sAsLEX]

I love the look of these Daytona 650's, they are dead sexy, and Im used to having something a bit different than most folk.

ummm http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=23917

but other than that, prob not as each bike can feel so different to differnt people, mind you I found my bike really weird compared to my old one for about a week but now its like a second skin.

[skelstar]

sAsLEX: oh yeah. Def know about the 675. They are coming in about $14500 so am using that fact to beat triumph down on their price. Truth is its going to be years before I can ride a 675 faster than a 650. Quite like the 650's looks and I reckon its going to be better for high km riding.

[Hitcher]

Test rides? Forget it. They don't exist. There's no such thing. They are a myth designed to insense the dreamers amongst us. Motorcycling Yeti.

Motorcycle distributors and retailers have no interest or desire to sell you anything. Their "marketing" model is based on the fact that if somebody wants something badly enough they will bloody well buy it: if not from Dealer A, then from Dealer B. If they actually took an interest in their customers and tried to sell them something, that might involve a bit of effort and tactical investment in demonstrator models, positioned at strategic locations. They may also have to incentivise their employees to give a shit, and that may cost money. A terrible business...

[skelstar]

How is your crusade going Hitcher? :)
TSS seem pretty keen to have me ride their bikes. Fergus suggested I came in and rode 'every single bike in the shop...hell, take a day off to do it'. But then Im always in there :).

[skelstar]

Oh yeah...this could be me.
Apart from the knee-down thing

[cowpoos]

Test rides? Forget it. They don't exist. There's no such thing. They are a myth designed to insense the dreamers amongst us. Motorcycling Yeti.

Motorcycle distributors and retailers have no interest or desire to sell you anything. Their "marketing" model is based on the fact that if somebody wants something badly enough they will bloody well buy it: if not from Dealer A, then from Dealer B. If they actually took an interest in their customers and tried to sell them something, that might involve a bit of effort and tactical investment in demonstrator models, positioned at strategic locations. They may also have to incentivise their employees to give a shit, and that may cost money. A terrible business...

someone in a sarcastic mood huh?


anyways...I would expect a test ride before a purchase...never not ridin a road bike before I've purchased one...even if its a second hand one thats sitting in there show room to get the feel of what a new one would be like...
but alot of people buy without riding...infact from what I've been told most people buy without riding a bike...so if you want it...buy it...if your not sure...find a way to ride it...

[skelstar]

poos: I hear you. To be honest if I rode an R6, then the Daytona I would be hard pushed to notice the difference I reckon. It would be like comparing apples with apples, where one of the apples is actually an orange (not lemon hopefully) but Ive never eaten fruit before.

[James Deuce]

Actually an R6 is considerably more focussed than a Daytona. The Daytona would feel like a late '90s CBR600, but in a good way. I never enjoyed commuting on the R6.

[skelstar]

Ive heard the riding pos is more like a CBR600F4i. Thats a good thing I think.

I commute against the traffic fortunately.

[iwilde]

You got to test ride, even if it's to make sure that it's comfortable riding position for you.

[Sniper]

As Jim said, just buy it. You will be pleasantly surprised

[onearmedbandit]

Can't test ride before I buy (obvious reasons) and never struck a problem Go for it, you won't regret it.

[Jonty]

I bought my F3 based only on reviews and an inspection. If you are really picky about rider position etc, then you will need to test ride. Remember though that you have been riding GSXR1000s etc and the 650 will be a big step down. You may feel in 1-2 years you need a little more ummph.

If you have a good grasp of the power output and postioning (which can be done sitting on it I suppose), and you are happy with this, then just buy it.:done:

J

[skelstar]

Im sure that it may not be real comfortable. Certainly less than my current ride. I remind myself that plently of people ride GSXR's and the like long distance. MotoBob rode his GSXR1000 around the SI with us a couple of weeks ago. I know im going to be a little sore, but I trust Ill be able to handle it like others do.

[Jonty]

Im sure that it may not be real comfortable. Certainly less than my current ride. I remind myself that plently of people ride GSXR's and the like long distance. MotoBob rode his GSXR1000 around the SI with us a couple of weeks ago. I know im going to be a little sore, but I trust Ill be able to handle it like others do.

You will be fine on the 650. They are similar in postioning to mine and I managed 800Km a day without a great deal of pain :msn-wink:

[vifferman]

I've never bought a bike I hadn't test-ridden first. Not so much because I need to check whether there's anything wrong or not, but the bike HAS to "do it for me". Several of the bikes I'd test-ridden were ones that others had sung the praises of, and I really didn't like them when I rode them. Every bike I've had so far I've kept for anywhere from 18 months to 7 years (!), so I want to be sure I don't regret the purchase.

[R1madness]

Its a tough one. How do i know it will suit my battered old body without trying it? Will i like it?
Well if you read everything everyone else writes about the bike, then ignore what they say, and decide if you like the style you are reasonabley close. Still hard to do tho
Good luck.

[Hitcher]

I've never bought a bike I hadn't test-ridden first. Not so much because I need to check whether there's anything wrong or not, but the bike HAS to "do it for me". Several of the bikes I'd test-ridden were ones that others had sung the praises of, and I really didn't like them when I rode them. Every bike I've had so far I've kept for anywhere from 18 months to 7 years (!), so I want to be sure I don't regret the purchase.
So you won't be buying a Kawasaki ZZR1200 for a while then. Or a Honda VTX1800, to name but two.

[White trash]

This continually amazes me, this topic.

If You could ride without seeing, I could blindfold you, throw you on the Arse sex, Gixxer,Kumandsukme, CBR, Daytona 650 and you couldn't tell the difference to ride them.

NONE of them is a bad bike, none will get left behind with the right pilot on board and they're ALL comfortable.

If I had the money to buy a brand new K5 600, it'd be the Gixxer, no test rides needed. Is it the best? How the fuck would I know, probably not. It's just what I like. 636 is probably the gruntiest, CBR the MOST comfortable and an R6 won the NZ TT.

Test rides are bullshit, all bikes are good.

[skelstar]

viff: I have a feeling that most bikes in the 600 sportsbike class will 'do it for me'. By the time I have spent enough time on it to know better, Ill be comfortable with what I have bought (I reckon).

I reckon to a certain extent you have to rely on multiple reviews that agree on the aspects of the bike that you find desireable: ie semi-comfort (tick), excellent handling (tick), sex-on-2wheels (tick), not that far off the pace that its going to hold you back a bit later (tick), a 'known quantity' (tick)....IOM TT class win? (tick)

[emaN]

but alot of people buy without riding...infact from what I've been told most people buy without riding a bike...

how?
do they blindly go by what journos & mates say?

i don't get it.

[skelstar]

Bought my current bike without riding it (too scared - first bike)...relying on mates and predominantly agreeing journos for the next one...

[vifferman]

So you won't be buying a Kawasaki ZZR1200 for a while then. Or a Honda VTX1800, to name but two.
No.
But that doesn't mean there isn't a possibility that in the future I might buy a bike without first riding it, or without riding it first.
I've actually been thinking lately about buying an ST1300, so's the vifferbabe and I can investigate the country in comfort. Shame they look so weird.

[Devil]

I'd never buy without test riding (unless it was something totally uber cool and I had the disposable money).

While I was test riding before buying the triumph, I discovered a whole lot of little things about the other bikes that often hadn't been mentioned in reviews, which made me decide against wanting one. Vibrations here and there, particular riding positions, boring noises, engine characteristics.

If it was going to be a bike that I was going to have for a couple of years, I would definately be testing first. Why change 6 months down the track when you can find the right bike in the first place?

[Devil]

No.
But that doesn't mean there isn't a possibility that in the future I might buy a bike without first riding it, or without riding it first.
I've actually been thinking lately about buying an ST1300, so's the vifferbabe and I can investigate the country in comfort. Shame they look so weird.
FJR1300!
So nice!

[skelstar]

Good point Devil.
Can you imagine the feeling? Id be flying (or whatever) to NP and shelling out a fair bit of cash and then riding my new bike all the way home (wgtn). First >250cc, first sportsbike, first inline4, first Triumph! Crazyness...:weird:

[madboy]

Skelstar, given how you overanalyse everything to the nnnnth degree, I strongly recommend you don't buy anything until you've test ridden it first.

Me personally, I don't give a rats about the differences. I decide what price bracket and what performance bracket I'm looking at, then it just comes down to what looks best, and dare I say it, which dealer I like the best. As Jimmy said, there's bugger all between them. Hence why it'll prob be an R1 next for me.

By the way, you can test ride a 636 for a week if you like while I'm chilled out in Surfers. Darkman will need it at some stage to continue his wee little project :sherlock:

[Monsterbishi]

Always try before you buy, there's always little things that can be annoying, like peg height, tank shape, etc.

Only bike I'd buy without test riding would be a free one.

[motobob]

Bought my current bike without riding it (too scared - first bike)...relying on mates and predominantly agreeing journos for the next one...

Good to see every one is split down the middleon this subject. Test ride is good if you can arrange one but You usually know which bike you really want. If you like the look and feel of the 650 go with it sean. The bike is a good choice for your style of riding Sean. They are fast, handle brilliant and look different. They also have a classy name.

Can I be the first to give it the "ramp test" :msn-wink:

As for this "I don't ride fast" crap. Sean you ride exremelywell for your experience. We were impressed with the way the Comet was always close by. :niceone:

[skelstar]

madboy: yeah youre right. I do tend to over analyse things. Its mostly cause im bored at work. Too much time in the day to think.
Not a bad offer though. Wouldnt mind one ride...

[skelstar]

As for this "I don't ride fast" crap.
Weeelll...I just dont like to make myself out to be one of the welly-hardcore or anything :).

[Slingshot]

The way I see it, there are two reasons for test riding:
1. To see if you like the way a particular model feels, handles, brakes, etc.
2. To get a feel for any mechanical problems.

If you're buying from a dealer, number 2 shouldn't be too much of a problem. For number one though, I would suggest you ride as many bikes as you can (shame that you can't ride any :Pokey: ).

When I was shopping for a new bike, I spent the better part of a day in Motorad testing bikes. I found that some just felt too similar to my old CBR and some were uncomfortable. I decided that the R6 fitted me quite well so I took it home for a couple of days for a decent test.

On the other hand, when I brought the CBR600 I went pillion around the block and then handed over the cash and I ended up loving it.

[Slingshot]

Weeelll...I just dont like to make myself out to be one of the welly-hardcore or anything :).

The welly-hardcore is a urban legend.

[Finn]

I would never buy a bike without riding it first. When I was first looking at bikes I was keen on a Duc 999s but no one in Auckland had them and said that even if they did I wouldn't be able to ride it without putting a deposit down. .. in other words you'd have to own it first. Besides being over priced, I don't put up with that type of bullshit. The dealer that sold me my dirt bike noticed me looking at the Repsol and said take it for a spin. Thanks & sold.

I can understand dealers being cautious about all the tyre kickers and hoons that don't have any money and just want to go for a blat but I think alot of them are overly precious about their bikes.

[skelstar]

Ive been lucky enough to ride a few bikes (thanks those below). Was enough to know I didnt want a v-twin (yet) and that inline4's feel brilliant. Know enough that I will have a blackbird (or similar) in the NTDFuture.

[Skunk]

I've got to agree with WT. There are no bad bikes.

I've brought two new bikes that weren't even in this country.
One I hadn't even seen pictures of.

Neither disappointed.

[skelstar]

I was offered a ride on the Hyo650R by a dealer when I was on my L. Thought that was pretty cool of him. Pity they dont sell Triumphs cause I would def buy a bike off THEM/him again. :niceone:

[White trash]

I can understand dealers being cautious about all the tyre kickers and hoons that don't have any money and just want to go for a blat but I think alot of them are overly precious about their bikes.

That's not the issue. Motorcycle dealers in NZ aren't multi millionaire ripp off artists, contrary to popular belief. They are in fact all enthuisiasts to our sport and in it for the love of it.

Not too many shops can afford to have a $30K demo bie sitting there as they actually have to own these bikes.

So think like this next time you're after a test ride. How many franchises does this shop have? How many models are there for each franchise? How the fuck can I expect them to have a demonstrator of every single model?

[Slingshot]

I can understand dealers being cautious about all the tyre kickers and hoons that don't have any money and just want to go for a blat but I think alot of them are overly precious about their bikes.

That's why it's good to build up a relationship with a particular dealer and salesman.

[Devil]

I was offered a ride on the Hyo650R by a dealer when I was on my L. Thought that was pretty cool of him. Pity they dont sell Triumphs cause I would def buy a bike off THEM/him again. :niceone:
If you want a Triumph, come and talk to Holeshot up here. Awesome buying experience. Let me test ride almost everything and take the finalists home for the night for the pillion approval and longer ride.

[skelstar]

The trick (and crux) is I am on my restricted licence. ;)

[cowpoos]

buy a gixxer....you knowu wanna.... :spudwave:

[sAsLEX]

The trick (and crux) is I am on my restricted licence. ;)

some have track days where the more popular bikes can be ridden, under supervision, but obviously they cant do this for every customer as costs would ruin their livelyhood.

[skelstar]

poos: well this one is looking good:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=24072

[cowpoos]

yes...yes it is....I bloody nice lookin bike....I like the colour.... buy it :niceone:

you have the Poo's seal of approvl on that one :sherlock:

[skelstar]

Sentences with the words 'poos' and 'seal' are ones to avoid.
I appreciate the endorsement though.

[SpankMe]

I brought my SV650s and my current SV1000s without taking them for a test ride and I certainly wasn't disappointed. But the reason I didn't take a test ride was because there was no demo bike available and I wasn't prepared to wait for one.

But I had read many reviews before hand which had already convinced me, so I suggest you find reviews of the bike your looking at.

[Finn]

That's not the issue. Motorcycle dealers in NZ aren't multi millionaire ripp off artists, contrary to popular belief. They are in fact all enthuisiasts to our sport and in it for the love of it.

Not too many shops can afford to have a $30K demo bie sitting there as they actually have to own these bikes.

So think like this next time you're after a test ride. How many franchises does this shop have? How many models are there for each franchise? How the fuck can I expect them to have a demonstrator of every single model?

Doesn't change a thing. If I can't test ride the bike I'm interested in, then I'm not going to buy it. I don't give a shit about the financial status of the dealer. It's all about me.

[skelstar]

I would have to agree with Finn. Although due to the size of the market in NZ, riders/customers will have to be prepared to compromise. If you want a demo ride, then you might have to be prepared to go to another city/island to find what you want.

Trick with bikes is that the differences between each model of bike is more pronounced than what you'd find in the car models I would say.

[White trash]

Doesn't change a thing. If I can't test ride the bike I'm interested in, then I'm not going to buy it. I don't give a shit about the financial status of the dealer. It's all about me.

Then you're a minority, within a minority sport mate. I see a hell of alot of late model Ducatis around and very few demonstrators. Seems most people aren't as concerned with getting a bike they don't like as you.

[The_Dover]

I'm with Finn on this one ladies, even if he is a Honda riding, SUV driving.....

I had my heart set on a 636 for a long time. Until I rode it. I hated it and continued to ride whatever else I could get my hands on until I found something that made my arse say yes.

[Colapop]

You've been looking for awhile, so I think patience is your friend. You'll end up with a bike you want and really like. Even the same model sometimes can feel different to the one you get. :calm: Stay calm and get the one you want.

[phoenixgtr]

Can you imagine the feeling? Id be flying (or whatever) to NP and shelling out a fair bit of cash and then riding my new bike all the way home (wgtn). First >250cc, first sportsbike, first inline4, first Triumph! Crazyness...:weird:

You're excited, arent you Skel? Hell, I would be.

You can't even wait a couple of months till you got your full? I've got more than a year till I can get a big bike. Imagine how many k's I would have done on my little beastie by then, (provided the missus lets me go for rides). Personally, I think you should test ride. Not only would it tell you about the bikes but it would be great fun!!

[Finn]

I'm with Finn on this one ladies, even if he is a Honda riding, SUV driving.....

I had my heart set on a 636 for a long time. Until I rode it. I hated it and continued to ride whatever else I could get my hands on until I found something that made my arse say yes.

Hey, the SUV is for the Misses. She needs it for tennis practice. I only use it to tow the dirt bikes around and when I'm in the mood for carnage.

[Finn]

Then you're a minority, within a minority sport mate. I see a hell of alot of late model Ducatis around and very few demonstrators. Seems most people aren't as concerned with getting a bike they don't like as you.

Nothing wrong with being a minority in NZ. Obviously.

[skelstar]

I know it seems stupid (3 months) but I have a host of events/trips I want to do before the weather turns to shit. The miles are getting up a bit on the trusty, and apart from wanting to avoid running the bike harder than I would like, I just dont want to put kms on it. A sensible person would just not ride for a while if they were really worried about it, but wheres the fun in that?

[phoenixgtr]

A sensible person would just not ride for a while if they were really worried about it, but wheres the fun in that?

Why would anyone want to do that? Ride less? Nah!!

I know what you mean tho Skel

[Mooch]

Take a holiday to the UK where you can ride them all.

It's a real problem in NZ trying to get a test ride on a new model, my wife brought her last bike without a test ride. I don't think she was ever 100 % happy about her choice. Will be interesting to see what she buys on our NZ return , because if she can't demo it , she won't be buying it. I think she's got her eye on a similar bike.

Last bike I brought the dealer had no problem with a road test before buying, deal was done shortly after.

Saw the new 675 in London on the weekend , I like :eek:

[Scouse]

Test rides? Forget it. They don't exist. There's no such thing. They are a myth designed to insense the dreamers amongst us. Motorcycling Yeti.

Motorcycle distributors and retailers have no interest or desire to sell you anything. Their "marketing" model is based on the fact that if somebody wants something badly enough they will bloody well buy it: if not from Dealer A, then from Dealer B. If they actually took an interest in their customers and tried to sell them something, that might involve a bit of effort and tactical investment in demonstrator models, positioned at strategic locations. They may also have to incentivise their employees to give a shit, and that may cost money. A terrible business...Ah another reason why Auckland is better than south of Hamilton no problems getting test rides up here

[skidMark]

Oh yeah...this could be me.
Apart from the knee-down thing

how much would you be looking for for the hyosung :msn-wink:

[skidMark]

Ah another reason why Auckland is better than south of Hamilton no problems getting test rides up here


most shops go something like this...

of course sir three bags full sir...

well yer in auckland at least

[Jackrat]

I've never bought a bike without a test ride,they've all been almost a done deal anyway but I like to know it's actualy got 5 gears an they all go foward.
If you have the money or can prove you can get finance then I don't see why anybody would knock you back.
If I am ever turned down I'll just buy the next bike.
And AUCKLAND dealers rock!!!

[skelstar]

Woo, I dont know how much. I think Ill be buying before selling...so watch this space I guess.

[mstriumph]

Test rides? Forget it. They don't exist. There's no such thing. They are a myth designed to insense the dreamers amongst us. Motorcycling Yeti.

Motorcycle distributors and retailers have no interest or desire to sell you anything. Their "marketing" model is based on the fact that if somebody wants something badly enough they will bloody well buy it: if not from Dealer A, then from Dealer B. If they actually took an interest in their customers and tried to sell them something, that might involve a bit of effort and tactical investment in demonstrator models, positioned at strategic locations. They may also have to incentivise their employees to give a shit, and that may cost money. A terrible business...
you are upset, aren't you ...
:grouphug:
otherwise you'd have realised there's no such word as incentivise

... although - it's attractive, logical, rolls off the tongue ....... hell, why NOT?!! ...

[Hitcher]

in·cen·tiv·ise Pronunciation Key (n-snt-vz)
tr.v. in·cen·tiv·ised, in·cen·tiv·is·ing, in·cen·tiv·is·es

To offer incentives or an incentive to; motivate: “This bill will help incentivize everybody to solve that part of the problem” (Richard A. Gephardt).

Unfortunately yes, there is such a word. And yes I am ailing and have become scratchy, irritable and downright crotchety. For that I apologise. I should know better and behave in a manner more befitting my alleged maturity. Motorcycles are a powerful addiction and I am not doing "cold turkey" very well.

[far queue]

Doesn't change a thing. If I can't test ride the bike I'm interested in, then I'm not going to buy it. I don't give a shit about the financial status of the dealer. It's all about me.

Damn right. When I bought the DR650 my local dealer (Sportzone) wouldn't give me a test ride unless I signed the paperwork saying I would buy it first, in which case what was the point of a test ride? I asked if he could think of any other way I might get a test ride, but he just wasn't interested. He already knew me too, from when when I bought the bike I already had off him.

So I rang the Suzuki dealer down the road at Amberley (Arthur Bourke), who said they didn't have a DR in stock but they were happy to get one from Suzuki NZ for me to have a ride on with no obligations. But, they suggested I ring the Ashburton dealer (Jeff Marshall) first to see what he had, and if he couldn't help, to ring them back and they'd get it organised for me.

Well, Jeff from Ashburton had only just sold a new DR to a guy here in Chch and arranged for me to get a ride on that. I believe Jeff arranged some goodies for the guy as thanks. AND Jeff drove up here (80km away) to pick up my old bike to take away to assess for a trade in price, saying that if I wasn't happy with the deal he'd return the bike with no problems. What a difference in dealerships.

I was tossing up between an XT600 and the DR650 at the time. I had done plenty of research on the 2 bikes and had ridden an XT, but still wasn't sure on which bike to choose. If I couldn't get a test ride on a DR I would've bought the XT. That ride that Jeff arranged made it real clear that the DR was the bike for me.

Sooooo, I bought the bike from Jeff, and he threw in a Ventura pack rack as well. Jeff was great to deal with as were the rest of the team there. I normally whip off the dealers stickers when I buy a new bike or car, but Jeffs stickers are still on there so any locals who see the bike will know there's an alternative to sportzone.

Thanks very much to Arthur Burke from Amberley and Jeff Marshall from Ashburton both offering great service ... and test rides.

By the way Jeff Marshall and Arthur Burke are small dealerships mainly serving the farming community whereas Sportzone is a much larger larger city dealership. Maybe it's the friendliness of country folk that has a lot to do with it.

Go for a test ride, they'll find a way to give you one if they really want to.

[mikey]

just go buy a bike man

im onto my 4th in a week.

didnt test ride any.

porobably should of got a few checked out though

shouldn be a problem on new bikes htough.

an they hyobagPOSedition wont crap out on you.

[cowpoos]

So I rang the Suzuki dealer down the road at Amberley (Arthur Bourke), who said they didn't have a DR in stock but they were happy to get one from Suzuki NZ for me to have a ride on with no obligations. .

I will agree with you about aurther burkes...they are bloody brillent to deal with...and I to had problems with sportszone after paying cash for a brand new bike from them...which arther bourkes sorted for me and rang sportszone to give them a ear full...and sportzone sent me out a $100 voucher as a apology....

[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.

of course not having a full licence probably makes this whole discussion moot :)

[2much]

Go for it Skelstar.

If I still had my Daytona 600 I'ld let you try that. Mate, I brought my one without even seeing it let alone riding it. I promise you won't be disappointed, they're an awesome bike and will out-handle pretty much anything else on the road........ Just gimme a blat when you get it ;)

[skelstar]

Sure thing 2much.
Will also be moot if NPMC dont let me have the bike for the price i want.

[Mental Trousers]

I bought mine without even seeing it. Mind you, I bought it off Frosty. However, I only knew of him through kb and didn't know he is a car salesman!!! Dodgy untrustworthy bastards they are!!!!

Love the bike btw.

[Mental Trousers]

Go for it Skelstar.

If I still had my Daytona 600 I'ld let you try that. Mate, I brought my one without even seeing it let alone riding it. I promise you won't be disappointed, they're an awesome bike and will out-handle pretty much anything else on the road........ Just gimme a blat when you get it ;)

Just make sure he isn't chasing a blond on a 600 and the bike should survive :rofl:

[Finn]

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]

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]

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.:corn:

[marty]

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

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

[skelstar]

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]

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]

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

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

[Finn]

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]

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

Just going up Huntly Ave and back then?

[Finn]

Just going up Huntly Ave and back then?

Okay, but your paying for the gas.

[Hitcher]

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]

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.

[skelstar]

Well for what its worth the Daytona 650 is now out of the equation. Just too much.

There is a host of ZX6R's and GSXR600k4's around for about $12000 :)

[Lou Girardin]

So the New Zealand licensed distributors don't assist dealers with demo models?

There are some minor incentives to put on a demo, it doesn't help that much.

[Devil]

Well for what its worth the Daytona 650 is now out of the equation. Just too much.

There is a host of ZX6R's and GSXR600k4's around for about $12000 :)
$12k will get you a brand new Speed Four with 2 year warranty, unlimited k's...
$12.5k will get you an SV1000SK6 from holeshot...

[skelstar]

Yeah, thought about the S4 for ages but decided that I wanted a fairing. Also want an inline4 but the SV would be pretty awesome :).

[Devil]

The SV1000 is very friendly bike, I wouldnt be scared off the engine size at all. Bargain and a half. The naked one was the second choice to the speed four. I wasn't quite up to the riding position of the S model though.

[mikey]

ill let you test ride the whale. its everything your lookin for in a bike.

[The_Dover]

ill let you test ride the whale. its everything your lookin for in a bike.

Is that what you call your missus? Most chicks wouldn't stand for that.

[mikey]

Is that what you call your missus? Most chicks wouldn't stand for that.

call her what anyhting i want
she actually fukn hot, quite un whale like.
hotter than anything you'll ever tap.
that includes anyhting you'll pay for.
haha you maruader rider!

[The_Dover]

she actually fukn hot, quite un whale like.


Just not too bright eh?

[MD]

Its the new models we have to take a punt on and that's part of the fun. Bought a fair few new bikes without a test ride. Never regretted it. And if it did turn out to not be your cup of tea, there is no law against selling it. Not exactly the end of the world.
We can't expect every shop to fork out their money on new bikes as demos when we all know they must eventually sell them as ex-demos for a fair loss in depreciation. I know I would never buy an ex-demo.
Saslex said the new 675 wil be $14,500 - I wish. Shit if that's true I'd be in like a rat up a drainpipe, no test required. But I reckon they will be more $16500, closer to $17k in line with the exclusiveness and incomparable words Triumph mareketing are throwing around.
getting back to demos. WMCC have a TS/triple in at the mo and lets not forget the V-Rods & a rocket they put on one weekend. Motorad have a Er6 (bound to be others). The first 05 636 Motorad got in was for demos - I know I took it for a weekend, fell for it and ...ka-ching
Skelstar- life's short, don't analyse, go with the heart, more fun
MD

[mikey]

Just not too bright eh?


haha fuk up, she's smarter than me an thats saying A LOT! she actually wont come out on the bike anymore, but if your going to come all the way down for another man love weekend with poos ill do my best to get her out on back, an still give you the learn!