Test riding

[KiwiPhoenix]

Ok, so as you all know I now have my "L" plates, or if you didn't, you do now!

So the fun bit starts, bike shopping. Now I haven't had much experience on a bike and I'm pretty nervous about taking a bike out for a test ride, so what hints and tips would you give to someone in my position and what are some of the things I should be looking for?

TIA

[vifferman]

Top Tip: Don't crash! The excess is very expensive.
Before you ride, do lotsa looking, and some test sitting, to narrow the list of potential new bike candidates down to just a couple.

[DunerzNick]

If you are buying from a bike shop they will probably take you to a big car park somewhere where things can't go to pear shaped. And they will have insurance for these sort of things. Talk to them about it. They will be keen for the sale and will make something work for you.

[NDORFN]

Try to get some idea of what you like overall (style, performance figures, price etc...) from a bike BEFORE you go into any shops. Eliminating the salesman factor is the best way to ensure you end up with the right bike for you. Surf the net for pics, info and opinions on bikes until you've found out everything you can about the bike/s without actually riding it/them. Then just take the candidate/s for a little squirt... you don't have to put it through rigorous tests (most of the information you'll find on the net about the performance abilities is reasonably accurate), just try it for size and comfort. And don't get a Hyosung.

[KiwiPhoenix]

Thanks for the advice!! Definitely keep it in mind!

[MsKABC]

Do your homework, then swallow your nervousness and do it! I was nervous the first time I test-rode a bike, and again when I started test-riding bigger bikes. You will feel such a buzz afterward though, it's the best feeling!

Have fun and good luck

[FJRider]

See what it feels like sitting on it, feet up (While its on the side/main stand) is it comfoftable ???

Easy controls to operate ... find.

At the price, does a pack rack bag/tank bag come with it ??? (gotta ask for the extras)

[mowgli]

If you think you might buy from a dealer then don't be in a hurry to buy riding gear. Dealers will often do you a good deal on gear if you're also buying a bike. They'll try to please you in the initial sale so that you'll come back later. Ask them whether they'll be able to service the bike you're thinking of buying. Of course they'll say yes but asking might increase their confidence of further sales to you and may make the deal even sweeter.

Lastly, share the love and take a biker friend with you. Bike shopping is the best.

[KiwiPhoenix]

Thanks for all the feedback, a few points I never even thought about.

Well I did bite the bullet and test rode not just 1 bike but 2!! A yamaha xv250 and a Kawasaki Eliminator 250. I have to say they were both very nice bikes but I'm leaning towards the Kawasaki. I felt safe and comfy on it. Took it out for about an hour. It wasn't as scary as I thought!

[p.dath]

If your on an L-Plate you might find dealers are not so friendly about test rides.
Try looking at some pictures of some online, and see if you can narrow your choices down to a couple of models as well. Will save hours.

[DarkLord]

what are some of the things I should be looking for?

A Gixxer thou.

[skinman]

I am in same boat (so to speak)
Went to a few dealers on Sat & none seamed to have any prob with me riding their bikes. Took out a Honda Magna for a good blatt. (nice ) but expensive for year & km. also a Suzuki Intruder brand new only little more than Honda but not so nice. Only a couple left (V star & Dragstar). then to decide.

[KiwiPhoenix]

I am in same boat (so to speak)
Went to a few dealers on Sat & none seamed to have any prob with me riding their bikes. Took out a Honda Magna for a good blatt. (nice ) but expensive for year & km. also a Suzuki Intruder brand new only little more than Honda but not so nice. Only a couple left (V star & Dragstar). then to decide.

Best of luck in the search, it can be daunting!

[jasonzc]

I am in same boat (so to speak)
Went to a few dealers on Sat & none seamed to have any prob with me riding their bikes. Took out a Honda Magna for a good blatt. (nice ) but expensive for year & km. also a Suzuki Intruder brand new only little more than Honda but not so nice. Only a couple left (V star & Dragstar). then to decide.

so how did the magna compared to the VL?
i kinda interested in gettin one of those.. would u recon the magna is more powerfull than the VL?

and assuming u rode the 250 versions right?

cheers

[skinman]

sorry took so long to get back
Yes all 250s
Magna definitely most powerful & smoothest however also most expensive for year
Have got a 2005 virago which cost 1 grand less than 1995 magna. It is not as smooth or powerful but probably will be more reliable as not so old & also air cooled as the honda is water cooled so more to go wrong.