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

[skelstar]

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

[cowpoos]

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

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

[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. 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...

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