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

[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"

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.

[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 ).

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.

[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.

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.