Test Ride Nerves!

[Chisanga]

Hi all,

I just got my learners today and am considering the various options available to me as a first bike.

However, having no experience on a bike (except the GN125 at my Basic Handling Course) I am feeling slightly apprehensive about going to dealerships and taking bikes out for test rides - especially considering the majority of the dealerships here in Auckland seem to be located around the central city in busy locations!

I know test riding bikes is important so does anybody have any good suggestions for me when I finally get out there?

Thanks!

[The Pastor]

don't worry they have insurance,

Im not sure if they would let you out on the bike tho....

[Toaster]

Pick a relatively quiet time of day to ride. I actually got the dealer to deliver my first bike (GSX250) 3-odd years ago when I started riding.

I still get nervous in traffic - it's healthy and helps you keep alert.

If they can deliver a bike to you after you pick it(given that you probably drove there to buy the bike) do you have a residential area to start practicing?

Good luck!!

[Chisanga]

I live out in East Auckland so yes, I do have suitable areas for practicing.

The two dealerships I went to - Botany Honda and Mt Eden Motocycles both said I could take a bike out as soon as I got my learners but the excess is something like $2500! That alone increases nerves and the motivation not to mess up!

[Kendog]

I understand where you're coming from. I could walk into a dealer and take anything they will let me ride out for a "test", but am too nervous to do so, even though I keep wondering what I'm missing out on by not riding other bikes. Probably just as well though, would hate to fall in love with anything I can't have!
Mrs KD.

[bull]

maybe put your hand up for a mentor and get them to go in and get the bike for test ride with you, you could then pillion on it to a quiet carpark etc and then get some tips from the mentor, and test ride all in one.

[Drum]

I understand where you're coming from, but we've all been there.

Just bite the bullet, take the test ride - and you'll wonder what you were worried about.

[Karma]

From what I've seen most people that pass the Basic Handling Cert shouldn't be allowed on the road anyways.

Personally I'd find a bike you like the look of (and a new noobie won't have many choices) and see if someone on here in your area would be interested in letting you have a go.

[mynameis]

Well I'll tell you what I did for my first bike about a year ago 2001 GPX 250. Bought it from a mate of mine who dropped it over to my place. Prior to that I had never sat on a bike and only ridden the GN 125 for less than an hour at my BHS test. Yes which is like nothing ay!

Got it home and was shit scared to even go down the road for like almost two weeks!! Came home one Saturday nite at 1am after 6 drinks and gathered some big balls and took it out for the first time! Boy it was fun and obviously a very stupid and dumb thing to do but oh well worked for me eh.

No I am not suggesting that at all my main point was dont spend too much and buy a expensive bike from a dealer. Get a shitter for the first atleast 6 months and learn on it. Start off on quiet roads and you'll be fine. Once you're ok and comfortable then get something better.

Good Luck!

mynameis

[MyGSXF:Me]

Hi all, I just got my learners today

Congrats on getting your license Chisanga!!! welcome to the REAL world..

as for test rides.. have FUN!!!

Jen

[Roj]

Hi all,

I just got my learners today and am considering the various options available to me as a first bike.

However, having no experience on a bike (except the GN125 at my Basic Handling Course) I am feeling slightly apprehensive about going to dealerships and taking bikes out for test rides - especially considering the majority of the dealerships here in Auckland seem to be located around the central city in busy locations!

I know test riding bikes is important so does anybody have any good suggestions for me when I finally get out there?

Thanks!

Congrats and welcome to the KB world

ask about and see if someone you know has a bike suitable for you to get some practise on or see if there is someone you can take along to help out with the test rides, there are plenty of experienced riders that would come along and give you some support, they may be able to ride the bike to an area that is queiter or ask the bike shop if they know of an area that is suitable for you to test ride in

Don't be afraid to ask