Test riding new bikes

[nigel]

Hi folks,

I realise this might sound silly, but what are the chances of you getting to test ride a brand new bike from a dealer? even if you were a keen cash buyer?

Failing that, does anyone have an opinion on the difference between an '03/'04 ZX6R and an '08 one? Would test riding the first two be a good indication of the last one?

[Gubb]

I've just come off an extensive stint of testing, and it was brilliant.

Most new bikes they will have a demo for. Don't but anything until you've tried it.

[Pwalo]

Most new bikes they will have a demo for. Don't but anything until you've tried it.

What that man said. Try a few out before you make up your mind. Troll aorund the shops and see what's available.

As for your other question, the newer bike will be lighter, faster, shinier, and a lot more expensive.

[discotex]

Hi folks,

I realise this might sound silly, but what are the chances of you getting to test ride a brand new bike from a dealer? even if you were a keen cash buyer?

As Gubb said they should have demo's of new bikes.

Failing that, does anyone have an opinion on the difference between an '03/'04 ZX6R and an '08 one? Would test riding the first two be a good indication of the last one?

In a word, no.

The old ZX6-R 636 is a TOTALLY different bike than the 07-08 model. For a start the old 636 had 37cc bigger engine in a different frame. Was much wider around the tank.

In my opinion the 636 was the more fun bike apart from the ergonomics totally sucking for me. The new ZX-6R is more refined but a little too tame next to the CBR and R6.

If you're considering them make sure you ride both. Hell do what I did and ride all the 600's. Only one I didn't was the Daytona 675 because I ran out of time and they were pricey when they first came out. Good deals now though.

[captain_andrey]

Hi folks,

I realise this might sound silly, but what are the chances of you getting to test ride a brand new bike from a dealer? even if you were a keen cash buyer?

Failing that, does anyone have an opinion on the difference between an '03/'04 ZX6R and an '08 one? Would test riding the first two be a good indication of the last one?

I think you are talking about that last 08 zx6r at motorad? I dont think they have a demo so you probably wont get a ride, I didn't when I was shopping.
They did have decent deals on Daytonas and had a test ride for me. Then I test rode a CBR at Motormart in lower hutt and I was sold

[slimjim]

money talk's the loudest....for sure..and the bike shops are there to sell bikes ...and don't just test ride around the block..take it for a couple of hour's if you can make the time...cause once bought its yours for awhile...all the best in choosing too....so many shop's are offering deal's ....good luck.

[nigel]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I've tested four or five bikes now and I had the most fun on an '04 ZX636 (this one, to be precise: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-172318815.htm ). Still a few more to try out for sure, I'm gonna head up to palmy this weekend and try some bike shops around there. Maybe even head over to Wanganui too.

Good to hear that you can demo some new bikes too . A shame about the '08 ZX 6Rs not being demo-able in Wellington but I think they're either out of stock or too expensive for me at the moment... I called a couple of places in Auckland too but they're down to their last ones, and I don't wanna fly up without having done a test ride on one first.

[Fatt Max]

money talk's the loudest....for sure..and the bike shops are there to sell bikes ...and don't just test ride around the block..take it for a couple of hour's if you can make the time...cause once bought its yours for awhile...all the best in choosing too....so many shop's are offering deal's ....good luck.

Yep, this is seriously good advice (as is all the other)

I know a guy who took a bike for a 10 minute ride around a school car park doing figure 8's. Thought he had made the right decision but after paying for it and spending no more that 2-3 hours, he realised he had made a BIG mistake. Took a lot of hassle and heartache to offload it.

Times are unfortunatley tough for bike shops but that is our advantage so take it while you can.

Good luck