bike test rides at a dealers?
Discussion
I've only taken two bikes out...last weekend I think. We were out for a bout 45 minutes, swapping bikes halfway through. As my mate knew the guys pretty well, we could have stayed out for much longer. You need to be able to get a good feel for the bie, so I guess you ca't do that within 5 mins.
Don't rush the experience though.....take your time and enjoy it...hopefully.
What ya taking out?
Don't rush the experience though.....take your time and enjoy it...hopefully.
What ya taking out?
I'd say about half an hour would be enough for a first ride, taking in the riding scenarios you're interested in. To be honest, 5 minutes is enough to find out you really dont want a bike, but half an hour may not be enough to decide that you do want it. I suspect that a decent dealer who smells a sale wouldnt object to a second, longer ride (though from conversations, their insurance wont allow overnights 
)
)When I asked to take out the TLR that I ended up buying, the dealer (
and bear in mind it was mid-morning) "I close at two so just make sure you're back before then. Have fun and remember any speeding tickets are your responsibility". He said a similar thing when I wanted to test ride my R1.
and bear in mind it was mid-morning) "I close at two so just make sure you're back before then. Have fun and remember any speeding tickets are your responsibility". He said a similar thing when I wanted to test ride my R1.
My local dealer insists on accompanied rides, then keeps you waiting for 40 minutes because they've got someone sniffing round a bike leaving not enough time for a chuffing test. I've even emailed them saying I want to order a Street Triple R and they haven't replied.
Luckily a dealer not too far away is happy to permit unaccompanied rides with no limit on time out on the bike (my hunch is more than 60 mins is a bit rude!)and funnily enough they'll be getting my business.
Luckily a dealer not too far away is happy to permit unaccompanied rides with no limit on time out on the bike (my hunch is more than 60 mins is a bit rude!)and funnily enough they'll be getting my business.
I bought my Hornet from a Honda dealer, whom the training school I learnt with often take pupils to for a coffee break during a DAS.
When I went back to the same dealer for my test ride, it was a 30 minute unaccompanied test ride. I rode it round the car park for 10 minutes (first big bike since passing my test and a bit bigger than the GS500). Took it out on the road for around 10-15 minutes and knew I wanted it after that.
When I went back to the same dealer for my test ride, it was a 30 minute unaccompanied test ride. I rode it round the car park for 10 minutes (first big bike since passing my test and a bit bigger than the GS500). Took it out on the road for around 10-15 minutes and knew I wanted it after that.
My local dealer (Laguna, Maidstone) are happy for you to be out for an hour or so and have never been freaky if you're a bit longer. Also happy for a second ride if you think you need it.
I think that as long as you present as a serious customer and not just a joyrider, (or someone who turns up every weekend wanting to try a different bike!) an hour should be considered reasonable.
I think that as long as you present as a serious customer and not just a joyrider, (or someone who turns up every weekend wanting to try a different bike!) an hour should be considered reasonable.
The triumph dealer in Vauxhall London used to give 2 hour demo rides, I know as I took out a street triple last year. However they have now limited it to 1 hour, mate had a demo ride of Tiger and Sprint ST (which he just bought). Obviously they don't just give these to out anyone, generally experienced bikers only.
I got a 20min test ride of a Blackbird from Honda dealer in London too recently. Since they couldn't find me a second hand one I ended up buying from another franchised dealer in Surrey.
I got a 20min test ride of a Blackbird from Honda dealer in London too recently. Since they couldn't find me a second hand one I ended up buying from another franchised dealer in Surrey.
OK a true story to beat you all. I once worked with a guy who got a test ride from a Shop in Bathgate (Central Scotland). He had a Pan Euro out for a run. He went to Aviemore (Highlands, 130 miles) had lunch then went back (another 130 miles). He got back just as the shop was closing.
He never even bought a bike from the shop.
I once worked with a guy who got a test ride from a Shop in Bathgate (Central Scotland). He had a Pan Euro out for a run. He went to Aviemore (Highlands, 130 miles) had lunch then went back (another 130 miles). He got back just as the shop was closing. He never even bought a bike from the shop.
I recently went to a dealer to have a quick look at what was a suitable size for me and mentioned to the dealer I'd be back for a test ride after my DAS. He said that their insurance didn't cover riders with less than 1 year experience and that all other dealers are the same - is this the norm? I've since bought a used bike that came up at a price I couldn't refuse so I'll probably not need to test ride anything for 12 months anyway, but surely new riders oftwn buy new bikes - do you all buy on the basis of reviews or is this dealer fibbing to get the sale despite his rubbish insurance?
StevRS said:
I recently went to a dealer to have a quick look at what was a suitable size for me and mentioned to the dealer I'd be back for a test ride after my DAS. He said that their insurance didn't cover riders with less than 1 year experience and that all other dealers are the same - is this the norm? I've since bought a used bike that came up at a price I couldn't refuse so I'll probably not need to test ride anything for 12 months anyway, but surely new riders oftwn buy new bikes - do you all buy on the basis of reviews or is this dealer fibbing to get the sale despite his rubbish insurance?
Probably true for him, almost certainly not true of everyone, though I suspect a sizable excess will apply to newbies in thos dealerships where they will give you a test ride(probably accompanied). Definitely worth reading the small print when you sign for the bike... went to a barley dealership to test ride a sportster nightster. As I had less than 1years riding experience they couldn't offer me a test ride. I rung round loads of insurers to see if they could do test ride insurance but nothing available. Ended up buying a sports 600. Loads more fun than the harley!
Took a BMW K1200S for a 40 min blast from a BMW dealer, they offered an hour and also the chance to ride K1200R to compare with which was nice. They noticed from my license that I had only been riding for 7 months so they sat me down and told me what to look out for on a high output bike and threw me the keys... nice chaps.
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff