No Ducati test ride
Discussion
I think I mentioned this in passing before, but got a final answer on it last night. I've got an Africa Twin for most things - commuting, offroading etc but fancied a nice weekend bike that could hit the trails if needed. Ducati Desert Sled is in a league of it's own in that regard I think - looks brilliant but appears to be able to go offroad.
Anyway, having been in quite a few times and being fed stuff about 'come back in a month or so' I said that I definitely wanted a ride of it. They agreed to contact their insurers. Anyway, short story is they won't insure me to ride it (it's an 800cc Scrambler). But I've been told once I've had my license 8 months (yup!) I should come back and they will ask again.
Seems a bit bonkers for various reasons - I might not ride a bike in the next two months - 8months seems totally arbitrary. I've ridden 11k accident free miles in 6months on a far bigger bike. I've passed my IAM Roadsmart Bike test. I'm in my mid-30's.
Since found out from a friend his pal had one and took it offroad - fell to pieces and was never out the garage, so maybe a close escape, but I think it's poor show from Ducati. BMW were the same.
Ah well, by the time I'm allowed a ride (I'm not bothering now) maybe the T700 and the KTM 790 will have launch dates
Anyway, having been in quite a few times and being fed stuff about 'come back in a month or so' I said that I definitely wanted a ride of it. They agreed to contact their insurers. Anyway, short story is they won't insure me to ride it (it's an 800cc Scrambler). But I've been told once I've had my license 8 months (yup!) I should come back and they will ask again.
Seems a bit bonkers for various reasons - I might not ride a bike in the next two months - 8months seems totally arbitrary. I've ridden 11k accident free miles in 6months on a far bigger bike. I've passed my IAM Roadsmart Bike test. I'm in my mid-30's.
Since found out from a friend his pal had one and took it offroad - fell to pieces and was never out the garage, so maybe a close escape, but I think it's poor show from Ducati. BMW were the same.
Ah well, by the time I'm allowed a ride (I'm not bothering now) maybe the T700 and the KTM 790 will have launch dates
Its not the dealers decision - its their insurers. The insurers may stipulate "over 25 and passed test for 12 months" ...simple as that really. Regardless of your other experience.
Many motorcycle hire companies will not hire you a high power bike without having 2 years post test experience....
Many motorcycle hire companies will not hire you a high power bike without having 2 years post test experience....
It's just the way it is.
I'm 24. Had my a2 at 19, big bike at 22 and ride every day but insurance at bmw and a few others says no until I'm 25.
It just means I'll buy what people let me ride.
On the other end of the scale I rode directly from my test to the triumph garage after I'd passed full licence and they let me out on a street and a speed.
I'm 24. Had my a2 at 19, big bike at 22 and ride every day but insurance at bmw and a few others says no until I'm 25.
It just means I'll buy what people let me ride.
On the other end of the scale I rode directly from my test to the triumph garage after I'd passed full licence and they let me out on a street and a speed.
You could try phoning around a few more dealers because I know some do let new riders try their bikes. But back to the bike and without wanting to piss on your chips, I had one for a few days as a courtesy bike from Laguna in Ashford.
Based on its looks I was quite looking forward to having it for a few days but within a few miles I was looking forward to handing it back! For a "scrambler" inspired bike I found the ride surprisingly hard and at time quite uncomfortable. Although it's an 800 I found it sluggish and quite boring to ride.
You're right to want to try one before you buy because although it looks cool there's a good chance you might not like the ride either.
Based on its looks I was quite looking forward to having it for a few days but within a few miles I was looking forward to handing it back! For a "scrambler" inspired bike I found the ride surprisingly hard and at time quite uncomfortable. Although it's an 800 I found it sluggish and quite boring to ride.
You're right to want to try one before you buy because although it looks cool there's a good chance you might not like the ride either.
I had to buy my first bike (ZX6R) without a test ride as they couldn't insure me to test it beforehand, I was only 24 at the time too. I'd had my license about 4months at that time and I'd got my license before any of this direct access stuff came in (just) so in essence just a few hours on a 125 4 stroke POS to do some training and a test pass. In any case Kawasaki were running such an awesome deal.. 2 years interest free credit and capped £275 a year fully comp insurance which I qualified for I just had to go for it! This was 1997 BTW I can only dream of such deals exisiting with capped insurance nowadays lol
I did 17.5k miles on that bike from new and only had any accident on it within 2 months of moving to London in 2000 and starting commuting on it thanks to a south london driver who couldn't use his mirrors before pulling a U Turn right in front of me.
I can only dream of such deals exisiting with capped insurance nowadays lol I did 17.5k miles on that bike from new and only had any accident on it within 2 months of moving to London in 2000 and starting commuting on it thanks to a south london driver who couldn't use his mirrors before pulling a U Turn right in front of me.
Edited by sjtscott on Friday 14th September 10:40
I'm not blaming my dealer per se, however when there's such a difference in dealers - some just get you to sign some paper work, check your license and away you go, some do escorted rides, and others - quite simply a blanket no. There business but it's almost like they need a bit of shake.
I didn't buy the 1200GS because they wouldn't let me ride it. And having ridden one last week, glad I didn't buy it unridden.
That's why I want to ride the DS - as other poster has said, I might not like it! But Newcastle is a bit of a trek to the other dealer!
At least it's fairly common - I wonder how many new riders by without a ride and how many dealers sweep up the new guys because they allow rides
I didn't buy the 1200GS because they wouldn't let me ride it. And having ridden one last week, glad I didn't buy it unridden.
That's why I want to ride the DS - as other poster has said, I might not like it! But Newcastle is a bit of a trek to the other dealer!
At least it's fairly common - I wonder how many new riders by without a ride and how many dealers sweep up the new guys because they allow rides
sjtscott said:
I had to buy my first bike (ZX6R) without a test ride as they couldn't insure me to test it beforehand, I was only 24 at the time too. I'd had my license about 4months at that time and I'd got my license before any of this direct access stuff came in (just) so in essence just a few hours on a 125 4 stroke POS to do some training and a test pass. In any case Kawasaki were running such an awesome deal.. 2 years interest free credit and capped £275 a year fully comp insurance which I qualified for I just had to go for it! This was 1997 BTW I can only dream of such deals exisiting with capped insurance nowadays lol
I did 17.5k miles on that bike from new and only had any accident on it within 2 months of moving to London in 2000 and starting commuting on it thanks to a south london driver who couldn't use his mirrors before pulling a U Turn right in front of me.
Coincidence as that was me exactly (except I was older than 24). Passed my test in 1997 and bought a ZX6R (green and white). First time I rode it was the day I picked it up (I think I ordered it the day I passed the test). At the time I was not sure which of the four 600 supersports to buy but the insurance at £275 sealed the deal for me. I can only dream of such deals exisiting with capped insurance nowadays lol I did 17.5k miles on that bike from new and only had any accident on it within 2 months of moving to London in 2000 and starting commuting on it thanks to a south london driver who couldn't use his mirrors before pulling a U Turn right in front of me.
Edited by sjtscott on Friday 14th September 10:40
pessimal said:
be greatfull you only have to have had your license for 8 months.
i'm 40, wanted to test a tracer 700 or a versys at 2 different local dealers (newcastle way) and both wouldn't give me a test ride until i have had my license for 2 years
Ouch! I don't believe the 8months thing tbh - I think that's made up - I doubt any insurer in the world has stats that shows the risk of a rider dropping it reduces enough after 8 months to make it okay for them to ride! ahahi'm 40, wanted to test a tracer 700 or a versys at 2 different local dealers (newcastle way) and both wouldn't give me a test ride until i have had my license for 2 years
Esceptico said:
sjtscott said:
I had to buy my first bike (ZX6R) without a test ride as they couldn't insure me to test it beforehand, I was only 24 at the time too. I'd had my license about 4months at that time and I'd got my license before any of this direct access stuff came in (just) so in essence just a few hours on a 125 4 stroke POS to do some training and a test pass. In any case Kawasaki were running such an awesome deal.. 2 years interest free credit and capped £275 a year fully comp insurance which I qualified for I just had to go for it! This was 1997 BTW I can only dream of such deals exisiting with capped insurance nowadays lol
I did 17.5k miles on that bike from new and only had any accident on it within 2 months of moving to London in 2000 and starting commuting on it thanks to a south london driver who couldn't use his mirrors before pulling a U Turn right in front of me.
Coincidence as that was me exactly (except I was older than 24). Passed my test in 1997 and bought a ZX6R (green and white). First time I rode it was the day I picked it up (I think I ordered it the day I passed the test). At the time I was not sure which of the four 600 supersports to buy but the insurance at £275 sealed the deal for me. I can only dream of such deals exisiting with capped insurance nowadays lol I did 17.5k miles on that bike from new and only had any accident on it within 2 months of moving to London in 2000 and starting commuting on it thanks to a south london driver who couldn't use his mirrors before pulling a U Turn right in front of me.
Edited by sjtscott on Friday 14th September 10:40
I had to buy my first bike based on magazine reviews and forum users opinions. Like someone suggested previously, you may have gotten your licence 10 years ago but never owned or ridden a bike since. Yet in the eyes of the insurers you're safer than someone who has commuted daily for 6 months.
To be fair I found that a few dealers were willing to work around the insurance regs by increasing the excess you'd have to pay if you had an accident on the test ride.
To be fair I found that a few dealers were willing to work around the insurance regs by increasing the excess you'd have to pay if you had an accident on the test ride.
I'd imagine it comes down to cost - I'm sure they could get insurance for <25 and fresh licences, but it's not worth the cost considering how many young folks buy their bikes...
Incidentally I noted they're offering the 959 Panigale's bellypan Akra for £800 with fairings, fitted. Seems like a barg!
Incidentally I noted they're offering the 959 Panigale's bellypan Akra for £800 with fairings, fitted. Seems like a barg!
I worked at a BMW Motorrad shop up until 3 years ago and the stipulation from the shop's insurers for demo bikes and service/warranty loan bikes was that the rider had held a full bike licence for 12 months, I know of other dealers at the time who had 6,8 & 9 months as their rules so it simply depends on the insurance at the specific bike shop.
I ranted about this a while ago in these hallowed pages.
I really do think that the manufactures need to work with the dealers and the insurance companies to sort something out so people can get a test ride.
Whether that means rides are accompanied by a staff member, or there is a nominal cash amount put down which gets returned when you return with an Undamaged bike, or manufactures have some sort of test fleet which can be taken to a dealer when someone wants a test ride, by there has to be something.
Magazines and manufactures can’t advertise anything under a litre super bike as an ideal “my first big bike” and then not let you ride the damn thing before you potentially lay out the thick end of 10 grand. The number of bikes I see for sale with less than 1000 miles on them says that this is a problem
I really do think that the manufactures need to work with the dealers and the insurance companies to sort something out so people can get a test ride.
Whether that means rides are accompanied by a staff member, or there is a nominal cash amount put down which gets returned when you return with an Undamaged bike, or manufactures have some sort of test fleet which can be taken to a dealer when someone wants a test ride, by there has to be something.
Magazines and manufactures can’t advertise anything under a litre super bike as an ideal “my first big bike” and then not let you ride the damn thing before you potentially lay out the thick end of 10 grand. The number of bikes I see for sale with less than 1000 miles on them says that this is a problem
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