Whats the chance of getting a test ride?
Whats the chance of getting a test ride?
Author
Discussion

remal

Original Poster:

25,072 posts

256 months

Wednesday 1st November 2006
quotequote all
I must say i have only just have it a thought

I ask as a few experanced riders I know had said due to my limited experance I may get trouble. if that is so how would the best way to get a bike that feels good without a test ride, if there is any way. Only if the worst comes to the worst

thanks

hiccy

664 posts

234 months

Wednesday 1st November 2006
quotequote all
Say "No ride, no buy"

I cannot recommend more highly that you get a test ride: I would never have picked my bike unless I'd ridden it. As good as the reviews I'd read had been for it, it just didn't appeal. But after a reasonable test ride (on my dealers insistance) of that and competitors I thought I'd prefer (from the reviews), the Fazer stood right out as the obvious choice for me. In truth, I knew within a minute of riding it that it was "right" for me.

In a nutshell, no one can tell you what will be a good bike for you to ride, and you can't tell from sitting on it in a showroom. I feel any good dealer will appreciate this and will be prepared to let you out on bikes that are sensible for you. If they won't, maybe your cash should go elsewhere....

Edited by hiccy on Wednesday 1st November 21:06

Mad Dave

7,158 posts

285 months

Thursday 2nd November 2006
quotequote all
remal said:
I must say i have only just have it a thought

I ask as a few experanced riders I know had said due to my limited experance I may get trouble. if that is so how would the best way to get a bike that feels good without a test ride, if there is any way. Only if the worst comes to the worst

thanks


Many dealers are only covered for riders with 2 years experience.

sean5302

358 posts

240 months

Thursday 2nd November 2006
quotequote all
Only BMW dealers will let you test ride. Take your licence and sign the disclaimer, rendering you liable for the first £500 of damage if you drop it.
For other stuff, you'll need to source a second-hand bike locally, in MCN or suchlike.
Ask the owner for a test ride. If he's any sense he'll either refuse or want to come with you, on the pillion.
Many sellers do let you test, surprisingly. If you turn up in a car, you leave the keys with them.
If you have a stolen car.....(better not).

rsvmilly

11,288 posts

263 months

Thursday 2nd November 2006
quotequote all
You can usually find a dealer that'll let you test ride bikes.

For private sales, I never let potential buyers test ride unless they put the purchase cost down as deposit.

Oilyyyy

120 posts

233 months

Thursday 2nd November 2006
quotequote all
Nip down to a dealer and find out mate! well worth it. The dealers usually have a demo bike prepared already. they made me sign to say i would pay if i damaged it as the insurance cover was 3rd party only.