How do you test ride??

[cheadle hulme]

Right, passed my CBT and have done the theory and 2/4 days of my DAS training. Test will be booked soon, so started looking at bikes today.

Looking for a 600, Fazer, Thundercat or similar, nothing too fast like an R6.
Anyway, guy in the shop was very helpful, and pointed out a TDM which I hadn't thought about.

However, until I pass my test I obviously cannot take a bike out, but he said they don't offer test rides anyway?? Apparently this is common??

I wouldn't buy a car without making sure I was happy with it on a test drive.

Is this a common problem for new riders wanting test rides?

I'm a 39 year old accountant btw, not an 18 year old....

[cheadle hulme]

steve1968 said:

Flat out

If only!

The guy let me a bit of a "sit" but that was it. If I'd just passed my driving test, I'd be young and inexperienced on the road. Bit different to those of use of more middle aged years coming to bikes.

The dealer does offer a 14 day exchange scheme actually, so thats worth thinking about.

I'm 6'3'' and want something thats not all top end and suits our crap roads - would the TDM900 suit and will I spend £3k on a first bike without even riding it?

[cheadle hulme]

Grommit said:

Might be worth a trip over to Chester, Bill Smiths let me test ride their bikes the week I after I passed my test, including the Bonneville & Street Triple. No deposit, the only proviso was I had to wait for it to stop raining. Very helpful & friendly.

Cheers Grommit, I commute down the M56 to LPool so thats handy. Looks like motorcycle dealers use the same web template, Bill Smiths is identical to Highbarn Motorcyles!

testing in the dry is very sensible too.