Bike Test Rides?

[raceboy]

As you are no doubt aware I'm in the process of buying my 1st bike But what are bike dealers like when it comes to test rides for complete bike numpties like myself? I need to take the bike home to see if it fits down the side of the house, in the shed, all that kind of stuff as well as liking riding the thing
And of course I've not got any biking kit yet, but I am going to the GP on Friday/Saturday and may pick up a few bargins there, but will a bike shop lend me these aswell?
As i will be taking the bike home on the test ride (Nottingham Area) there isn't much point telling me of a great dealer in Aberdeen, but just the general reactions of bike salesman is needed.

[s2ooz]

there very helpful generally, I have had more test rides offered on bikes, than I ever got when scouting out a car.

with Many dealers I find they have demo bikes, just for the purpose of whizzing out on, my local dealer said "take it for an hour" again way more than any car dealer will let you out for. He was a bit concerend when I didnt show up for 2 hours! I was enjoying myself too much

[mel]

Most dealers have some bikes on demo which they will obviouhsly lend out when they feel confident in you as a "serious" buyer. In your case having no kit and being a self confessed "numptie" they might be a bit harder to convince. I certainly wouldn't say "I want to take it home and see if it fits down the side of the house and in the shed" I would expect to be handed a tape measure and told no. The reason's being delers each insure their own demo's so policies might vary but the facts are you are a new rider might exclude you from some, and a dealer might have images of his nice demo being squeezed between two brick walls and into a shed by someone with little experience as to the weight and low speed manouvreablilty of a "big" bike end result scratched mirrors and a little fall !!!! equals money. Having said all that it depends on how you come across and the relationship you build with the dealer. I actually got lent a brand new Hirebus to take to LeMans a few years ago by my local dealer but I've known them years, bought dozens of bikes off them and instructed on their track days. Good luck but in reality I'd expect maybe a loan helmet, and a spin round the block after being watched closely how you handle it outside the shop (confidence assessment) Oh yes and demo write offs do happen my local dealer had a brand new 100mile RSV1000 written off by a certain Mr Terry Rimmer (Snr)......too tall tel's dad.

>> Edited by mel on Tuesday 9th July 13:36

[niggle]

Personally, the local Honda, Triumph, and Suzuki dealers (CBR600, TT600, and SV650s[1]) were happy for me to have test rides when I showed up clutching my pass certificate with the ink still damp, the local Yamaha guy wasn't too keen (T/cat), and I didn't ask the kwak dealer.

On the other hand, when my brother passed his test the year before none of the dealers in his area were willing to let him have a test ride.

So I guess it depends

[1] Once they'd put it back together after a previous test pilot had thrown it down the road.

[gsxrblue]

I found CMC in Nottingham quite good for test rides. You have to sign a 500 excess form for any damage which kind of makes you a bit careful but then they let me go out for an hour on my own. The salesman even gave me a tenner for petrol. I had a full licence and 10 years experience though.

[sjm]

When I bought my Triumph (Sprint RS 955) I asked for a test ride on it and he said, "yep, no problem I'll just stick some fuel in it", which he did and sent me on my way.

When I got back we were chatting about bikes in general and insurance etc, and he asked how long I'd been riding. When I told him I'd got my direct access test 3 days before he was a little surprised, but as I'd got the bike back in one piece he wasn't too worried (and I did buy the bike).

I found that generally small dealers were more likely to offer a test ride on the spot.

sjm

[Tony Hall]

Theres a Yam dealer in Northumberland who charges £25 for a test ride, you need to fill out some paperwork, the lady doing the paperwork also answers the phone, leaves you at the desk for ages, when you eventually get the keys, you're told "we close in half an hour!"
And we had booked the test ride for 4.30,the day before. Didn't buy their bike either. Bought a Triumph from a friendly, non franchise guy who knows his stuff. I'll let you know who that was if you ned to know.

[raceboy]

quote:
I found CMC in Nottingham quite good for test rides.

Just realised this place is just round the corner from the office, I think a visit may be order