Hmm..when you sit on a bike...

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Wed Apr 19, 2006 11:59 am

Some dealerships are like that here, mostly they are the kind that sell more than one make. You've already gotten some good advice, trust the side stand or have them move the bike to an area where you can get a better feel for it.

Shiv · #12 Unread post by **Shiv** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 12:03 pm

So sitting at a slant is better than sitting straight up with one leg on the floor?

Wed Apr 19, 2006 12:19 pm

Sitting at a slant is better than nothing, the best thing is to sit up straight on it so that you can feel the reach of the handle bars, the controls and the weight of the bike. The bike can be moved by shifting it into neutral, it dosent have to be on to shift it to neutral. I would just ask a sales person to move it for you. Just hold the front brake while you mount the bike so it dosen't move on you.

skinnyjoint · Wed Apr 19, 2006 12:29 pm

JWF505 wrote:
skinnyjoint wrote:our bike shops here wont even let u sit on them

then im suprised you bike shops stay in business, are the dealers or just shops that sell all kinds?

JWF

its a honda/harley dealership. and there just "Donut Holes" around here

flynrider · Wed Apr 19, 2006 12:38 pm

Shiv wrote:So sitting at a slant is better than sitting straight up with one leg on the floor?

That's what I do. It doesn't matter much to me if the bike is leaning over a bit. What I want to know is what my legs, arms and back will be doing with both feet on the pegs and both hands on the bars.

As to your other questions : A bike does not have to be in gear to move it. On the contrary, it's very difficult to move while in gear. That's what "neutral" is for. As for moving one at the dealership, your feeling is probably correct. Don't just start moving bikes around. Tell 'em you want to sit on it and have them move it.

I'm not sure I understand the question about shifting and the ignition. Just about any bike can be put into neutral without the ignition being on. There's no reason to start the bike just to move it a few feet so you can try it on.

Lastly, if a dealership won't let you sit on a bike before buying it, find another dealership. That's equivalent to a shoe store where you have to guess your shoe size and hope for the best.

Hope that helps!

#16 Unread post by **Jamers!** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 12:54 pm

Shiv wrote:Hmm...well in one shop I can't move the bikes because they're on an elevated platform (why they're on there, I don't know. Seems like a lot of trouble just to display a bike).

The other shop I didn't think to move the bike. It just, for some reason, seemed like something you wouldn't be allowed to do.

But doesn't the bike have to be in gear to be moved? Can you even shift while there's no ignition?

I guess you could, the gears would probably mesh easier (wouldn't have to sync). Never tried it though.

you would be able to move it, and i would guess they kept the bikes in neutral if they are on display. . .

JWF

Shiv · #17 Unread post by **Shiv** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 1:07 pm

Yah I just had a complete brain fart on the whole neutral and movement issue.

I remember them talking about it in the MSF now and also when a car breaks down you always put it in neutral before pushing it.

Makes sense for it to work on a bike too.

I've been really off today. Just one of those days..