How the heck are you suppose to buy em if you cant try em?

Message

Thu May 04, 2006 7:20 pm

I went to 4 different dealerships in my area. Two would allow test drives. The one does it for everyone as long as you have a valid motorcycle license. The other is a "mom and pop" place that does it on a case by case basis. I spoke to the place where I'm buying my bike about the subject and the reply was, "Most dealerships don't allow test drives because of the cost of liability insurance. I [The Salesman] don't know how much it costs but, the owner told me 'A LOT'."

Social Distortion · Fri May 05, 2006 3:44 am

thanks everyone.
I guess the game plan is continue to do my research and simply be ready to buy the bike if i get close to a demo.

It seems that preparing to sign on the dotted line and a sure commitment that you will buy the bike might be the only way you get a chance to demo one.

With the limited ability to demo the V Star that i like, i wonder what it will be like when the local Harley dealers have their demo days?

I'll either be waiting in line for a long time w/ folks who will be wearing and "living" the Harley lifestyle OR i'll have the suburbian folks who think the "lifestyle" consists of buying a Harley wallet and chain.

Locopez · #13 Unread post by **Locopez** » Fri May 05, 2006 4:18 am

It seems pretty rare when a dealer will let to test ride a bike. Do your research and some dealer manufactutres will have demo days even the some dealers...just need to be informed...ask some of your dealers about these events. That is the best advice...i can come up with....my local HD dealer last month had a demo days for Buells and a few Harleys...I wanted to go but had to work........damm

Fri May 05, 2006 5:10 am

My dealer allows test rides. Maybe you need to come to Canada.

scan · #15 Unread post by **scan** » Fri May 05, 2006 7:17 am

On new bikes I just don't see it happening, unless you are dealing with Harley or BMW, who both seem to allow demos sometimes. On a used bike I insist on riding before I buy. I've done that myself and they didn't want to let me, but they did since it was going to be the deal breaker. On a new bike they would have never done that, so another plus for a used bike.

jmillheiser · Fri May 05, 2006 7:26 am

Around here most dealers will allow serious buyers to test ride.

One triumph dealer in denver actually has demo bikes (including a daytona 675)

MontyCarlo · Fri May 05, 2006 8:19 am

Every single BMW dealership I've ever been to has had demo bikes. My local dealer keeps one or two demos of every single model on the showroom floor. Valid license and insurance, and you can take out any bike you want.

Usually a salesperson will escort you, but they don't mind since it gets them out of the dealership and out on the road for a couple of hours

Add to that I can still get parts for a 35 year old airhead at the parts counter, and BMW has earned my business. It helps they make bikes for us tall guys too

Lion_Lady · Fri May 05, 2006 8:24 am

camthepyro wrote:I didn't think any dealers let you test ride their bikes.

BMW dealers regularly allow (and even recommend) test rides.

P

backrevin · Fri May 05, 2006 1:22 pm

Social..just checkin in on your signature line "Born to Lose and Destined to Fail" given that are there any strategies that you think could succeed?

BTW - when I bought my ride, the first in many years like you I could only sit on them and get a sense of how the bike 'fit'. I think you will know it when you find it...it worked for me ...but then again that is a perfect correlation of one person and one bike purchase .. I still worry about your tag line though!

Social Distortion · Fri May 05, 2006 5:46 pm

backrevin wrote:Social..just checkin in on your signature line "Born to Lose and Destined to Fail" given that are there any strategies that you think could succeed?

BTW - when I bought my ride, the first in many years like you I could only sit on them and get a sense of how the bike 'fit'. I think you will know it when you find it...it worked for me ...but then again that is a perfect correlation of one person and one bike purchase .. I still worry about your tag line though!

hey there Backrevin-
well, sometimes in life, you just come up a day late and a dollar short.....
and just like this whole test ride/demo issue, its happening again! I have so much bad luck, that no luck is good luck, and is better than bad luck.
I guess i am sucessful in finding rotten situations...which isnt something to be proud of..........