Dropping a bike on a test ride ?!?!

Message

moo snutz · #1 Unread post by **moo snutz** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 4:24 am

I'm a little nervous about going into a dealer to test ride a bike. What is the normal procedure? Do they just give you the key & say adios? With a car, the salesperson will normally go with you. Also, with a car, the thought of an accident never really crosses my mind. If you do drop a bike at the dealership, are you on the hook for the repairs? Being a noob, it's a nerve-racking thought....

jstark47 · #2 Unread post by **jstark47** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 5:10 am

What bike are you test riding, and are you certain the dealership offers a test ride on that model? Many dealerships don't offer test rides, or only offer them on specific bikes designated for demo rides.

jonnythan · #3 Unread post by **jonnythan** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 5:24 am

I don't think a "test ride" is a good idea for a new rider, and I doubt if you will find any dealerships willing to give you one anyway.

moo snutz · #4 Unread post by **moo snutz** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 5:30 am

Thanks. I didn't have any particular bike in mind yet - just trying to cover all my bases ahead of time. I wasn't aware that many dealers would only let you test ride certain bikes/demo models. That's a load off. I didn't want to look like even more of a noob than I already am by 'not' taking the bike out on a ride..

Maybe just to screw with their heads a little I'll walk into the BMW dealership and ask them if I could take the new R 1200S out for a little spin....

thume · #5 Unread post by **thume** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 6:03 am

Here some shops offer test rides, usually on a special 'test day'. Then they sell the demo bikes off for cheaper come the next year.

readytoroll08 · Thu Jul 05, 2007 7:00 am

If you are thinking about dropping a bike while test riding it I wouldn't suggest doing so unless you are completely confident of your abilitiy. Being mentally prepared to ride is 90% of it, or so my MSF instructors told me. Best of luck.

Lion_Lady · #7 Unread post by **Lion_Lady** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 9:30 am

moo snutz wrote:Maybe just to screw with their heads a little I'll walk into the BMW dealership and ask them if I could take the new R 1200S out for a little spin....

If you intend to test ride at a BMW dealership, you will be expected to pay for any damages you cause while test-riding. You'll sign a release form and provide your drivers license, etc.

Just one more reason to look at getting a USED motorcycle for that first machine.

P

moo snutz · Thu Jul 05, 2007 10:43 am

I definitely plan to get a used bike first time out - preferably one in my neighborhood too. Then, I plan to ride the snot out of it close to home until I become comfortable with it. A few months down the road I do plan to get into something bigger & newer.

But the test drive scenario did cross my mind for when I eventually do buy a bike at a dealer.

I do think it'd be fun though to go into a Beemer dealership....

"Excuse me, I would like to test out that 152hp K 1200 GT.... Oh, and where exactly is the shifter lever thing on this here bike" ?.... heh heh

good stuff!

Sev · #9 Unread post by **Sev** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 1:43 pm

you can get insurance for the day (I believe). At least that's what employees do if they borrow a bike for the weekend.

Fri Jul 06, 2007 7:06 am

Wow, I wouldn't even let anyone "test ride" the bikes I sold (unless of course I had the cash in hand of what I wanted for the bike being sold) so I can't imagine a dealer would let someone test a bike unless it was demo day or you signed all kinds of paperwork agreeing to cover possible damage.