Test rides, how'd do they work?

[Whosthedaddy]

If I fancy having a go on a new bike whats the deal?

When I looked at maybe having a test on a Beemer I had to look quite far afield for a dealer that had a bike available, is this the same for most manufacturers. I suspect that I can't just turn up and have a go on a variety of models can I?

How long are most test rides, is it a blast round the block or a day or two?

Can you really get to grips with the bike in such a short time that you'd be able to say a big yes or a thanks but no thanks?

What sort of insurance is needed or cover do you get for any damage to the bike?

[Bendy]

Depends on the shop, really.

Some'll let you out there and then, some will require you to book. Some will have set routes or accompany you (but I'd say most won't). Time limits - if they think you're serious about buying they should be happy to let you out for a long time. Plenty folks go back for more goes while narrowing down the field, so basically if a dealer doesn't want to let you ride the bike I'd tell them where to go.

Insurance is handled by the shop, you're liable for the excess. Some shops have age/experience limits due to this.

I took the Sprint out for a couple of hours and that was enough to decide. I made sure I did some twistys, some town, some motorway to get a decent feel for it.

[Seb]

Bendy's got it spot on, about the only thing I can add is that smaller private dealers tend to be a lot more flexible with test rides, at Bridge I had an hour slot and that was the end of it, not to mention they had strict age and experience guidelines before they would hand over the keys. Whereas with PGH it was a case of 'heres some fuel, try to be back before you run out or we start putting the bikes away

Not too hard to work out who got my money
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2010 Triumph 1050 Sprint ST

[salty21]

in my local dealers they have a ducati 848 demonstrator bike

with this being my dream bike i would absolutely love a go on it. i have about 18 months experience on a 125 and 3 months experience on a 600 sports , i am 25.

what are the odds of them handing me the keys?
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04 NSR 125(sold) ---- 03 CBR 600rr(sold) ----90 pan euro ST1100 '' ----02 CG 125
94 CB400 Super Four ---- 2000 VTR SP1 (sold) ---- 08 ninja p8f(sold, meh) ----05 CBR600rr

[thx1138]

I used to book test rides for somthing to do. I booked a Fazer test ride for something to do, and ended up buying it as soon as I got back from the ride.

[Steve-D]

Most places where I've been want you to have had you lisence for a year and be 25 or over.
It sucks.
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www.southwestbikers.com
Tristan The said 'Dunno what my pace will be like, fastish slow puncture on the rear and if I go too fast I risk my 'keys' falling out'

[deanoet]

[Wil]

Bransons in Yeovil let me test ride my Speed Four no questions asked. I just had to sign an insurance statement with a £500 excess in case I pranged it. I suppose they knew I'd travelled a fair way though, so no doubt assumed I would take it.
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'07 Triumph Speed Four

Aw look, a baby driving a car. And look, there's a dog driving a bus!

[MattEMulsion]

If you look like a serious buyer then I reckon your chances of a test ride are greatly improved.

If they sense that you are merely a test pilot looking for a bit of fun then they are unlikely to offer you a test ride so easily.
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Yamaha YZF-R6

[Faldo]

What you up to WTD ?

Thinking of gettin rid of the 7 ? Aren't you moving to sunnier climbs soon anyway ?

What bike you thinking of test riding ?

[/Spanish inquisition]
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Current: ZZR1400
Previous: ZXR 400 L9, ZX-7R P5, ZZR 400, ZX-7R P6, Bandit 600, GSXR 750 Slingshot, DRZ400, DR650, ZX10R C1H, ZXR 750 L1, ZXR 750 L3, '99 ZX7R P4, KTM 300 EXC, ZX-9R E1, TDM850

[Whosthedaddy]

[Faldo]

Mmmmmm....... SP2

You've gotta try one of them. In fact I think I might .....
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Current: ZZR1400
Previous: ZXR 400 L9, ZX-7R P5, ZZR 400, ZX-7R P6, Bandit 600, GSXR 750 Slingshot, DRZ400, DR650, ZX10R C1H, ZXR 750 L1, ZXR 750 L3, '99 ZX7R P4, KTM 300 EXC, ZX-9R E1, TDM850

[ben_wheely]

When i looked at my drz ... I went to the bike dealer, looked at the bike for 3 minutes. I then asked to test it. He asked for my license, shown him. He started it up, he then walked back into the shop office.

No paperwork to sign. No time 'limits' ect. Oh and im 19 with a restricted license. Quite silly of him now i think of it

Edit: just noticed that it said testing a 'New' bike, still silly though.

[TAX MY BRAIN]

A mate of mine has manged to get in on something they call the " breakfast club "

Think it's with cj balls basicaly they have a range of the latest bikes you turn up jump on a bike and go out for a blast stop for breakfast swap bikes ride somemore and so on,
im not sure if there are cost's involved and how you get on the guest list

anyone else heard of this ??

[Whosthedaddy]

[Flip]

I've heard of the exess being around £1500 so don't drop it.

[dar]