Getting a Test Ride...

[ash t]

Hi all,

Looking to get a new bike next year. Wanting something that going to be 6 - 12 months old, maybe a little older.

Im really wanting to get some test rides on potential bikes in the next few weeks.

Would it be rude to just ring up dealers to request a test ride?

Not sure whether or not to have a thou or drop to a 600. Currently have a TLR, which is great, but its also heavy, and I want something alot lighter. Seen a 2010 Blade and 600RR and I love them in the looks department, now I want to have a go to see what they are like handling wise.

Has anybody had any experience in going on test rides??
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When You're Starting To Choke, Take Some Pills With Your Coke, Its Hyserical

[Villers]

In my experience a bonifide franchised dealer are more likely to give you test rides. The last independant one I went to wouldnt let me try out an 06 R1 vs an 04 Fireblade until I was 'really serious' about just one of them, i.e I couldnt try both. This was despite being a cash buyer and turning up on my Hayabusa. Balls to J&L Carlisle for that by the way.

Maybe in bigger areas its different but the honda dealer in carlisle just held out his hand for my licence when I asked for a go on a 636 he had!
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RS125 > CBR6 > SV650S > ZX636R > GSX1300RZ Hayabusa > 06 RSVR Mille > SV1000S > Street Triple 765 RS

[Ste]

You need to give the sales person the idea that you're looking to buy from them, otherwise you can expect some excuse for why you're not allowed to test ride anything.

[ash t]

Seen a nice 600rr at dk, will pop in over the weekend me thinks. Thanks for the comments
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When You're Starting To Choke, Take Some Pills With Your Coke, Its Hyserical

[SamJL]

Where abouts in the country are you?
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2009 CBR1000RR
2004 KTM 200SX
2004 KTM 65SX

[Villers]

Was leaning more towards not being there to waste his time to be honest Ste, I left feeling like I was pushed out the door more than anything else.

The same idiot from the showroom scoffed
when I mentioned I was considering an RSVR as he claimed that he hadnt seen one for sale in cumbria for two years and the last one he serviced he tried to buy. Utter spuffpig to be honest!
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RS125 > CBR6 > SV650S > ZX636R > GSX1300RZ Hayabusa > 06 RSVR Mille > SV1000S > Street Triple 765 RS

[ash t]

I'm in Stoke mate, dk's the closest major dealer I think. Wouldn't buy from there because I know lots of stories, but test ride won't hurt. Do you know of any others??
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When You're Starting To Choke, Take Some Pills With Your Coke, Its Hyserical

[robbieguy2003]

[ash t]

I'm loving the new blade, I'm yet to look at insurance costs for one though, will be confused.comming it tomorrow haha.
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When You're Starting To Choke, Take Some Pills With Your Coke, Its Hyserical

[SamJL]

Get down to Knutsford Honda, they will let you try a Blade and a 600RR no problems!

I bought my 09' Blade from there, its an awesome bike, feels like a 600, with the power of a 1000cc bike

Speak to Mike, and say Sam with the Repsol Blade told you to go down, he will sort you out
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2009 CBR1000RR
2004 KTM 200SX
2004 KTM 65SX

[robbieguy2003]

[ash t]

Cheers for the tip! Not far away at all, will give them a call!
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When You're Starting To Choke, Take Some Pills With Your Coke, Its Hyserical

[SamJL]

[Dazbo666]

Maybe I've been lucky, but I've never really had much of a problem getting demo rides...
I rode a CBR600RR and the CBF1000 with no other experience right after my DAS some years ago
Last summer I test rode a Kwak Z1000 and a ZX10R on the same day - and just this week, a local Ducati dealership has agreed to let me test a Streetfighter and the M1100 Monster.

As long as you can present yourself as at least appearing to be honest, sensible and trustworthy, there shouldn't be a problem in most cases
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1st bike (Sept'06 - May'10) : 1991 GPZ500S / Current bike (since Nov 2009) : 2003 Suzuki Bandit 600N
Word of the day : DILLIGAF

[robbieguy2003]

[dainesefreak]

Ash - how old are you? It tends to be easier to get a test ride as you get older. Saying that if you're over 25 you should be able to get a ride at any main dealer if you have both parts of your license with you.

Not biased but the Blade is an ace bike mate.

[ash t]

Im 23, I'm swaying to the blade, going to try get a ride tomorrow. Insurance is cheaper than I expected, just need to decide what I want
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When You're Starting To Choke, Take Some Pills With Your Coke, Its Hyserical

[dainesefreak]

I'm not a 100% but some places may have a 25 and over rule because of the insurance cover. I may have imagined that though, it's been a while since I was 25.

I'd say that you'd get everything and more on the Blade. Insurance will obviously be more but I can get between 42-46 to the gallon on a weekly commute. Less obviously when I hit the lanes but still not too bad. I can do a set of softer compound tyres such as Qualifiers in 1800 miles but I fitted a pair of Roadsmarts to the last Blade and did over 4000.

Ride the 600 if you can then try the Blade and feel the difference in the midrange.

[Blackwolf]

[L4Isoside]

[ash t]

I'll have to see. I was able to take the TLR out before I bought it, and I was 21 back then. Will let you know how I go on, may not even attempt to get a ride today if the weather stays the way it is
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When You're Starting To Choke, Take Some Pills With Your Coke, Its Hyserical

[ash t]

Well I have been to look at some bikes today, had a sit on a few to start with and I am amazed at how light they feel compared to the TLR.

Im undecided now between the Blade and R1, and I am going to look at a K3 1000 tomorrow.

Need to get some rides organised I think!

I have also seen a 2001 R1, any body have experience with these??
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When You're Starting To Choke, Take Some Pills With Your Coke, Its Hyserical

[robbieguy2003]

Pre-25 i'd been offered lots of test rides, however i had bought x2 600rrs from that place so they knew i bought stuff.

To be fair though, first time I'd popped in (Gedges in Hastings), i rode in on a clapped up 600F, and they were more than happy to hand me the keys to an RR, it was a go enjoy it, see what you think and take the time you need.

I think its dealer dependant on test rides, however i've never really had any problems.

I've never turned up and immediately said 'hi im here and want to test ride bike x' though, i've always had a look around, quick chat and then generally been offered keys.

I think chatting with a sales guy first will get things moving.
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Current Bikes: Honda CBR 600RR - '07, Suzuki GSX1250 FA ST '11
Old Bikes: Suzuki Intruder 125 LC - '2001, Honda CBR 600F - '92, Honda CBR 600RR - '03

[Clanger]

I usually just turn up, with my lid and insurance docs and identity, and then ask for test rides. Not been turned down yet.
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss

[JP7]

The trick is to wait until they offer a test ride, which if you show enough interest in a particular bike, they will.

I used to work for a franchised car dealer, and you could always tell the test pilots a mile off because they would stroll in through the front door and immediately ask to test drive something. Those people were much less likely to get a drive than those who genuinely (or seemingly) showed interest in the car they wanted to drive.

I bought my current bike from a Yamaha dealer. I let him offer for me to sit on it, then he offered for me to ride it. I liked it that much I bought it.