It is worth doing a test ride?

john24ssj · Trackday Trickster Joined: 08 Aug 2014 Karma :

Hi guys,

Got an odd one.

I currently got an ER-5 which runs all good and fine as I use it to commute to work but I do plan to upgrade sometime next year.
I am interested in the ER-6 and there is a kawasaki dealer not far form me but they only have the Versys 650 for a test ride which has the same engine as ER-6 from what I gather.

Is it worth doing a test ride on the Versys and how does it all go? as I have never done a test ride before and not sure how to go about doing it.

Thanks Smile

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Bikes: Honda CBR600Fi, Kawasaki ER5

Bloggsy · Spanner Monkey Joined: 08 Feb 2010 Karma :

Go to the dealer tell him your interested in buying (whatever) and does he have a demo bike you can test ride.

Nytol · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 06 May 2015 Karma :

I'd never buy a bike or a car without a test ride/drive, as there are many that after 30min I was not so keen on for one reason or another.

c_dug · Super Spammer Joined: 04 Sep 2007 Karma :

I'd do it.

I'd never done a test ride until around a month back, I was tempted by an NC750.

I rang the dealer, explained that I was toying with the idea of buying one and asked if I could come down and talk numbers with them. They offered a test ride immediately. I turned up, signed a few bits of paper, they held my licence, passed me the keys, and off I went.

I was eyeing up an NC750S, all they had was an NC750X with the auto gearbox. It was enough to give me a feel for the engine and the bike in general.
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I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

john24ssj · Trackday Trickster Joined: 08 Aug 2014 Karma :

Thanks for all the replies guys Smile

c_dug how much time did they give you to ride?

And should I book it online or go to a dealer and talk to them about it?
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Bikes: Honda CBR600Fi, Kawasaki ER5

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

Ahem, if you're planning on upgrading some time next year then I wouldn't worry about test rides until then.

Go to the dealer and talk to them. They'll give you all the sales spiel telling you how much better the Versys 650 is compared to an ER-6, blah blah blah, can do you an amazing deal if you want to put down a deposit today, blah blah blah.

With the new registrations coming on the 1st of September, they'll be wanting to shift whatever 15 plate stock they've got left. Wink