What is the procedure for taking a motorcycle for a test-ride?

Question

Hi! I am new to biking, and am heading off to my local showroom at the weekend to view a couple of motorcycles.

I have bought a car before, and am familiar with how a test drive works; the dealer gets in beside you, and you pootle around for half an hour getting the feel for the car.

But how does this work with a motorcycle? I don't want to make a t*t out of myself! Obviously the dealer can't get on the bike with you, so how does it work? Do they just let you ride off with one of their bikes? Does the dealer follow close behind on another bike, or perhaps in a car?

I ought to point out this is a showroom for used, not new, bikes. But it is a very nice place, very clean and with a quality selection of looked-after bikes. The staff are friendly and certainly seem to know their trade!

Thanks for all serious advice. I am in England if this makes any difference (US/UK etc).

Answer 1

Gordon - 'Treat the event as if you're going out on a 1st date . As you're english then remember the fact that it'll be months later before you get the chance to ride the life out of it , which'll prove to be too late '

We are British, we speak English you fool!

Most dealerships have demo bikes, which you need to be over 25 for most bikes over 21 for others. Plus leave your id, and driving licence with them.

For used bikes, normally just an informal start up of the motorcycle outside and engage gears etc. No road test.

Some independant bike shops would have no probs letting you has 'a go' if you leave a deposit, proof of insurance etc. Big dealerships a no no. Only on their demo bikes, covered by their insurance.

You do have stat. rights like any purchase in UK. Plus the vehicle must be fit for purpose so they cant sell you a dog, even if sold as seen or for spares or repair.

Always HPi check it first too, even from a dealer.

Answer 2

Treat the event as if you're going out on a 1st date . As you're english then remember the fact that it'll be months later before you get the chance to ride the life out of it , which'll prove to be too late .

Answer 3

most dealers don't do test rides.  they do demo days where you can try several new models provided by the manufacturer on a specific route as a group, but individual test rides aren't very common

Answer 4

Most dealers do not allow this.  However, one thing that I've worked out with my dealer is that I go in and purchase or finance the bike.  Then I ride it around.  If I don't like it and keep the odometer under 10 miles, then I can come back and return it, and he'll "buy" it back from me.  I've only done this once, and my dealership knows me well.  You might want to ask them.