What bikes are you considering? Maybe start a new thread and ask who has ridden/owned them and get some info that way, asking specific questions about the things you're worried or wondering about(power delivery, braking, stock mapping, seat comfort etc). Most questions can be answered that way. The only consideration that might need a trip to a dealer would be ergos, and you can just sit on bikes in the showroom to narrow it down.
Is it bad form to test ride several used bikes, at a dealer, if you don't intend to buy that day?
- Thread starter Doc_V
- Start date
moto-rama
Well-known member
Sales people just use their special powers to make you buy a bike, and there us nothing you can do to stop them.
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NorCalBusa
Member #294
Wonder how many dealers have posted this thread on the employee bulletin board?
I don't think it's super bad form. Retail/brick-and-mortar establishments have a lot of challenges these days, and people who come to try out stuff then buy elsewhere has been on the list for a long time.
Also, not sure if this has already been said but there are ways to acknowledge that you are taking up their time without actually buying an entire motorcycle. If you've already got a moto, consider buying some accessories or gear while you're there. Shit even just a hat or t-shirt (even stuff you don't really need) can show some appreciation and put a few bucks in the till. And that's not even to mention a nice tip of the 6-unit hoppy variety.
In any case, good on you for being honest.
And I agree with those who have said that a test ride is essential for a big purchase. Sure, internet and magazine reviews can give you the objective information you need but come on, so much of motorcycling is subjective and comes down to feel. I've lusted after certain bikes that I quickly realized were not for me after getting a chance to swing a leg over one.
Also, not sure if this has already been said but there are ways to acknowledge that you are taking up their time without actually buying an entire motorcycle. If you've already got a moto, consider buying some accessories or gear while you're there. Shit even just a hat or t-shirt (even stuff you don't really need) can show some appreciation and put a few bucks in the till. And that's not even to mention a nice tip of the 6-unit hoppy variety.
In any case, good on you for being honest.
And I agree with those who have said that a test ride is essential for a big purchase. Sure, internet and magazine reviews can give you the objective information you need but come on, so much of motorcycling is subjective and comes down to feel. I've lusted after certain bikes that I quickly realized were not for me after getting a chance to swing a leg over one.
islemann
Re Tired Not Dead
Not wanting to toss water on your 'buy out of state' fire - but do be aware that if it doesn't have CA Emissions decal on the frame - it's going to have to have 7500+ miles on the odo. Buying a nice low mileage bike at a great price, then finding out you can't register it in CA is a big suck.
I suspect that since you've named several out of production bikes, you're talking about finding something that is well used and already meets the mileage requirement. Stated more as a general dobeware.
I suspect that since you've named several out of production bikes, you're talking about finding something that is well used and already meets the mileage requirement. Stated more as a general dobeware.
Thanks for the heads up. I'd asked about out of state bikes in another thread and this was brought up. It's definitely good to know, but yes, any bike I end up getting is likely to have at least 20k miles on the odo. FWIW, I'd much prefer to buy local, but I'm just not seeing many, especially in my price range. Who knows, maybe I'll get lucky when the time comes.