Sub-lime
Troglodyte Canoodler
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- Nov 25, 2018
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Do dealers actually let people do this? I've heard a couple of times that they stopped letting people take bikes for test rides like this. It would be amazing to be able to test it for a full day though. I assume it's only if they have demo models though.
I guess it depends whether they know you're actually interested in purchasing the bike and have a valid licence.
I generally do this.
1. Spend a day and go to various dealers, meet and greet only and learn about what the bike has and go through the sales pitch (some of it is valuable), sit on it but decline a test ride for now if offered. Take notes! (literally)
2. After visiting all the dealerships of brands you're interested in go do it again and visit the same bikes but compare with your list of things like price, maintenance, features and if you're really care ask about how much dick swing hp it puts out haha.
At this point the dealer will know 1. you've done a valid comparison of competition, 2. You're back, so someting peaked your interest and the possibility of a sale is realistic.
3. Go back to the dealers again (different day) and now it's time to ride, if the dealer has not already offered after step 2, then ask if it is possible to take the bike out for a quick loop. Build trust so they can see you're not just bumming a weekend toy. Do this with all brands, If a brand declines a ride (Unless they don't have a demo avail at that moment, try organize a later date) i respectfully walk away as in my mind if i'm laying down 200K+ for a bike then i'm riding it. Bike shops have insurance and generally dealerships do have demo's (Why i go to the brand dealer not a bike shop).
At this point you will have narrowed down what you like and what you don't. If you're actually interested in making a purchase then go to the dealership of choice (maybe 2/3) and say okay i have heard all dealer offerings on all the bikes and narrowed them down to what i like and whats withing my immediate budget. I would like to spend a bit longer on the bike and if this could be organised from closing Sat to Monday first thing id get a better feel for the bike to make my final decision; at this point don't be that guy with empty pockets leading them on with zero intention.
Generally the dealer will know trust your genuine interest and will allow a longer test ride.
This is the way i go about it. I feel it satisfies my need to know what i'm buying without being unfair or misleading to a dealership.
With your notes on service fees, maintenance, extras and purchase price that you jotted down you can clearly show the dealer what offerings you got on other brands to neg a good deal whether it be a free service, an extra, a discount or some other loyalty offering.
My 2c.