Are you planning to buy a new motorcycle? If yes, then you might be thinking do motorcycle dealers allow test rides? We know that test rides are essential when planning to buy a new motorcycle after all the test rides help you select a suitable motorcycle.
Allowing you a test ride depends on the dealers. Some dealers allow you a demo, while some aren’t. In our observation, we’ve found that most of the dealers would allow you to test ride a motorbike if you’re serious about buying a motorcycle.
Do Motorcycle Dealers Allow Test Rides?
Despite the rocket boosting sale of motorcycles in the US, many dealers still don’t offer you the demo ride.
Even many dealers won’t allow you to sit on the motorcycle in their showroom, even though demo rides are the only tool to increase sales.
In the 2015 motorcycle study, it’s found that demo rides not only increase customer satisfaction. But also it increases the sales growth of motorcycles.
The ninth annual Pied Piper Prospect satisfaction index found that big companies like Harley Davidson, BMW, and Ducati are most lean towards the demo ride.
And it’s not a coincidence that there’s a surge in these motorcycle sales because of the demo technique.
As mentioned above, some dealers give you a test ride, and some aren’t. The only way to find whether dealers provide demo rides or not is to ask them.
In our observation, we’ve found that most of the dealers only allow test rides when they see the buyer’s seriousness.
In our observations, we also found that you’ll surely get the chance of demo riding if you’re going to purchase expensive European motorbikes.
And for the rest of the motorbike, it depends on dealers and showroom policy.
What to Look for When Testing a Motorcycle?
| What to look for when testing a motorcycle: |
| Height of the motorcycle. |
| Motorcycle seat. |
| Motorcycle brakes. |
| Smoothness of clutch. |
| Motorcycle controls. |
There’re many things to look at when buying a motorcycle. Here we’ve mentioned some factors which you need to look at when purchasing a motorcycle.
Motorcycle Height:
Motorcycle height is probably one of the most critical and most ignorant factors. If you ever get a chance to test ride, we recommend you sit on the motorcycle and look at the motorcycle and your height ratio.
Sitting on the motorcycle will give you an idea of whether the motorbike is suitable for you or not.
If you ever feel that the motorcycle is not compatible with your height, we recommend not buying that motorcycle.
Instead, you can go with different motorcycles of the same or other brands. Always remember the goal is to buy a motorcycle that suits your body for a longer time.
Motorcycle Seat:
If you’re a small rider, then a motorcycle seat is one of the most critical factors you should consider.
The ideal motorcycle seat should also suit your body height and should let you touch your feet on the ground.
Some manufacturers let you change their motorcycle seat height. But we don’t recommend doing this as doing this will cause a loss in balance and might cause accidents.
Instead, you can replace the motorcycle seat with 3D memory foam. No worries! 3D memory foam is much more comfortable than the original motorcycle seat.
Motorcycle Controls:
Nowadays, modern manufacturers are trying to add as many features as they can to the motorcycle. And with more features, what we got are complex controls which can easily make someone confused.
That’s why we always recommend you to learn as much as you can about controls. Or you can ask the dealer about controls if you ever get stuck.
Motorcycle Brakes:
Brakes are also an essential factor to consider when you’re going to purchase a used motorcycle.
If during riding if you ever hear a noise or unexpected sound when pressing the lever, then consider it as a red flag.
Usually, new motorcycle brakes also make a sound. But if brakes are heated up and still making sound, then consider it as a red flag.
Motorcycle Clutch:
Probably no one would tell you the importance of a motorcycle clutch while going to purchase the motorcycle. While testing, if you ever feel unexpected resistance while pressing the motorcycle clutch, then consider it as a red flag.
However, in some new motorcycles, you’ll feel naturally resistant while pressing the clutch. And in this case it’d be better to share the problem with dealer.
What are Some Types of Motorcycles?
When going to purchase a motorcycle, you need to know what are some types of motorcycles. We recommend choosing the motorcycle according to your needs only.
| Types of motorcycles in the market. |
| Cruiser. |
| Standard. |
| Touring. |
| Dual sport. |
Cruiser:
Low seat arrangements make cruisers one of the best bike categories for novices. Cruiser bikes are easy to handle and control.
Cruiser bikes are very similar to hybrid bikes, and the best thing about these bikes is that you can choose the design from easy to complex structure.
The cruiser has a long comfortable seat, making cruisers an excellent motorcycle for long journeys on weekends.
Standard:
Standard bikes are the most common bikes that you may find on the streets. Manufacturers do not make standard bikes to focus on a particular goal; still, they’re visually appealing.
Standard bikes come in different engine types, modifications, and power, so be aware while choosing the standard bikes according to your needs. And don’t choose a 600CC motorcycle for yourself if you’re a beginner.
Touring:
Touring bikes are generally for long drives. The touring bikes come with a comfortable long seat and a handle adjustment facility.
These motorbikes tend to be heavier, and the weight can vary from brand to brand.
Dual Sport:
Dual sport is all in one bike. These bikes give you an excellent experience anywhere and anytime, either on the beach, streets, muddy areas. So if you aren’t sure about your needs yet, we’ll recommend going with these bikes.
These bikes have high seat adjustment, so if you’re not tall enough, then it might be the wrong choice for you.
Some Best Motorcycles for Riders
If you’re a beginner, your first motorcycle would be precious for you, and we don’t want your special motorcycle to be high CC.
But why so? It’s because a high CC or sporty motorcycle comes with great power, and you need to be an expert to handle this great power.
Here’re some low CC yet super stylish and effective motorcycles that you should purchase as your first motorcycle.
| Best Motorcycle for New Riders: |
| KTM corner rocket. |
| Kawasaki Z125 Pro SE. |
| Honda Monkey. |
KTM Corner Rocket:
When it comes to a motorbike, no one can ignore the brand KTM and service they offers.
KTM corner rocket comes with a 373CC engine which isn’t too aggressive for a novice. Manufacturers know as a novice; you care about the look of the motorbike lot.
That’s why manufacturers made this motorcycle visually appealing which can easily attract anyone.
Although the engine is a bit on the firm side, the motorcycle engine can still easily catch good speed on the highways.
Kawasaki Z125 Pro SE:
Kawasaki Z125 Pro SE is a naked mini-motorcycle that isn’t only attractive but also budget and beginner-friendly.
This motorcycle comes with a 125 CC engine, which is smaller than other motorcycles. Still, it’s a budget-friendly option that you should focus on.
The best thing about the Kawasaki Z125 pro-SE motorcycle comes with an adjustable 31.7 inches seat.
No worry, you can easily adjust the seat of a motorcycle even if you’re non-techy. We’ll also recommend you to go with this motorcycle if you’re a small rider.
Honda Monkey:
Honda Monkey was one of the most famous motorcycles in Asian countries since 1960.
And the best thing about this motorcycle is that Honda Monkey entered the US market with some additional features.
You’ll get features like ABS and modern engine improvement in the US variant. Another best thing about this motorcycle is that it comes with low seated features, making this motorcycle ideal for small riders.
Although you’ll get a small engine with this motorcycle still this engine is enough to catch decent speed on highways.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do Motorcycle Dealers Allow Test Rides?
Allowing you a test ride depends on the dealers. Some dealers allow you a demo, while some aren’t. In our observation, we’ve found that most of the dealers would allow you to test ride a motorbike if you’re serious about buying a motorcycle.
Is there’s any relation between buyer seriousness and demo ride?
Yes, in our observation, we’ve found that most of the dealers only allow test rides when they see the buyer’s seriousness. We also found that you’ll surely get the chance of demo riding if you’re going to purchase expensive European motorbikes.
What to look in the motorcycle height?
Motorcycle height is probably one of the most critical and most ignorant factors. If you ever get a chance to test ride, we recommend you sit on the motorcycle and look at the motorcycle and your height ratio.
What are touring motorbikes?
Touring bikes are generally for long drives. The touring bikes come with a comfortable long seat and a handle adjustment facility.
Why beginner should always focus on low CC motorcycles?
It’s because a high CC or sporty motorcycle comes with great power, and you need to be an expert to handle this great power.
Our Verdict:
Do motorcycle dealers allow test rides? Well, it depends on dealers and showroom policy.
Some dealers allow you to demo ride, while some aren’t. But in our observation, we’ve found that you’ll get a demo ride if you’re going to purchase a luxurious European motorcycle.
In some motorcycle studies, researchers found that demo rides increased the sale of motorcycles irrespective of motorcycle brand.
We always recommend considering some facts, including motorcycle height, seat, controls, brakes, and clutch, while purchasing your first motorcycle.
Also, in the market, you’re going to find different motorcycles like cruiser, standard, touring, and dual sport. And we always recommend purchasing motorcycles that meet your criteria.
