Do Motorcycle Dealers Allow Test Rides?

Buying your first motorbike is indeed remarkable for anyone. And it’s also true that sometimes we need test rides to make a solid decision. New riders always have a doubt whether motorcycle dealers allow test rides or not.

Motorcycle dealers around the states allow you a test ride for a few miles on their motorbike. And you have full right to demand test rides for a motorbike if they don’t offer you a test ride. Don’t forget to see compatibility, comfortability while testing a motorbike. 

There’re many things which you need to consider while choosing the motorbike for you. 

Let’s look at what it means for you and what you can do about it.

Do Motorcycle Dealers Allow Test Rides?

Most dealers around the globe allow test riders for their new serious customers. 

And you’ve full right to demand a test ride for any motorbike, but only if you’re serious about buying the motorbike. 

Many times I personally experienced that most of the dealers test your budget. And sometimes, they don’t offer you a test ride to a luxurious motorbike if you’re out of budget. 

The best way to tackle this situation is to be a serious buyer. Don’t go showrooms for stalking motorbikes. 

Have you thought about why dealers offer free rides? Let’s see in the next section. 

Why Do Motorbike Dealers Allow Test Rides? 

It’s simple to conclude the strategy as an old market technique, but it’s something more that you’re not understanding. 

Motorbike dealers allow test rides because allowing test rides is one of the ways through which customers can be satisfied with the quality motorbikes that dealers are offering. The satisfaction and transparency build trust between consumers and manufacturers, thus boosting sales.  

Let’s look at what it means for you and what you can do about it.

The 2015 US study concludes that allowing demo rides is the best way to build trust through transparency. 

In the same study, marketers found that consumer-experienced demo rides can trust manufacturers and dealers better than consumers with no demo rides. 

More interestingly, the ninth annual pied piper satisfaction report found that dealers all around the US start to offer demo rides more by 63%. 

In comparison, only 34% of dealers used to offer demo rides five years earlier.

In the same study, marketers found 81% of dealers are now offering sitting on the motorbike seat. Which was earlier only 70%. 

And now it’s clear why some motorbike manufacturers are reporting rocket boost sales. 

Personally, people have experienced luxurious motorbike companies like Ducati, BMW, and Harley offering more demo rides than other manufacturers.

Should You Buy a Motorbike if Dealers Don’t Allow Test Rides? 

The most important question among riders is whether they should buy a motorbike from a dealer that doesn’t allow test rides? 

Although it’s a matter of personal preference, experts usually don’t recommend buying a motorbike from dealers who don’t allow test rides. Don’t settle for something less unless the dealer is reliable in delivering the best motorbike. It’s foolish to spend thousands of dollars on a motorbike that you didn’t ride. 

That’s why you should always motorbike from someone who allows you to test ride at least. 

Things to Consider While Choosing the Motorbike? 

Now you know why some dealers allow you to test riding the motorbike. But how will you choose a motorbike according to your needs? 

Here’re the top things which you need to focus on while choosing the motorbike. 

Things you need to know while choosing a motorbike. Details: 
Look for an engine. You have to see whether the engine is compatible with you or not.
Look for brakes. You have to see whether your hands can press the motorbike brakes effectively or not. 
Don’t ignore height compatibility. Please see whether you’re able to touch your feet on the ground while sitting on the motorbike or not. 
Ask for the customization. If you’re a short rider, then you should ask the dealer for little seat arrangements. 
Focus on handling. Bad handling causes incorrect postures, which might cause severe back and wrist pain.  
The new motorbike won’t be the same.Most demo ride motorbikes are pretty old which do not perform as they were made for. 
Closely inspect the motorbike. Inspect motorbike after riding once again. 
Focus on engine CC. Don’t go for a high CC engine if you’re just a beginner. 
Go for plan B. If the dealer doesn’t allow you to demo ride, then choose another dealer.

Be Morally Correct: 

Before going to the nearest dealer for testing the motorbike, you need to understand that dealers expect business from you in exchange for a demo ride. 

It’s nothing like using a motorbike as your friend’s motorbike. 

Remember you don’t have any right to abuse the precious motorcycle while testing it. 

Try to understand if you abuse a motorbike in the demo, the dealer will hesitate to offer demo ride to serious buyers next time. And this will disturb all chain management in the market. 

Lok for Engine: 

The engine is the first thing you need to see at the time of a demo ride. You have to see whether the engine is compatible with you or not.

Don’t forget to see whether the engine is vibrating while riding or not.

You should also consider engine sound while riding, as some motorbike-like Harley produced more sounds than others.

Look for Brakes: 

There’re many tips out there telling you to consider engine strength and performance while choosing the motorbike. 

But I think brakes also play a vital role in your riding life. 

You have to see whether your unskilled hands can press the motorbike brakes effectively or not. 

Ideally, the brakes should be pressed easily. A couple of speed breakers and descent stops can do your work effectively. 

Believe me, checking brakes is not rocket science. 

Look for Height Compatibility: 

We all aren’t the same. Some of us are tall, and some are short. 

And that’s why height compatibility matters while choosing the motorbike. 

Please see whether you’re able to touch your feet on the ground while sitting on the motorbike or not. 

Ideally, you’ve to touch at least one foot to the ground.  

Asking for Customization: 

It’s perfectly ok if your feet can’t touch the ground while sitting on the motorbike. 

If you’re a short rider, then you should ask the dealer for little seat arrangements, since little seat arrangement can decrease motorbike height hugely.

Comfortable Handling: 

As with brakes and engines, handling also plays a crucial role while riding. Bad handling is not only bad for your motorbike safety, but it is also bad for your body postures. 

Bad handling causes incorrect postures, which might cause severe back and wrist pain.  

New Motorbike isn’t Same: 

The crucial factor which I need people to understand is that the motorbike you ride during the demo is a lot different from the new motorbike. 

Most demo ride motorbikes are pretty old which do not perform as they were made for. 

Closely Impact Once Again: 

After taking a demo ride, it would always be best to closely impact the motorbike once again. 

While testing, we generally don’t see things that can be seen by close inspection only. 

Engine CC: 

The CC or cubic centimeters of the piston is the size of a power unit that a motorbike engine comes with. 

Many riders are fascinated most by high CC motorbikes, which aren’t too handy and come with many complications and challenges. These motorbikes come with enormous power that a beginner couldn’t handle. 

So if you’re a beginner, it would also be best to go with a motorbike which comes with excellent handling and low CC power. 

You should also read my previous article on why beginners shouldn’t buy high CC motorbikes. Click here to read.

Go for Plan B: 

Ever think what would happen if the dealer doesn’t allow you to test ride? 

Although it’s rare, I would still advise you to convince them that you’re a serious buyer and looking for something similar that they are offering. 

And if this does not work, then it’s always best to choose another dealer. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Should you ask the dealer for a test ride?

Yes, you should at least ask your motorbike dealer for a test ride.

Why do motorbike dealers offer test rides?

Motorbike dealers allow test rides because allowing test rides is one of the ways through which customers can be satisfied with the quality that dealers are offering

Should you buy a motorbike if dealers don’t offer you a test ride?

No. you shouldn’t buy a motorbike from a dealer who doesn’t offer you at least one test ride.

How you can see brakes on the new motorbike?

You have to see whether your unskilled hands can press the motorbike brakes effectively or not. 

Why beginners shouldn’t focus on high CC motorbikes?

High CC motorbikes come with enormous power that a beginner couldn’t handle. 

Final Verdict: 

Do motorcycle dealers allow test rides? Motorcycle dealers around the states allow you a test ride for a few miles on their motorbike.

And you have full right to demand test rides for a motorbike if they don’t offer you a test ride. 

Don’t forget to see compatibility, comfortability while testing your motorbike. 

You should also focus on some points that I’ve mentioned above before going to buy a motorbike.