In this article, I am going to show you how you can try a motorcycle that you want to check and potentially buy if it satisfies all your demands that you put in front of it. Here you will have a couple of steps that you should go through before deciding if you will or won’t buy a motorcycle.
So what should you do before you buy a motorcycle? As a general rule, you need to try out the motorcycle you intend to buy. Sit on the motorcycle and test it out. Go for a test ride and see how it behaves and notice if there are any malfunctions on the motorcycle itself. Once you finish with testing, decide if this motorcycle is for you or not.
Further in this article, I will cover everything you need to know about what you should do before buying a motorcycle, which is why you should read the entire article.
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How to Try On a Motorcycle Before Buying One?
When it comes to motorcycles, ergonomics are crucial. Unlike a car, your ability to control the motorcycle is important, as well as your comfort. You’ll like a motorcycle that’s low enough to quickly get on and off.
You’ll also have to be able to operate the controls without overstretching or cramping your hands and legs. Here are some tips to ensure that your dream ride is the best choice for you.
1. Sit On the Motorcycle
It seems self-evident that the perfect way to determine whether a motorcycle is right for you is to sit on it. Any dealer or private seller would make it simple for you to do so. A motorcycle show like IMS, where nobody is trying to sell you anything and you can sit on a variety of brands and models, is an alternative option.
However, keep in mind that how you fit on a bike at a stop only tells half of the story. You never ride with one foot on the ground and the kickstand down.
2. Demo Days
Wait till the dealer has a demo day to get around this issue. This entails a specialized fleet of demonstration motorcycles that the company transports from location to location solely for the purpose of allowing you to test people out. The dealer isn’t putting their own inventory at risk this way.
These are generally group rides that are led and trailed by brand representatives. You will follow predetermined routes, which are normally designed to expose you to a range of various roadways, ranging from back roads to highways.
On a demo ride, there is little room for pranks like speed or wheelies, so you won’t be able to push the motorcycle too aggressively. You will have around 10 to 15 minutes of experience on at minimum one selected model, potentially more depending on the event conditions. You should try to attend as many demo rides as you can during the year to get a feel for as many motorcycles as possible.
3. Go for a Test Ride
You don’t truly understand a motorcycle till you ride it. This applies not only to ergonomics but also to the way the motorcycle travels down the road. You may not even notice that the steering wheel hit your leg or that the gearshift is in the wrong spot unless you try it.
Sadly, test rides are frequently a point of contention between a seller and a prospective customer. Numerous dealers and private sellers will not allow you to take a test ride.
Some may enable it if you have cash on hand to pay for it, which they will keep if you break the motorcycle. Some have no issues taking test rides.
Harley-Davidson, believe it or not, is one of the top brands for test rides. I brought my Kawasaki Z750 to a vendor one day, and they placed me on three Harleys to try out. Several Japanese manufacturers, on the other hand, will not allow you to take a test ride no matter what.
Cycle-Ergo.com
Cycle-Ergo.com is another excellent resource. It offers a large range of bikes in its catalog, although it is not complete. You enter your height and inseam, and it calculates how you would fit on that particular motorcycle. In the arena of COVID-19, this can help you narrow down your options in the comfort of your own home, reducing your in-person interaction with people and equipment.
Conclusion
This article will be useful to you to have some guidelines that will make it easier for you to buy your new motorcycle. I hope you like this article and that you will enjoy your new motorcycle once you get it.
Take care, be safe and ride with care.