Is it OK to Test Drive at Dealers?

[sully2028]

I have been a Yahama Venture rider for over twenty years, and have 89K miles on my 84. Am looking to upgrade to either the K1200LT or R1200RT (or earlier versions) but have never ridden them. I bought a 1988 Honda Goldwing last year thinking it would be a great replacement, but while it was great on the highway, I felt its heaviness (850 lb) on the county roads and local streets I often ride on. Ended up selling it.

Here's my questions. Is there any problem with test riding the BMWs at a dealer, even though my thought is to only buy a good used bike. I rarely buy new. Is it "unethical" to test ride and then walk away without buying? I just feel kinda funny about it.

Any thoughts on the KT vs the RT would also be appreciated. Generally, I've concluded the KT is quite a bit heavier, OK at speeds > 15mph, but you could also get used to the weight quite easily (I am 6ft 200lb).

Thanks in advance, Dan

[Lonewuff]

I found that BMW dealers are more prone to allowing test rides than other brands. If they have one you can try I say go for it. Not all bikes are made for every person and there really isn't a better way to tell.

If you learn the bike the weight isn't an issue. The LT is heavy, but I use mine for work and I am on and off it a lot, driving in town most of the time and hardly notice the weight. That isn't to say an RT or even a GT would make things easier for me, I just got used to the weight and it doesn't bother me. If I could afford two bikes I would probably have an RT or GT as my work bike and save my LT for long rides, but Momma says I don't have the money for two bikes and all I get to say is "Yes Dear" :(

[Gizmo1137]

That is one of the good things about BMW is that they do allow demo rides. That has been my experience along with no sales pressure to buy.

[Woolly]

Hi Dan, welcome to the forum.

In the UK (at least) BMW are about the only dealers who will lend you a bike for the day - dont feel guilty about it - just enjoy the ride - I'm sure it's similar in the States. It's mad that if you wanna buy a GW (£19000 (=$40000) they won't let you ride it, but BM will.

[sonnata]

Dan,

Have you considered a 1200GS?

Kevin

[Duane_in_Florida]

You might just find what you are looking for there....I test drove a used bike at my dealer and ended up buying a new one!

If it makes you feel better, rationalize it this way: by your buying a used BMW from someone, it gives him the money to buy an new one from the dealer. It COULD be true. :)

[kevincook]

Hi Dan,

Personally, I wouldn't demo a bike at a dealer if I had no intention of purchasing a bike from him. On the other hand if you go in looking for a used one and he then offers a demo on a new one.....sure why not.


Also, If you thought the GW was heavy then definitely don't buy an LT without riding one first. The weight doesn't bother me at all, but then again I don't have any other experience to compare it to.

Good Luck,
Kevin

[tarheel_rider]

My dealer has demo days and I try all the bikes out. I'd feel a little guilty if I took the bike for an extended ride with no intent to buy, but the demo days are great, just a quick 15 minute ride to get a feel for the bike. They're making a bet they can hook me on a bike I just have to have and I'm willing to let them try. In my experience the BMW dealers are far ahead of other brands. Take the test rides and see which one, if any, sings to you.

[LTPenguin]

Dan,

I took test rides on a couple of models at my local dealer. When I purchased a used LT a couple of months later, I gave that dealer first shot at servicing it.

I feel no guilt over my actions. The dealer has a chance to make money from me and I would never have purchased a BMW without riding one first. Even thought I did not purchase a new bike after the test ride, that ride will lead to BMW and the dealer getting lots of dollars from me over the next couple of decades.

Just my 2-cents worth.

[2002redrider]

Take a test ride for sure. How do you know you won't buy from them? When I got back in to riding in 1993, the BMW dealer was the only one that would let me take a test ride. I rode three (all used) that day and bought one of them on the spot.

Several years and several BMWs later I still try out the new models. Do I buy everything I try? Not by a long shot but they know I am a semi regular buyer and treat me like the serious player that I am. I buy most of my accessories there and they know me by name.

Works for me.

[BUGKILLER]

All businesses pay dearly to get the opportunity to get you to walk into their front door. I am sure they would welcome the chance to get you on a bike with even the slightest chance of a sale. Don't count out a test drive from private party sellers as well. Good luck with your search.

[alanforn]

I don't know how test rides work in other areas, our dealer does a credit card hold. I believe that some lowspeed tipovers resulted in unintended purchases of LT's!

[Reid]

Go for it...it's not even worth worrying about it. If you're interested in an LT than ride one. The dealer will be happy to have you in the door. Don't worry about tip-overs....they're insured by the dealer. He wants to sell a bike...go ride one and see what you think.

[info]

I did an overnight test ride(200+) miles before I bought the LT.
I wasn't convinced I was buying before the test ride. I don't
think you should worry about it. The RT and LT are very different
bikes so you should ride both before you decide. Enjoy!

[CajunBass]

I was probably about as inexperienced a rider as ever took a test ride on an LT. The only motorcycle I'd ever ridden was a Yamaha Scooter. I didn't know how to use a clutch, shift, and had never used a foot brake before, yet my dealer still insisted that I test ride the LT. I didn't drop it, but I have no idea why. :histerica I test rode one, but bought another. I was so dumb I didn't know how heavy the beast was or how big a jump I was making. Since I'd never really ridded anything else, I figured all bikes were like this one. That was over 12,000 miles ago. Looking back I might should have gotten a smaller lighter bike, but I don't regret buying the LT.

[RiderRay]

I'd have no hesitation in asking for a demo ride. You might want to ask what the policy of the dealership is if she should tip over so you know ahead of time. The big girl is like Dolly Parton (top heavy), but to me the performance on the road far outweighs the low speed handling. I commute with mine, have gotten used to it and love it.

Good luck with your decision.

Ray

[Torch]

Foothills BMW in Lakewood Colorado will just about throw keys at you to do a test ride. They are a Triumph dealer also. That's how I ended up with an R3. Matthew said hey try this,I did,I bought.. :)

[rando]

The dealer I use has demos on new and used bikes. Maybe you can find one like that in your area.

Good luck shopping. If you didn't like the Wing's wieght, you probably won;t like the LT either. But there are plenty of other good choices.

Randy

[TJD]

I would definitely test ride the bike before buying. I went up to my dealer with my mind pretty much set on the RT. After test riding it though, I was less than blown away. The dealer suggested I ride the GT and a month later, I am droping mine off for the 600 miles service. As it turned out, I ended up buying the bike from someone else because they oculd not match the deal I got elsewhere. I was very honest with them and they were great about it. They will get all of my service business going forward. They also had several very nice used GT's and RT's on the floor. If you're anywhere near Mass. or NH, I would recommend this dealer (Second Wind BMW) very highly.

TD

[stevea2980]

Hi Dan, welcome to the forum.

In the UK (at least) BMW are about the only dealers who will lend you a bike for the day - dont feel guilty about it - just enjoy the ride - I'm sure it's similar in the States. It's mad that if you wanna buy a GW (£19000 (=$40000) they won't let you ride it, but BM will.


$40,000 !!! O My!!!!

[hybridcage]

I know that dealers in my area will let you ride anytime you want, any bike(if one's available).

When I got my LT, they copied my license and said someone's here till 5:30 or so, save gas receipts if you need to buy some.

The BMW dealers I've dealt with want you to ride, even when you say "I'm just lookin", I guess they think you'll like it and start thinking "I needs that bike".....

[whiteMTNmark]

This is to add my 2 cents: I started riding at age 50 6 yrs. ago with the R1150R. 4 yrs. ago added the R1150RT and 2 yrs. ago added the (2005) K1200LT. I am 170 lbs. and only 5' 7 1/4". I have ridden 65,000 miles, with 25,000 on the RT and 5,000 on the LT. I ride the LT exclusively in NH in the mountains, along rivers, through villages, etc. The more I ride the LT the better it gets. The only time the bike is heavy is when I'm standing still and my foot slips on sand or gravel!! As soon as the clutch hits the friction zone the LT is "lighter" feeling than the 2004 RT. At speed the LT is an amazing sport bike. It hugs the road in curves better than the RT, maybe because it is heavier? The first season with the RT it felt VERY topheavy. Now, it feels like a very flickable sportbike in parking lots, and I never thought I could say that the first year.

Ride, Ride, Ride. Good luck!

Mark