kickstandsup
Why not?
I know, I know. There are about a gazzilion reasons why US dealers can't/don't/won't allow test rides.
Don't
Effing
Care
Let me say that again: I don't care why they can't/don't/won't.
Why? Because WE can change it.
That's right. Demand Test Rides. Full stop, no test, no sale.
Here's my back of a piece of paper towel reason:
In 2004, I bought an ST1300 because it ticked all my boxes for touring, no test rides available. Sold it in 6 months, took the financial hit. Absolutely hated that bike. That was the very last bike I ever bought without a test ride.
And test rides have since saved me from buying at least 3 other bikes: An Aprilia Caponord, a BMW S1000XR and a BMW K16GT. All "looked good" to me at various points in time, hated them all instantly. Saved a lot of money. It does not take very long/far to assess the character of a bike, not all the attributes and faults, but rather the essential character, which is obvious pretty quickly.
Now, I will only patronize those brands/dealers that allow me to test ride a bike before purchase. I understand that limits my choices, currently, and I'm ok with that.
I'd like to suggest that there are quite a few riders out there that regret their purchase, ride less because of it and may even become ex-riders.
We deserve more, we should demand it. That's the only way it will change. Test rides are readily available throughout Europe; we settle for less.
Stop the insanity!
Don't
Effing
Care
Let me say that again: I don't care why they can't/don't/won't.
Why? Because WE can change it.
That's right. Demand Test Rides. Full stop, no test, no sale.
Here's my back of a piece of paper towel reason:
In 2004, I bought an ST1300 because it ticked all my boxes for touring, no test rides available. Sold it in 6 months, took the financial hit. Absolutely hated that bike. That was the very last bike I ever bought without a test ride.
And test rides have since saved me from buying at least 3 other bikes: An Aprilia Caponord, a BMW S1000XR and a BMW K16GT. All "looked good" to me at various points in time, hated them all instantly. Saved a lot of money. It does not take very long/far to assess the character of a bike, not all the attributes and faults, but rather the essential character, which is obvious pretty quickly.
Now, I will only patronize those brands/dealers that allow me to test ride a bike before purchase. I understand that limits my choices, currently, and I'm ok with that.
I'd like to suggest that there are quite a few riders out there that regret their purchase, ride less because of it and may even become ex-riders.
We deserve more, we should demand it. That's the only way it will change. Test rides are readily available throughout Europe; we settle for less.
Stop the insanity!
