They put trade plates on. Curtsey/hire cars are a completely different matter, we are not talking about those.
Of the three bikes I took out recently, only the Honda was on a trade plate.
And it is all the same. Whether it your vehicle, a demo or a curtesy, they have to be insured and there will be an excess.
I always ask about insurance and always read what I am signing. The last time I had an accident on a bike, 20 odd years ago, it was on a curtesy bike. I signed for a 500 quid excess. But what I didn’t realise was that I was signing for the dealer’s comprehensive part of the insurance – ie their bike. They did not provide me with third party cover. They assumed as I had comprehensive cover my insurance would cover the third-party aspect, all they provided was insurance to cover the bike. This wasn’t discussed – and as it turned out my policy did not give me cover to ride other bikes.
Now the police attended the incident and wanted to check details – and that’s where things got interesting.
And that’s why I am saying to you that it is your responsibility to make sure any vechicle that you are driving/riding has – 1. The legally required level of insurance and that 2. You are happy with the insurance arrangements in general.
So keep yourself right and as Stuart says it’s also your choice.
Looks like the dealer making a nice earner out of repairs as the repairs also carry a labour cost which go's in their pocket whilstr also sourcing the parts cheaply I assume.
I think dealers put bikes on to sell bikes. I don't think they want punters trashing them - it can be a whole lotta hassle. I would assume their priority, should you damage their bike, is to get it fixed and back on the road. I’d guess if it’s under the excess, they’ll do that as quickly and cheaply as possible.