25-08-14, 03:06 AM
A lot depends on the dealer, but most will give test rides any time...... To the right "customer"
Make yourself known to the dealer - show them you're a serious "motorcyclist" - always go in wearing proper riding kit, take your existing bike with you when you go to the shop - make sure it's in good nick mechanically and clean. Don't just pop in "on spec" and expect a test ride.
They won't give a test ride to a blagger who turns up in jeans and tee shirt with a crappy old helmet - remember, you're expecting them to trust you with a couple of £ 1000's of their bike
Show them you're a serious potential buyer - don't try a blag rides on a lot of bikes, choose the one (or two) you want to try out and show them you've done your research about the bike.
They'll only give test rides to people they "trust" will buy something from them.
This has always worked for us - we're known to local dealers and we always get test rides of pretty much anything we're interested in.
Remember - a dealer won't want to give you a test ride if he thinks you're just going to go and buy a one you've been looking at in Bike Trader, or MCN.