Any reasonable/good Triumph dealers ?

[ScottRNelson]

I wonder what do car buyers get out of a 10 minute test drive. Lol ! It is OK if you don’t like the concept of test rides. Everybody is different and there is room for differing shades of ideas,people,opinions etc

Before I bought my 2005 Mustang the test drive told me that the V-6 was good enough for my needs and I didn't need the V-8. The test drive of my other car told me that our first choice wasn't what we really wanted because it didn't "feel right", but the one that we bought did feel right. Both of those test drives made a difference in what we finally bought and own today.

When I took the test ride on the 2008 KTM 990 Adventure, I knew within 30 seconds that I wanted one, and I would never have even considered it without that test ride. I didn't buy it on the spot, but bought that same bike later and rode it for eight years.

 

[N4teTheGreat]

It's probably better that dealers in SF don't tend to offer test rides. What I don't know can't hurt my wallet.

 

[Indio]

Does that have anything to do with my post that you quoted? It wasn't about telling them if you want to buy or not. It's about if the dealer has demo bikes or not.

Would you expect a demo ride at a Kawasaki dealer? You might get one if you fill out the purchase paperwork first, and they might let you rescind the purchase after, depending on the ride. And it might cost them if you did.

Fair point.
I was just clarifying that I personally don’t go about calling dealers or private parties unless I am really interested in buying.

 

[Racinfrk]

Before I bought my 2005 Mustang the test drive told me that the V-6 was good enough for my needs and I didn't need the V-8. The test drive of my other car told me that our first choice wasn't what we really wanted because it didn't "feel right", but the one that we bought did feel right. Both of those test drives made a difference in what we finally bought and own today.

When I took the test ride on the 2008 KTM 990 Adventure, I knew within 30 seconds that I wanted one, and I would never have even considered it without that test ride. I didn't buy it on the spot, but bought that same bike later and rode it for eight years.

Same thing here. About 5 years ago I was looking for a new bike. Was able to test ride a couple of different bikes (Yamaha and Triumph were high on my list). After the test ride of the Triumph, I noticed they had a R1200RS sitting out front as a demo bike. Just out of curiosity i asked for a test ride (had no intension of purchasing a BMW). When I turned the first corner, I said (in my head) well shit...I just found my new bike. If I was never able to test ride the BMW, I would not have purchased.

 

[elbacalao]

I've never test ridden a moto I've purchased. I'm not sure if a five mile ride would have swayed me one way or the other. I just ordered a new Speed Twin from Munroe Motors in SF. I didnt ask for a test ride, but I did ask them if they allowed them, and they said that at the moment, they dont. Wasn't an issue for me. I can see how it could be important for someone though. I've always test driven a car I've wanted to buy. I hope the OP gets that ride.

 

[Haket]

Strange about your experience in Spirit, I've had great dealings with them (though never the guy you described). I'd give them another try by calling Martin and explaining your poor experience.

Bet they'll roll out the red carpet next time,

 

[CDONA]

I have yet to see a Triumph test ride fleet anywhere.
5 years ago MG had a truck in Sturgis, with the whole line and a load of their big bore B 17 blacked out heavy cruiser.
I would never buy a MG 900 series, one short ride was enough. I did find the 750 size way better engine-wise but the frames were smaller a little more cramped. I find the smaller trend is coming from the southeast Asian manufactures. Harley is there too with the roadster version of the air cooled sportster, XG line. The new water-cooled sportster, much the same motor as the Pan Am, smaller frame.
BMW showed up with a fleet of R 18's stripped to baggers. Long, with big pistons, big shudder, well finished.

My name is Mike, and I'm a test ride whore, , ,

 

[davidji]

As far as the value of a short demo ride, I've had a couple of demo rides tell me that bikes weren't for me. And I've had others where I liked the bike more than expected.

One of the rides prevented me from buying a commute bike that seemed perfect on paper, but I didn't enjoy riding. Another sold me on what turned out to be my best ever commute bike, and one of the best tourers: my R1200R.

Could I have adapted to the bikes I didn't like? Maybe. Glad I didn't have to find out.

I have yet to see a Triumph test ride fleet anywhere.

I've been to one or two Triumph demo days, but not in recent years.

 

[Indio]

I did eventually test ride the bike at Speed-Sports in Dublin. I liked the bike especially the shiny new TFT screen

Need to decide if I should go for 2021 or 2022 model? Speed-Sports wants full price on 2021 model & other dealer is offering 2022 for same price.
I was under the impression that when new year models roll in prior year models are discounted, maybe that is not the case for motorcycles only for cars.

 

[Indio]

Strange about your experience in Spirit, I've had great dealings with them (though never the guy you described). I'd give them another try by calling Martin and explaining your poor experience.

Bet they'll roll out the red carpet next time,

Tony Liu from dealership called and texted me. I am pretty sure he did that because of this thread (BARF power!). He was nice, offered apologies on behalf of his joker co-workers and wanted me to come back in.

 

[ScottRNelson]

I was under the impression that when new year models roll in prior year models are discounted, maybe that is not the case for motorcycles only for cars.

I got my 1997 Ducati Monster for less at the end of the year. I've seen a few KTM bikes discounted at the local dealer at the end of the year, but I didn't get any special deal on the two that I've purchased new.

It all depends on the dealer and how much demand there is for the particular bike. Waiting until the end of the season can also result in no bikes available.

 

[Gary856]

Regarding dealers granting test rides on new bikes -

1. As many have noted, giving a test ride is as likely to lose a sale as it is to win a sale, but either way you're putting miles on a "brand new" bike, which is a turn off for many actual buyers. So why bother, unless they get incentives from the manufacturer to grant test rides?

2. If it benefits the dealer, why wouldn't they do it?

3. You're not buying a car, are you? In most cases bike shops are independent small businesses, not mega dealership groups like with cars.

4. As a compromise between free test ride and no test ride, I think dealers should opt to charge for test rides. If you're a serious shopper, wouldn't you be happy to pay $150 for a 30 min test ride to see how you feel about a $15k new bike?

 

[ScottRNelson]

4. As a compromise between free test ride and no test ride, I think dealers should opt to charge for test rides. If you're a serious shopper, wouldn't you be happy to pay $150 for a 30 min test ride to see how you feel about a $15k new bike?

For a hundred and fifty bucks I would expect to have it for a full day.

 

[Indio]

Regarding dealers granting test rides on new bikes -

1. As many have noted, giving a test ride is as likely to lose a sale as it is to win a sale, but either way you're putting miles on a "brand new" bike, which is a turn off for many actual buyers. So why bother, unless they get incentives from the manufacturer to grant test rides?

2. If it benefits the dealer, why wouldn't they do it?

3. You're not buying a car, are you? In most cases bike shops are independent small businesses, not mega dealership groups like with cars.

4. As a compromise between free test ride and no test ride, I think dealers should opt to charge for test rides. If you're a serious shopper, wouldn't you be happy to pay $150 for a 30 min test ride to see how you feel about a $15k new bike?

I'd pay money for a longer test ride, at least a 50 miles test ride.

 

[Indio]

I got my 1997 Ducati Monster for less at the end of the year. I've seen a few KTM bikes discounted at the local dealer at the end of the year, but I didn't get any special deal on the two that I've purchased new.

It all depends on the dealer and how much demand there is for the particular bike. Waiting until the end of the season can also result in no bikes available.

It is Tiger 900 GT Pro. I don't think this bike is a hot item as Tenere 700 or KTM 890. I am still negotiating but not a good sign if dealer is pushing 2021 at same price as a 2022.

 

[Gary856]

For a hundred and fifty bucks I would expect to have it for a full day.

I'd pay money for a longer test ride, at least a 50 miles test ride.

You're thinking rental, IF you could find one for rent.

I'm talking about putting down money (let's say, 1% of the bike's value) for a short test ride on a brand new bike that you wouldn't have the opportunity to ride otherwise, to avoid the potential of making a $15k mistake. That fee could go toward the cost of the bike if you choose to buy it, or be discounted for the next buyer who wouldn't mind having some miles on his brand new bike. Seems like a win-win for both sides.

 

[Jammer]

Pay $150, get test ride, say no thanks and the next buyer gets a bike that may have bounced off the rev limiter?

 

[Blankpage]

Put a down payment on a Speed Triple back in 2017 and took a demo for a spin. The steering felt surprisingly heavy and front brakes mushy. My second choice was a Ducati Hyper and a test ride on that felt sharp and brakes best I’d ever tried. Got a refund on the Speed Triple down payment and bought the Hyper instead. Then a second Hyper two years later.

Despite that earlier negative Speed Triple test ride I was still interested. So pulled the trigger back in May and without asking for a test ride bought the last 2020 they had on the floor.
Again steering felt kinda heavy and brakes not as good as they should given the quality of OEM components. Couple hundred miles later I checked tire pressure and found it way lower than manual recommendations. After adding air the bike felt awesome. Front brakes have two adjustments and a little bit of experimenting they were feeling awesome also. Leading me to suspect my negative impressions on the demo four years earlier were simply dealer lack of attention to detail when prepping the demo for test rides.

Mentioned this to the dealer when I brought the 2020 in for its first service and how they likely lost a sale back in 2017 simply because of low tire pressure. Sales dude was pretty appreciative that I mentioned it.

Just one weird experience with a test ride.