The second part to the problem is not trusting the rider won't bin it, it's just straight inventory control. Import dealers are mildy handcuffed compared to the American and Euro brands..... Will you pay me the same for a Versys on the floor that has 125 miles on it from test rides? Probably not...hahaha. While mfg's like H-D and BMW have stout demo programs where they send bikes to dealers specifically for demo use....we don't have such a clear cut program here. Plus, the other kicker is the profit margin. When you are making $5k on a bike...you can demo it, give a nice discount and still be a profitable business. When you average $1k profit per deal.....not as much room to know you will be clean when you end up having to turn that bike that now has miles on it.
Here is what I have always offered when I was dealing with a customer that wants a bike that we can't allow a demo on due to inventory/risk....whatever. I call it the 5/10.....you sign docs, legally own the bike and ride it out of the lot. If you are back with less than 5 miles on the bike inside of 10 minutes and don't like it, I'll tear up the contracts
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Some say 5 miles is not enough....I do believe that most people know if they like a bike in about 10 seconds...but we are all different. It has worked well for me over the years, that may be because I do try ask important questions and ensure that we are putting the customer on the bike they truly want....who knows, maybe I'm just lucky. I've offered it to everyone that has had any apprehension about a purchase without a test ride and I shit you not, after 15 years, nobody has ever walked back in and said "I don't want it".
Every dealer is a bit different. We do try to offer demos on non-sportbikes that are in the upper price ranges and used bikes....but it is not possible everytime. Believe me, every dealer would love for it to be easy to sign a waiver and let you have at it on any bike you desire.....unfortunately reality gets in the way.
If it is TRULY the last step before purchasing (credit approved or cash in hand & price agreed upon)........we will probably let you test ride almost anything...given the proper M1, riding experience and we have a bike set up to try (we don't put gas or batteries in a bike until it is sold)....but you didn't hear that from me.
uttahere
...when it comes to the three bikes you mentioned above......I can probably ask you 3 or 4 questions and figure out which one is best for you. While similar.....they are VERY different and a few simple questions seperates the bunch.
