New Motorcycle Test Ride Guide
Choosing a new motorcycle is a big task when there are so many different options. It’s likely you’ve narrowed down your search to decide which type of bike is best for you, but beyond that you may not be certain how to know which one is the right fit.
Test rides can provide the final push to make a decision, but in order to get the best experience out of your test run, you should be prepared and know how to have a good ride. We want your new motorcycle buying experience to be flawless, so we’ve put together the ultimate guide for a successful test ride. Read through these tips and then call us to schedule a ride!
Schedule Your Ride
The first thing you should do to prepare for a test ride is to schedule it in advance! Scheduling ahead of time will guarantee that the model, or models, you want to test will be available to you. This also allows the employees you’ll be working with time to review the features of the model and be prepared to answer any questions you might have.
Bring the Essentials With You
To successfully test ride a new motorcycle, you should arrive prepared with the essential personal items. This includes a valid driver’s license complete with your motorcycle endorsement. You should also have proof of insurance, safety gear, proper shoes, and proper clothing. Being prepared for your ride will make you feel more comfortable and confident at the dealership.
Speak Up if It’s Not a Good Fit
Before you leave the lot on your motorcycle test ride, you should make sure the bike is a correct fit for you. Logistically, make sure the motorcycle fits your height, arm span, weight, strength, and so on. You should absolutely feel comfortable on the bike before riding it.
Double-check that you can see with the mirrors, both feet can touch the ground, the seat feels comfortable and you can easily mount and dismount the bike. If you notice any issues or discomforts, it might be adjustable. Address these concerns with the dealership team to see if adjustments can be made on the spot or if that specific model can be modified.
Not only should the bike fit you physically, but it should also fit your riding experience. Don’t commit to testing a new motorcycle that has too much performance power and likewise don’t choose one that will be underwhelming based on your skill level.
How to Test the Bike
There are a few things you can test to determine if the bike fits your skill set and has a good performance level. Ride at a low speed in high gear to see how it responds to the throttle, engage the brakes to get a feel for the stopping distance, change gears to test the shifting quality, listen for sounds, feel for vibrations, and notice how the engine idles.
During your ride, pay close attention to what your likes and dislikes are, and then determine if these are things specific to the model or can be fixed. You should plan to budget for any modifications that may need to be made.
Hopefully, these tips will help your test ride be a smooth experience! Our team at Desperado Harley-Davidson®, located in McAllen, TX, and serving Edinburg, would love to have you in for a test ride. We have a great inventory of new motorcycles for sale, so stop by today!