A Beginner's Guide To Motorcycle Test Rides
A motorcycle test ride is an important step in the buying process. It can make or break a purchase decision. You may discover you found the perfect match...or would be miserable owning that bike. But simply hopping on a model and cruising around the block won't be enough. In order to get the most out of a motorcycle test ride, you will need to be proactive and properly prepared.
Here at Windy City Motorcycle Company, we strive to make your life easier. We've created the following beginner's guide to motorcycle test rides. Reach out if you want more information, want to schedule a motorcycle test ride, or want to shop motorcycles for sale. We are located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Chicago, Illinois, and Detroit, Michigan. We proudly serve those throughout Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.
Schedule The Motorcycle Test Ride
The first step is to reserve your spot and your preferred vehicle at the motorcycle dealership. This ensures the model is ready to go upon your arrival and that the dealership employee is available to answer any questions you have. Most people book their appointment through the dealership's website, but you can often call or email as well.
Bring The Essential Items
You will need a few key items for a successful motorcycle test ride:
- Your driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement
- Your insurance card
- Your helmet and other safety gear, such as eye protection, gloves, and sturdy closed-toed shoes
Make Sure The Motorcycle Fits Your Body
The first step is checking for a logistical fit with your height, weight, arm span, and so on. It's important that you can comfortably ride the bike.
Sit on the motorcycle and make sure:
- You can see out of the mirrors
- You can put both feet on the ground
- You feel comfortable in the seat
- You can easily get on and off the bike
If there are issues, they may be fixable. For example, individuals who are taller or shorter than average may need to get different footpegs or handlebars. Be sure that the given model you are considering can be modified in the ways that you would need - and include those costs into your budget.
Make Sure The Model Fits Your Riding Experience Level
Next, make sure your experience level and the motorcycle's performance potential match. You want to avoid wrangling a beast of a machine that's a bit more than you can handle. On the flip side, you don't want to be held back by an underperforming bike.
There are a few basic tests you can run, which will help you determine whether the motorcycle suits your skillset.
These include:
- Riding at a low speed in high gear, then seeing how it responds to the throttle
- Engage the brakes a few times to see the stopping distance and experience
- Changing gears to test the gear shift quality
- Looking for the sound, vibration, and feel when the motorcycle idles
Make Sure The Model Fits Your Needs
Always keep in mind the motorcycle's intended purpose. For example, maybe you are seeking a model for commuting to work. If you are already uncomfortable after a short test ride, that will not be a good motorcycle for daily long rides!
Pinpoint What You Don't Love
No motorcycle will be perfect. But some flaws are worth overlooking and some are worth walking away from the model. The key is figuring out which is which.
Articulate the things about the test ride that you didn't like. Can those be fixed? Are those fixes within your budget? If the answer to both is yes, then you should go ahead and purchase the model.
Ready to explore motorcycles for sale? The friendly staff at Windy City Motorcycle Company is here to help. We have locations in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Chicago, Illinois, and Detroit, Michigan. We also proudly serve those throughout Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.