v-strom test rides...

[concourser]

I have a Concours which I love, but it's off-road abilities are, shall we say, limited. I've owned an R80/GS BMW in the past, which took me just about anywhere I wanted to go, on just about any surface, and I'm thinking I'd like to get back to that situation again.

The 650 Strom seem to be one of the best, as well as the best value, adventure tourers around right now. Still, I'd like to take one for a ride before giving up my beloved Connie.

The dealer says "Suzuki doesn't do test rides". True? Anyone know of a dealer around DC that will do test rides? If true that's pretty annoying... I know Bob's BMW is lavish with the test rides. Sure, there's more margin in BMW's so more incentive to go to a bit of trouble to sell them, but you'd think Suzuki sales would benefit from offering test rides if the bikes were really as good as they seem to be...

On a similar vein, anyone know of any used 650's for sale?

Trevor

[daswulf]

I wanted to take a 6fiddy out for a spin before I bought it as well, but every dealer in NoVA I contacted has a "no test ride" policy. Several said it was a manufacturer policy, some claimed it was a liability issue. Cash on the barrel head made no difference.

Others told me that BMW allows it b/c those bikes cost more, yet I would think you would be less likely to let someone on a $14K bike than a $6K bike... Anyway, Bob's BMW (and Morton's too) allow test rides on used bikes as well as new, so if they have an SV1000 or a DL650 used, you can still ride it.

I don't think you are likely to find a dealer around here willing to allow a test ride. I certainly didn't. (Champion, Coleman's, or White's, at least)

[daswulf]

In the classifieds. Nice deal I think.


http://stromtrooper.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2772

[WD]

I'm in the same spot. I really want a demo ride before I commit. I'm driving to the "Suzuki Cycle Fest" this weekend because Suzuki, Kawa, and Yamaha will be there with demo bikes. From what I understand, you show up with a motorcycle license, helmet, jacket, etc, and then demo the bike(s) of your choice.

I've found only one dealer that does not give you an absolute "No" on demos. But his "demo" is that, IF you buy and title the bike, you can bring it back IF you have less than 5 miles on it and they'll refund your money. Right.........