Nope. I've never really test rode a bike that I bought.

I've been on many demo rides though. Usually bikes that are cool that are out of my price range.

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2005 Suzuki SV1000R
1985 Yamaha XT608N
2012 Suzuki DL650AL2, over 13,000 miles already!

I didnt test ride before I bought but there were so many people that said how much they like it I bought it anyway. I didnt like it at first. It rode good and handled good but I didn't think it had a lot of power. After riding it some I think it has more power than it feels like. You will not have any trouble riding any speed you want. It will cruze at 90mph on the interstate if you want.

I am amazed that so many people bought without riding. I had no idea that the number would be so great.

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2008 DL650

I got an extensive pre purchase test ride. But I did buy the bike from my son who allowed dad to take it and try it before purchase.

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Doug in Kentucky (Semper Fi)
Live in the moment, for only the moment is real.
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2007 Wee-Strom
2009 Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive
2001 Honda Helix (Sold)
1980 Honda Express (my toy!)

I agree and if a shop wouldn't let me test ride then I wouldn't buy there.

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'08 Vee: Suzy luggage, Crash bars, Rad Guard & front mudguard extension, Zumo 550, Oxford Hot grips, Stebel, PC-8, 12v acc, Scott oiler & lube-tube, Remus Revolution Cans, Bark Busters, Phillips Extreme vision +100 bulbs.

'08 Concours 14: Rad guard, Stebel, Oxford Hot grips, Projekt D Screen, Hugger, GPS mount, helmet locks & front guard extension, Zumo 550, Stebel, Phil's rack & Givi V46, Sheepskin seat cover, Phillips Extreme vision +100 bulbs.

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That's what I don't get.

I come into the dealership and I say to the sales guy that I am ready to buy v-strom today. But I must test ride it to see if it fits my height and my riding style. He says he doesn't do test rides, but everybody who has bought a Wee/Vee loves it. If that is the case, then what's the problem if you are so sure that I will love the bike, let me test ride it. I am no tyre kicker, but before spending $9 grand I want to be sure that the bike fits me.

No Harley or BMW dealership ever gave me any problems. They were happy to let me take the bike for a spin. 95% of the whole sale is in the test ride, why the salesmen don't want to give to test rides is beyond me.

I have signed a contract at the BMW stating that if the bike incurs any damage as a result of my test drive I will be liable for it. They put a $1000 authorization on my credit card and let me test ride it.

Harley didn't even ask me for the credit card.

Freaking Zooki dealerships. I feel like taking a shower in bleach everytime I visit the few local ones here in NYC.

I had never even seen one in person. Actually I had never ridden a Suzuki ever. I was looking for a DR 650 and called a dealer in WV for a quote and he commented they just got a DL 650 Adv. in and he quoted it to me at 1200 under msrp with no doc fee and I said what the heck I would take it. With the 0 % financing for 5 years why not.

Got up there and that was the first time I had seen one in person. Then rode her home 300 miles. It does what I wanted it to do so far for the most part.

Wow! You got a nice discount there!

Would you mind telling me which dealership it was?

Romney Cycle Center in Romney WV. When I bought it they were selling the standard for 7495 and the only other charge was a 50 dollar doc fee.

I drove 300 miles and rode it home. My home dealer wanted MSRP plus almost 700 in fees...no thanks

I also got a test ride on mine, but I bought used!

Check your local Craigslist and go check out some used ones. You will likely be able to test ride and you'll save several thousand $$$$'s.

I wouldn't purchase a bike without test riding. That's just my opinion though, and we know what they're worth! I read tons and tons of reviews, but nothing is as important as how you actually feel on the bike.

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Asheville Thumper-Western NC
2012 Tiger 1050
2008 Wee-Strom
2010 Scrambler
2010 KTM 690 Enduro R
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