Air-cooled motors - have they progressed?

I dont know how many others on here feel the same way but I just would not buy brand new. If you buy second hand at least you get to ride the exact bike you are buying and hopefully get a feel for it. I have ridden/driven more than one of the same model bike and car a few times and on each occasion they have been noticeably diferent.Much less depreciation too!

 

I've only ever bought s/h myself but test rides aren't easy (compared to demos on new bikes). Most dealers refuse test rides on used bikes, as do all private sellers, at least without a very large wad of cash in hand.

 

Really surprised about that, I have never been refused a test on a second hand car or bike from a dealer. Which ones have said no to you?
Not really had a problem with private sellers either, the trouble just bought a 696 privately and the previous owner was great, let her out for a test and made me a cup of delicious coffee while we waited. Even let me get our dog out of the car and bring it in to their garden.

 

I bought my SS from a main dealer who said it was their policy not to offer test rides; the warranty was sufficiently solid for me not to be too worried about that. And ISTR someone else on the old site encountering the same issue with a franchised dealer. Maybe that's untypical?

 

I managed to take a 996 SPS with 5k miles on it for a test ride. Only rule was let's wait for dry sunny day.

 

I`m really surprised, i just presumed all dealers let you try secondhand. I wouldnt buy without trying.

 

Nor me.

 

I have test ridden many things, bikes, cars, women but mainly for fun as most of those things were to expensive.