Test ride buying before buying..

[mfk74]

Hi all ,

Need some clarifications:

 

Is it standard procedure if we want to test ride the bike before committing to buy it? What if the bike shop refuse?

We cant be sure of the condition of the used bike by looking at the exterior & listening to the engine rite?

 

 

**Pardon me on the thread title..should be " test ride before buying a bike"

Edited October 18, 2010 by mfk74

[lutein]

I have never test ridden a bike. Yes some say it is risky but so far, the bikes I've purchased are okay. Having said that, my partner whom I bring along to look at the bikes is an experienced guy.

 

First, we look for stock bikes. This means that chances of there being faults arising from mods is low. Also, if there are problems with the bike, the bike can be repaired quite easily without having to reverse all the mods.

 

Next, I listen to the engine. It has to sound normal. No whinny or sputtering sounds.

 

Then of course you check the general body to see if the frame is straight, steering is okay, signs of accident etc.

 

Ultimately there is a risk whether you buy new or used bike. Even for new bikes, most of the time you can't test ride. The only thing you can rely on is the warranty for new bikes.

[contrarian]

We can't be sure of the condition of the used bike even if we test ride it.

[mfk74]

We can't be sure of the condition of the used bike even if we test ride it.

 

so its like a big gamble buying a bike .....depends on ur luck ..

[samuelftw5]

bingo. You must also guess whether he is honest or dishonest person. AND, dont buy from those can talk alot and keep finding excuses whenever you find something wrong. its BULLSHIT.

[Pandoras Kitten 3]

For bikes that have been recently overhauled and put for sale without being broken in - those are what I aim for. Cheap and no one wants due to some fear of having to break in the engine.

 

They are powerless when test riding as they have never been run in but once you do some Mototune USA homework..... :D

[haoKR]

sumtyms,luck plays a part

 

c heng suey 1 la,these type of thing

 

dun tell me u wanna find 1 perfect condition,100% fine bike

not possible rite ?

 

best is bring 1 very experince frend wif u

 

gd luck hunting

[CSV]

your best bet is to bring someone who owns that particular bike, or a mechanic who fixes bike. 2 heads are better than 1.

 

go through every nook and cranny of the bike, and question (interogate) the owner about things you doubt.

 

should be able to get a decent bike with the method.

[shorty]

its really a gamble n luck. based on my own experiences. both after buying n selling. couples of times, when buying the bike, all seem ok. but after getting it n riding few days, problems start to appear. esp if the previous owner didnt take care of the bike. i even had a piston jam on me even though i did mthly oil change. didnt realise the engine eat up the oil faster than normal n i got a dry engine. a bit of my fault also.

 

for selling, i sold off my bike in working condition. but got to know that like abt 2mths later, the new owner had to overhaul the bike. not sure if inherent prob, or new prob by the new owner.

 

so ultimately, we can nvr know wat condition bike we r buying.

[stRobe]

Shops / Owner who do not allow test rides will reason that they are at the losing end if the bike falls or gets into an accident during the test ride.

Which is a very valid concern. Plus, the legal issue.

 

I did not allow test riding when I was selling off my bike, but I did not mind pillioning potential buyers for a short ride. If they were nice, that is.