It’s finally time to go look at the bikes. By now, you should know what
kinds of bikes you’ll find at different dealers, and have a list of at least a
couple of different showrooms you’d like to visit. In addition to your list,
it’s not a bad idea to bring a friend with whom you can entrust the job of
keeping your emotions in check. A motorcycle is not an impulse purchase, and
you should refrain from buying one during your first trip to the dealer.
Salespeople at motorcycle dealerships aren’t usually as pushy as those found
in car lots, so you may have to seek one out in order to get any help. Once you
do find one, tell them what kinds of bikes you’re there to see, and be sure to
ask them any questions you have. Even if they can’t answer your questions, they
should at least be able to find an answer for you.
You’ve brought a pencil and notebook, right? You’ll want to take notes on
each bike that interests you – this will make it easier to compare the bikes
once you get home. As for what kinds of notes you’ll want to take, the most
obvious suggestion would be to record the price. The prices marked at
motorcycle dealerships are almost always non-negotiable (though it never hurts
to try), so plan on paying full price for the bike. Once you’re home, compare
the dealer’s price to the MSRP (manufacturers suggested retail price) for the
bike in question. You should be able to find the MSRP on the manufacturer’s web
site.
You should also write down any notable features that the bike has. Does it
have lots of storage space, a built-in radio, or just some sweet looking
graphics? Write it down. The more you record about each bike, the easier it
will be to recall it when you leave.
Finally, you’ll want to write down how the bike feels to you.
Although dealers won’t usually allow you to take the bike for a test ride
(especially if you’re an inexperienced rider), you can most certainly sit on
any bike you want. So, have a seat. While you’re imagining yourself cruising
through town on your hot new ride, try to get a feel for the comfort of the
bike. Is the seat comfortable? Are the controls easy for you to use? Are the
handle bars comfortable to grip?
Check the height of the bike, and make sure you get the correct height for
your inseam. You don’t want a bike that’s too tall for you, and on the same
note, you’ll look silly on a bike that’s too low for you. Keep in mind that
your weight will cause the bike to lower, so even a bike that seems too tall
could turn out to fit well. You should be able to stand up, straddling the
bike, with your hands on the handlebars and your feet flat on the ground. Can
you balance the bike while you’re in this position? Try letting go of the
handlebars and balancing the bike with just your thighs (makes sure someone
spots you for this!); If you can’t do this, then you’ll want to keep in mind
that the bike probably won’t be as comfortable to ride as it could be. All
models of bikes are balanced differently, meaning that each one will handle
differently when you take it out on the road. The better the balance of the
bike fits you, the more comfortable it will be for you to ride.
Finally, take notice of the bikes weight. No one wants to drop their bike,
but it will happen, and you want to be able to pick it back up. If you
were all alone with this bike, and you dropped it, could you return it to its
upright position?
There’s no such thing as recording too much information about a motorcycle
you’re thinking about buying. Choosing the right bike for you is a very
difficult decision, and anything you can do to make the process easier is most
definitely a good thing.