Test Ride a New Motorcycle: A Beginner's Guide

Test riding your next new two-wheeler is one of the most valuable steps in motorcycle buying. A test ride can ensure you get a bike that has no issues, feels good during a ride, and fits your riding style.

However, a small ride around your town or city isn't always enough to get a good feel for everything that needs to be looked into. You will need to be proactive and adequately prepared to get the most out of a motorcycle test ride. Here's a simple guide on successfully test-riding a motorcycle before you spend your hard-earned money on it.

Schedule the test ride in advance

The first step is to reserve a spot and your preferred motorcycle at the dealership. Scheduling a test ride in advance ensures your chosen model will be ready to run upon your arrival and that the dealership team will be available to answer any questions you have. While most people book their appointment through the dealership's website, you can also call or email.

Keep in mind that the bike you will likely ride will not be a brand-new model. Most dealerships usually set aside special test models, meaning the bike you get will have been ridden by others and will not run precisely like a new model.

Bring the essential items

When visiting the dealership, you will need to bring a few essential items for a successful two-wheeler test ride. These include a driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement, insurance card, helmet, and other safety gear like gloves, eye protection, and strong closed-toed shoes.

Dealerships usually don't provide riding gear, so you will have to bring your own. Be sure to check the weather and dress up accordingly.

Choose a bike that fits your body

You want a motorcycle that fits your body structure, posture, and riding position while on the bike. Check both mirrors, how far you need to stretch to put your feet on the ground, and how easily you can dismount the two-wheeler. Above everything else, you want a bike that is easy to handle.

In addition, you need to consider your general comfort. Check to see whether you can see yourself sitting in the motorcycle seat for hours at a time. Taller or shorter than average people might need to get different handlebars or footpegs. Ensure that the model you are considering can be customized for various heights and include those expenses in your budget.

Complement your riding level and style

Even if you want to upgrade to a more powerful model, choose a bike compatible with your current skill level and favorite riding style. Avoid riding a more powerful motorcycle than you are ready for. However, don't ride on a bike that will bore you.

The best way to test your compatibility with a motorcycle is to engage the brakes and see how it responds. You can also change gears to test the shifting quality and observe how the motorcycle feels while it idles. These tests can help you find out whether the bike you are considering complements your riding level and style.

Get a feel for the motorcycle

Hop on the two-wheeler and see how it feels. Take a moment to see how comfortable it is and whether you can manage its size and weight. Is there enough room? Is the seat height okay? Will the bike suit the riding you want to do?

Do a walkaround, checking to ensure all the lights and indicators are working well while noting any existing damage. Check out for crash damage, such as scraped engine cases, damaged exhaust pipes, and ground-down ends on the brake levers and clutch. If anything looks awry, it's a red flag.

Have a feel for the motorcycle's handling and maneuverability when you are out on the open road. As long as you are in a quiet area and it's safe to do so, a bit of slow-speed weaving from side to side is an excellent place to start.  Taking a speed bump at a reduced speed can also be revealing; there should not be any knocking or bottoming up.

Ride on a variety of roads

It's essential to test-ride your motorcycle on various road types. You don't want to ride it just through the city or town only to find that it vibrates like crazy on the state highway after you have purchased it. Similarly, you don't want to test it on A-roads only to find it too top-heavy in the corners.

One of the best ways to test-ride a motorcycle on various roads is to arrange a route before you take off. If the dealer is in an area you aren't familiar with, plan a route using an app like REVER and then attach the phone to the bike for your test ride. This will not only give you a decent test ride, but you will also know how to get back to the dealership.

Simulate what the motorcycle will be used for

Motorcycle designs vary greatly to suit various purposes: commuting, off-road riding, sport, and long-distance travel.

If you are test-riding a motorcycle you will use for touring, take it out for at least a few hours. You want to get a feel for the bike over an extended period. Touring bikes are built for long road trips, so your comfort is a top priority in the design.

Power is also an essential aspect to consider in a touring motorcycle, as it impacts how it feels to ride the two-wheeler. As a touring rider, you likely won't require much power at higher revolutions. However, you will require torque in every gear and through the low to mid-rpm range.

Similarly, you will need to determine what it is like in town traffic if you plan to use it for commuting. Being able to look over your shoulder without indicating, swerving, steering, and braking confidently at traffic lights should be second nature.

Take a second test ride

Once you have dwelled on it, ask for another test ride on the motorcycle you are considering. This time, it will feel different.

By now, your curiosity will have disappeared, and your review of the motorcycle will be much more subjective than it was on your first test ride. Furthermore, while away from the motorcycle, you will think of things you wished you had checked the first time. Perhaps you forgot to test the bike in town traffic, or maybe you didn’t remember to scroll through the menus to see whether you like it or not.

The salesperson will also know you are serious when you take the motorcycle you are considering for a second test ride. Therefore, they might allow you to take it for a full day or even a weekend.

Summing it up

Testing riding a motorcycle is a critical part of the buying process. Luckily, following the steps in this guide can help you find a bike that suits your needs and budget and one you will enjoy for many years to come. Remember, if the motorcycle doesn’t feel right, it isn’t.

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