Test ride
 

I've been lurking on the honda.com site trying to figure out what to do when I do get a bike and whether it's worth buying new. I've been off of my bike since fall of 2006 and if my job situation works out I will be buying a bike for transportation to work. The problem is whether I'll be happy with a 600 or whether I should get a liter bike. I noticed today on honda's site that it says "test ride" and which dealers allow it.

Has anyone tried to ask for a test ride? DFW honda has a 2 2007 1krr's for sale and one is a demo bike from what the salesman says. I can't see it being logical to allow people to test ride bikes (particularly sportbikes) especially with the high risk of the person dropping. I'd assume they may allow this once you've signed up for financing and are approved??? Like I said has anyone ever tried the "test ride" before? Here's a link to show you what I'm talking about. (I'm looking at the 2008 600 vs 2008 1krr)

As of right now the insurance cost between the 600 and 1000 is only $8 more a month. I was going to find the best deal on a bike on ebay (new) and go pick it up but DFW Honda has 3 2008 1krr's for $9600. The cost would be about $1000 more for the liter bike over a 600. In the end the $8 a month and $1000 isn't enough for me to cancel out the liter bike as a viable option. Chances are I'd never make it to the track and it would be my freeway transportation to work (also allowing me to ride in the HOV lane.)

Anyone in the DFW area that knows a place to test ride let me know...

RE: Test ride
 

Either would work, but the liter would be less work (shifting wise) in traffic.

RE: Test ride
 

The Ducati dealership here in Austin let me testride a few of their bikes.

RE: Test ride
 

I have test ridden several bikes myself at different dealers. I dont know if it because im older or not, but i have never had an issue. There are dealers out there though that will, just make some calls.

RE: Test ride
 

The dealer ship where I bought my bike did allow me to test ride before I even signed a paper. Some shops will let you do this and some will not. The shop close to me does not let you do this but then I drove 4 hours north of me and bought my bike cheaper {$700 less} and they were cool about the test drive. And at the time I did not even have my motorcycle endorsment.

RE: Test ride
 

I'll have to ask the local dealer once I get closer to purchasing. I should know by mid-January after completion of the Oral Review Board.

I have my endorsement (transferred from Michigan DL) and I will be taking the MSF once I get a bike.

I just hope it gets warmer come End of January/February here in TX. This is my first winter here and I never realized it got as cold as it is.

Thanks

BTW anyone taken the Advanced/experienced MSF course?

RE: Test ride
 

I am pretty sure X has, may want to talk to him.

RE: Test ride
 

I don't think he likes me!:D I said I didn't like the silver on the 08 burgundy 1krr and he didn't like that! LOL Although that is my favorite color combo I don't like the silver fairing.

I'll have to look into that...pretty sure my state farm agent asked about the msf course and HRCA so I'll have to do them both. Pretty sure I get a years membership with hrca when buying a bike. Haven't taken the beginner msf, but I've ridden before so I'd probably rather take the experienced/advanced one. Thanks

RE: Test ride
 

Honda Riders Club of America is nothing more than an online "club" it isn't a course. It shouldn't have anything to do with insurance rates.

The free "promotional" membership is still in effect. You can't access the online shop manuals, though.

You probably won't learn anything in the beginner course but it might be a prerequisite to the advanced rider MSF. Things could have changed but when I bought my '04 I got a 50% off coupon for the Honda sponsered MSF course. I believe it ended up costing me $75.

RE: Test ride
 

1. For my state farm both msf course and hrca would adjust it, actually she never said whether it would or not she just asked whether I was part of hrca. I know the msf course completion gets a few bucks off every month (worth it either way imo.) I'll confirm once I get insurance on it.

2. From what I searched on here and other site the $75 should still be in effect. Pamphlet I have says $80 for the advanced, the first month discount on insurance would pay for the course (after the $75 is refunded!)

3. From what I read it said that the next level was for people with a license/endorsement and a bike already (you use your bike.) Perhaps someone knows for sure? Hate to drop my bike in a parking lot though! LOL:D