Motorcycle Test Ride, what to expect?

How do these work? Do they just give you the bike and a parking lot and let you go? Do you ride in formation? I have no idea what to expect.

I'm heading go the Long Beach Motorcycle Show this weekend and want to test ride some bikes while I'm down there. Since I've only ridden 2 different bikes it my life, I figure this is a great chance to go experience some different ones.

I am not sure but I dont think people allow test rides now. You will be lucky if you can.

I am not sure but I dont think people allow test rides now. You will be lucky if you can.

My local shop will allow you on certain bikes, provided a certain level of experience. And if you drop the bike, you own it.

They told me that they're normally looking for 2 years licensed or at least 5k miles in the saddle... Really not that stringent, but then I was also looking at BMW F650GS, which is far from a rocket ship. I'm sure they won't allow you to take out the 1098s, for instance.

http://www.motorcycleshows.com/

Than they've got some real false advertising going on.

I haven't been to that specific show, but have been to another event where the factory trucks were there with demo rides. Had to show endorsement, MSF class, insurance, etc and be over21? or was it 25? <non issue for me>

We got on bikes in small group, did a follow the leader style run at moderate speeds, maybe a 10-15 minute ride, max speed 60 mph; but you did get a feel for the bike, handling, etc. but not so much the top end power of course.

I would DEFINITELY go and go early to sign up for as many as youcan!! because like gueedo said, alot of dealers dont do test rides on sport bikes AT ALL.

I have never gotten the ok to test drive, but that would be great

I know here Triumph has test rides...Harley has some. That's it.
Hey Hsart...you had a Triumph...is it real top heavy? I went and sat on the T100 and Speedmaster..very nice but wondering if is it very top heavy. They do let people test drive but it's in a kinda busy area. I need to catch them when they first open on sat. morning maybe.

I know here Triumph has test rides...Harley has some. That's it.
Hey Hsart...you had a Triumph...is it real top heavy? I went and sat on the T100 and Speedmaster..very nice but wondering if is it very top heavy. They do let people test drive but it's in a kinda busy area. I need to catch them when they first open on sat. morning maybe.

They are alittle top heavy, but nice bikes. I actually learned to ride on a 750 cc Bonneville America (similar to Speed master).. I highly suggest checking out the Street Triple (675 naked street fighter)... naked sport bike... or better still the Daytona 675...

I almost went with the Speed Triple but ... Triumph is a great bike, but depending on your local dealer, it is a bit of a boutique bike for parts and maintenance.. can be pricey and limited as to who can service them, limited after market parts. Depends what you want. I do love the Triples though!!!

I had the hots for a Triumph Speed Triple so bad that I was going to take a bus out to Nashville and ride a new Speed Triple back home.

Ok, so what happened? Is it still the dream bike?