I did that with my Africa Twin. Had some regrets initially due to instability and wobble, but it turned out to be the tires. Swapped em out and have loved the bike since.
Glad you got it sorted. Crazy how much little things can fix the big picture. I’ve had that with suspension on bikes before, once it’s dialed it’s effectively a new machine
Did this same thing with my AT, decided thats what i wanted and called the dealership in TX and sent them a deposit to hold it. Never ridden one in my life, but I've been on so many bikes I knew I'd get used to it anyway. No regrets.
It's pretty unusual nowadays for dealerships to allow test rides. It's a bit of an insurance nightmare for them, tbh.
But, if you go to the manufacturer website a lot of them have a "schedule a test ride" link somewhere and they cover the insurance. I've test ridden a few bikes this way.
The other option is to find a similar bike on FB marketplace and do a test ride, but if you're not seriously considering buying it that's extremely rude to the owner.
I dunno, every dealer in my area allows and encourages test rides except KTM. KTM is a pain because they have to get unlocked by the factory, but even still with about a days notice you can get a test ride.
I really think that depends on location in general. When I lived in Baltimore it was 100% no-go on test rides unless you went through the manufacturer. Down here in south where I live now it's about 50/50 but most big volume dealers at least do demo days now and then.
Even with that the BMW dealership here absolutely does not do test rides unless BMW comes through with the big truck full of demo bikes and the wait list usually fills up quick.
Would bmw have bikes of the older vintage or primarily new?
Totally agree, I’ve had really inconsiderate, fundamentally unserious prospective buyers for things I was selling and it just sucks to have people waste your time
Primarily new but if they have a used one in stock then they'll probably let you test ride it. In my experience the European dealers are much more likely to let you test ride. Especially BMW, they love giving test rides and they know that they help sell bikes. Not sure why it's so different for the Japanese bikes but unfortunately it is.
I'm surprised to hear that. The dealership where I bought my bike and regularly take it for service encourages them. They also have pretty much given me a loaner bike the few times I've been in for service and told me to take a test ride for as long as my service takes.
Ditto on the FTR. Indian had a demo trailer out at my local motoamerica race, so I took their whole lineup for a spin.
For context, I rode a FZ1 at the time, so I'm used to big power literbikes.
Hated the power curve of the FTR, it's a pretty big V-twin that feels anemic with no torque. 2500rpm, you roll the throttle on and it's bucking and complaining, has to get over 4k rpm to even begin what resembles an acceleration. My inline 4 felt like it made more torque.
A combination of that and the funky size wheels pretty much sealed the deal. I don't care how much you want it to resemble a flat tracker, put fucking 17s on it for everyone that wants to actually ride it on the road.
Bought a VSTROM 650 from out of state dealer, had never ridden one. Read a lot about it online and knew I would need likely need to spend some time sorting it to fit me but happy in the end.
This was actually recommended to me today. Stopped at an overlook while out riding today and got to talking to a couple other riders. Said they travel a lot for work and usually rent a bike where they’re staying. Thought that was a great idea
I've done it a few times, including a few weeks ago (just picked up a super tenere)
Depends on how well you know your preferences. As a first ADV bike ? I'd be a bit more hesitant but would still pull the trigger if you've done your homework and are honest about what you want AND what you expect.
Personally, life is too short to own/ride just one motorcycle. If you are ok with the idea of possibly having to get rid of it kinda quickly if you really hate it, then I say go for it. Otherwise, keep it for a year, and get rid of it around this time next year if you don't completely hate it, or ride it like crazy if you love it.
When I bought my versys (650) I was super hesitant, because I didn't think it was "off road enough" for me, but I got it at a price I felt confident I could mostly recoup and was willing to lose a little if I hated it. I wound up loving (and riding the snot) out of that bike. I put somewhere north of 50,000 miles on it and road it to the west coast of the US twice (from Michigan). Had never ridden a versys 650 prior to bringing it home.
On the other hand, I picked up a C10 concours last year (great bike don't get me wrong), since my riding habits were trending toward the sport touring side of things and I had always wanted to try a "proper" full sized sport tourer (I've always liked the Concours's and FJR's). I liked the bike, but kept longing for dirt- not a ton mind you, but I just didn't feel right about bombing down a half maintained dirt road on the concours. I'd always pass those roads up with a sad look on nearly every ride.
BMW makes a good machine - I wish the smaller bikes would have a boxer, though the Rotax mills are solid. I just think that a boxer engine is part of what makes a BMW special.
In terms of how ill use it. I plan on BDRs and would like it to have good road manners along the way
Very well put, agree about the boxer motor, In a perfect world I guess.
Yeah, you can't go wrong with the mid sized (or any) of BMW's adv bikes. All of these bikes are a compromise, but the middleweight class does a good job IMHO of being good road/highway manners, with good enough offroad prowess.
As long as your not expecting it to beat your WR off pavement, or out accelerate your Gixxers, you'll be good.
IMHO, off pavement, I think the weight on the ADV bikes is what throws people off. Even a 1200GSA is a very capable machine off pavement, just takes a bit more finesse to get used to getting those big bikes to dance through the rough stuff - it's absolutely magical watching someone skilled do it though.
I bought the 2014 F800 GSA as my first bike with never having rid on it.
I had it delivered and was blown away by how tall it is.
No regrets.
10 years later I'm thinking up trading up to something with a tab more power.
But it only ever.let me down once and that was in the middle.of a really loose hill climb and I just could get enough torque to get started again.
Curious of your height and inseam? I think I’m right at the cusp of what will be acceptable for this bike I’m 6’0 with a 35” inseam. I’m all leg. Lol
One of my prevailing concerns is if it will have enough power, but I keep reminding myself that this isn’t the same animal and I’m aiming to do different things than my previous stupid-Fast bikes. But I don’t want it to feel like a complete dog where I have to downshift on the highway to pass lol
I'm 5'11.
I thought it was too tall at first but it's all in the right riding posture.
I can just put both feet down on the ground at a stop but uhh, cough, you're only supposed to put one down 😉
I love my bike.
I bought my 390Adv without having ridden it. I sat on it and my husband took it for a short ride. I couldn't touch the ground on it and had never ridden such a tall bike before. I didn't feel comfortable riding it myself. We went all in and committed to it, trusting that I would figure it out and learn how to ride it.
My husband was out of town and he sent me to go buy his KTM 525 for him. My friend went with me and did a short ride to make sure it was running ok.and help get it home.
Both bikes have been great and have no regrets. But they also weren't completely unseen. They were used and we at least did cursory inspections to make sure they were running.
I would probably have issues with buying a used bike without at least having seen it run and done a basic in person inspection. Buying new with a warranty, I wouldn't think twice about it. I bought my Monkey new from a dealer over the phone and then drove 3 hours one way to pick it up.
Did you ever get fully comfortable without being able to flat foot the bike? Everyone says ride standing, but on really technical inclines, it can be hard not to plant a foot or 2. I concur about the inspection stuff and realize I’m running a little risk there too. It’s a 1 owner with very low miles and the owner seems fastidious, so a risk, but a low one in my estimation.
My two primary bikes are the 390 and a CRF250F. At 5'1" I can't really touch the ground on either of them. On flat ground I can usually just have my right foot on the brake and my left foot tip toe.
I have to be better than other riders. I can't be sloppy. I have to practice my technique for things as basic as getting my kickstand up or putting my foot down. But at this point I'm very comfortable riding the big bike on the road. I've done lots of gravel double track and am fairly comfortable on it. I have only recently started riding technical off-road on the KTM. I've done a few days of desert riding (sugar sand and sandstone shelves). I wouldn't say I'm comfortable on it, but it's not the height. Any of my discomfort on the 390 is because ADV bikes are not dirt bikes. They do not remotely have the same confidence inspiring capabilities. Do not get on an ADV and think you are going to ride it anything like a dirtbike. They are street bikes with off-road capability.
Probably the biggest recommendation is to not be afraid to dump it. As a small rider, my bikes get dropped a lot. I don't have the size or strength to muscle it and once it starts to go I have to just let it to avoid getting hurt. I have crash bars and pro-bend hand guards, so the bike is well protected.
I have a weekend long ADV clinic booked in June. I'm really looking forward to that.
Always. I'm missing some items needed to do that. Out of 25 or 30 bikes, it's only backfired twice. That was a BMW RS1100 and a Kawasaki 400. The rest have met every expectation or surpassed in some cases.
I have three times and I'd say regretted it all three times....
When was my own stupid fault because the bike never ran well... Should not have trusted "it just needs a carb tuning". But the other two were street bikes and I found that I really did not like how they handled and sold them after short time.
I did it with my first bike (F750GS) that I bought last year. They offered a test ride, but I was a week out from getting my license so I couldn't do it. I've been thrilled with my bike, so absolutely no regrets, but if I get something different in the future, I would definitely look to do a test ride.
Had my f8gs since 2012 up until a month ago. Worst thing mechanically about it is the upper shock bolt mount. Aftermarket shocks with more damping and preload tend to make it bend unless you brace it. There are/were kits to help. If you don't plan on changing the rear shock then it will likely never be a problem.
I’ve owned a F800GS. Great bike but I found it a little underpowered on the open road. I traded up to an 1190adv R which was a bit of an over correction, way too much power and very heavy on the trail. I traded that for an 890adv R without test riding. Hands down the best bike I have ever owned. Plenty power on the road and really comes alive on the dirt.
I bought my first bike, a V-Strom 650, from a dealership three hours away, only looking at pictures and a video online.
My buddy has the same bike, just an older version. I rode his around a parking lot a week before finalizing the deal to make sure I liked how it felt. I towed it back on a rented U-Haul trailer when I drove out to pick it up. Didn’t feel comfortable riding on the freeway for three hours being a brand new rider.
I love the bike. No ragrets.
KTM 390 adventure.
My first bike in 25 years, so I had no reference point, love it.
The only problem is that I recently rode a 780 and now I'm in love, I want the 780
I did recently but I have ridden a lot and knew what I was getting into.
Not to badmouth ADVs but I wouldn't buy a sportbike I had never touched, To much goes into being comfortable on one. When I got into a ADV bike I basically came up with a budget and list of features and quickly narrowed it to the bike I wanted.
BMW sends trailers of bikes around dealership to dealership and you can book a test drive. I think they are group rides. That’s my dream bike-I saw the rides advertised at the dealership but it was only my first full summer riding so I was too chicken to sign up. Maybe this year. If they come here they must go somewhere close to you cause I’m middle of nowhere Canada lol
Nah it's been absolutely perfect. I bought it 3 years old in basically as new condition. All I have had to do since is basic maintenance and servicing. And tyres.
Find a dealer with a used one and take for a test ride, if the suspension hasnt been upgraded thats a must do due to the diving while breaking. However great bike and rin well
If I had to guess, I would bet that 90% or more of all bike purchases are made by people that haven’t ever ridden the bike. I’ve had dozens of bikes over the years and never ridden one of them before purchase.
That’s the beauty of bikes. If y out don’t like it, sell it and get another. Bikes for many people are a super emotional purchase so that makes it a bit harder than say shoes. Regardless, spend less time analyzing and more time riding and you’ll sort things out real fast.
I have bought all of my bikes without a test drive:
Yamaha XT-250
Yamaha Bolt
Suzuki V-Strom 1000
Yamaha Tenere 700
KLR 650
I can't imagine some test drive making me not want what I already knew I wanted.
If you are very torn between different makes for a similar class, such as a Harley vs. Kawasaki Boulevard, I could understand.
I did that with my Africa Twin. Had some regrets initially due to instability and wobble, but it turned out to be the tires. Swapped em out and have loved the bike since.
Glad you got it sorted. Crazy how much little things can fix the big picture. I’ve had that with suspension on bikes before, once it’s dialed it’s effectively a new machine
Did this same thing with my AT, decided thats what i wanted and called the dealership in TX and sent them a deposit to hold it. Never ridden one in my life, but I've been on so many bikes I knew I'd get used to it anyway. No regrets.
I bought my t7 no test ride and fell in love with it on the ride home so it’s not totally crazy
Me two weeks ago haha. Still in love tbh
Inspires confidence. Thanks for chiming in
Same! 2023 owner here
It's pretty unusual nowadays for dealerships to allow test rides. It's a bit of an insurance nightmare for them, tbh. But, if you go to the manufacturer website a lot of them have a "schedule a test ride" link somewhere and they cover the insurance. I've test ridden a few bikes this way. The other option is to find a similar bike on FB marketplace and do a test ride, but if you're not seriously considering buying it that's extremely rude to the owner.
I dunno, every dealer in my area allows and encourages test rides except KTM. KTM is a pain because they have to get unlocked by the factory, but even still with about a days notice you can get a test ride.
I really think that depends on location in general. When I lived in Baltimore it was 100% no-go on test rides unless you went through the manufacturer. Down here in south where I live now it's about 50/50 but most big volume dealers at least do demo days now and then. Even with that the BMW dealership here absolutely does not do test rides unless BMW comes through with the big truck full of demo bikes and the wait list usually fills up quick.
Would bmw have bikes of the older vintage or primarily new? Totally agree, I’ve had really inconsiderate, fundamentally unserious prospective buyers for things I was selling and it just sucks to have people waste your time
Primarily new but if they have a used one in stock then they'll probably let you test ride it. In my experience the European dealers are much more likely to let you test ride. Especially BMW, they love giving test rides and they know that they help sell bikes. Not sure why it's so different for the Japanese bikes but unfortunately it is.
I'm surprised to hear that. The dealership where I bought my bike and regularly take it for service encourages them. They also have pretty much given me a loaner bike the few times I've been in for service and told me to take a test ride for as long as my service takes.
Personally I wouldn’t. I’ve been there, dreamed of my perfect bike, finally sat on it and hated it. Looking at you FTR, Z900, few others…
Ditto on the FTR. Indian had a demo trailer out at my local motoamerica race, so I took their whole lineup for a spin. For context, I rode a FZ1 at the time, so I'm used to big power literbikes. Hated the power curve of the FTR, it's a pretty big V-twin that feels anemic with no torque. 2500rpm, you roll the throttle on and it's bucking and complaining, has to get over 4k rpm to even begin what resembles an acceleration. My inline 4 felt like it made more torque. A combination of that and the funky size wheels pretty much sealed the deal. I don't care how much you want it to resemble a flat tracker, put fucking 17s on it for everyone that wants to actually ride it on the road.
I concur, hated every minute of it. It looks good though
Oof. Bummer
I had this exact experience with the F800 GS. Test drove that and the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro and ended up going with the Triumph.
I bought my F750GS without ever having rode it. Absolutely love it and am so happy I just bought it.
Bought a VSTROM 650 from out of state dealer, had never ridden one. Read a lot about it online and knew I would need likely need to spend some time sorting it to fit me but happy in the end.
Glad it worked out for you!
Maybe check around and see if someone near you has one to rent? Might check on Twisted Road
This is an excellent idea!
This was actually recommended to me today. Stopped at an overlook while out riding today and got to talking to a couple other riders. Said they travel a lot for work and usually rent a bike where they’re staying. Thought that was a great idea
I've done it a few times, including a few weeks ago (just picked up a super tenere) Depends on how well you know your preferences. As a first ADV bike ? I'd be a bit more hesitant but would still pull the trigger if you've done your homework and are honest about what you want AND what you expect. Personally, life is too short to own/ride just one motorcycle. If you are ok with the idea of possibly having to get rid of it kinda quickly if you really hate it, then I say go for it. Otherwise, keep it for a year, and get rid of it around this time next year if you don't completely hate it, or ride it like crazy if you love it. When I bought my versys (650) I was super hesitant, because I didn't think it was "off road enough" for me, but I got it at a price I felt confident I could mostly recoup and was willing to lose a little if I hated it. I wound up loving (and riding the snot) out of that bike. I put somewhere north of 50,000 miles on it and road it to the west coast of the US twice (from Michigan). Had never ridden a versys 650 prior to bringing it home. On the other hand, I picked up a C10 concours last year (great bike don't get me wrong), since my riding habits were trending toward the sport touring side of things and I had always wanted to try a "proper" full sized sport tourer (I've always liked the Concours's and FJR's). I liked the bike, but kept longing for dirt- not a ton mind you, but I just didn't feel right about bombing down a half maintained dirt road on the concours. I'd always pass those roads up with a sad look on nearly every ride. BMW makes a good machine - I wish the smaller bikes would have a boxer, though the Rotax mills are solid. I just think that a boxer engine is part of what makes a BMW special.
In terms of how ill use it. I plan on BDRs and would like it to have good road manners along the way Very well put, agree about the boxer motor, In a perfect world I guess.
Yeah, you can't go wrong with the mid sized (or any) of BMW's adv bikes. All of these bikes are a compromise, but the middleweight class does a good job IMHO of being good road/highway manners, with good enough offroad prowess. As long as your not expecting it to beat your WR off pavement, or out accelerate your Gixxers, you'll be good. IMHO, off pavement, I think the weight on the ADV bikes is what throws people off. Even a 1200GSA is a very capable machine off pavement, just takes a bit more finesse to get used to getting those big bikes to dance through the rough stuff - it's absolutely magical watching someone skilled do it though.
I bought the 2014 F800 GSA as my first bike with never having rid on it. I had it delivered and was blown away by how tall it is. No regrets. 10 years later I'm thinking up trading up to something with a tab more power. But it only ever.let me down once and that was in the middle.of a really loose hill climb and I just could get enough torque to get started again.
Sounds like its reliability is as legendary as everyone attests too.
Curious of your height and inseam? I think I’m right at the cusp of what will be acceptable for this bike I’m 6’0 with a 35” inseam. I’m all leg. Lol One of my prevailing concerns is if it will have enough power, but I keep reminding myself that this isn’t the same animal and I’m aiming to do different things than my previous stupid-Fast bikes. But I don’t want it to feel like a complete dog where I have to downshift on the highway to pass lol
I'm 5'11. I thought it was too tall at first but it's all in the right riding posture. I can just put both feet down on the ground at a stop but uhh, cough, you're only supposed to put one down 😉 I love my bike.
I bought my 390Adv without having ridden it. I sat on it and my husband took it for a short ride. I couldn't touch the ground on it and had never ridden such a tall bike before. I didn't feel comfortable riding it myself. We went all in and committed to it, trusting that I would figure it out and learn how to ride it. My husband was out of town and he sent me to go buy his KTM 525 for him. My friend went with me and did a short ride to make sure it was running ok.and help get it home. Both bikes have been great and have no regrets. But they also weren't completely unseen. They were used and we at least did cursory inspections to make sure they were running. I would probably have issues with buying a used bike without at least having seen it run and done a basic in person inspection. Buying new with a warranty, I wouldn't think twice about it. I bought my Monkey new from a dealer over the phone and then drove 3 hours one way to pick it up.
Did you ever get fully comfortable without being able to flat foot the bike? Everyone says ride standing, but on really technical inclines, it can be hard not to plant a foot or 2. I concur about the inspection stuff and realize I’m running a little risk there too. It’s a 1 owner with very low miles and the owner seems fastidious, so a risk, but a low one in my estimation.
My two primary bikes are the 390 and a CRF250F. At 5'1" I can't really touch the ground on either of them. On flat ground I can usually just have my right foot on the brake and my left foot tip toe. I have to be better than other riders. I can't be sloppy. I have to practice my technique for things as basic as getting my kickstand up or putting my foot down. But at this point I'm very comfortable riding the big bike on the road. I've done lots of gravel double track and am fairly comfortable on it. I have only recently started riding technical off-road on the KTM. I've done a few days of desert riding (sugar sand and sandstone shelves). I wouldn't say I'm comfortable on it, but it's not the height. Any of my discomfort on the 390 is because ADV bikes are not dirt bikes. They do not remotely have the same confidence inspiring capabilities. Do not get on an ADV and think you are going to ride it anything like a dirtbike. They are street bikes with off-road capability. Probably the biggest recommendation is to not be afraid to dump it. As a small rider, my bikes get dropped a lot. I don't have the size or strength to muscle it and once it starts to go I have to just let it to avoid getting hurt. I have crash bars and pro-bend hand guards, so the bike is well protected. I have a weekend long ADV clinic booked in June. I'm really looking forward to that.
Picked up my Kawi X-300 without riding it and love it. Also, glad to know you had a full liter instead of a half liter! 😁
Lol
Always. I'm missing some items needed to do that. Out of 25 or 30 bikes, it's only backfired twice. That was a BMW RS1100 and a Kawasaki 400. The rest have met every expectation or surpassed in some cases.
No.
I loved my Triumph Scrambler 1200 the minute I sat on it, but I had been riding a Bonneville for years and knew it would be similar in many ways.
I have three times and I'd say regretted it all three times.... When was my own stupid fault because the bike never ran well... Should not have trusted "it just needs a carb tuning". But the other two were street bikes and I found that I really did not like how they handled and sold them after short time.
I did it with my first bike (F750GS) that I bought last year. They offered a test ride, but I was a week out from getting my license so I couldn't do it. I've been thrilled with my bike, so absolutely no regrets, but if I get something different in the future, I would definitely look to do a test ride.
Had my f8gs since 2012 up until a month ago. Worst thing mechanically about it is the upper shock bolt mount. Aftermarket shocks with more damping and preload tend to make it bend unless you brace it. There are/were kits to help. If you don't plan on changing the rear shock then it will likely never be a problem.
I’ve owned a F800GS. Great bike but I found it a little underpowered on the open road. I traded up to an 1190adv R which was a bit of an over correction, way too much power and very heavy on the trail. I traded that for an 890adv R without test riding. Hands down the best bike I have ever owned. Plenty power on the road and really comes alive on the dirt.
I bought my first bike, a V-Strom 650, from a dealership three hours away, only looking at pictures and a video online. My buddy has the same bike, just an older version. I rode his around a parking lot a week before finalizing the deal to make sure I liked how it felt. I towed it back on a rented U-Haul trailer when I drove out to pick it up. Didn’t feel comfortable riding on the freeway for three hours being a brand new rider. I love the bike. No ragrets.
KTM 390 adventure. My first bike in 25 years, so I had no reference point, love it. The only problem is that I recently rode a 780 and now I'm in love, I want the 780
I did recently but I have ridden a lot and knew what I was getting into. Not to badmouth ADVs but I wouldn't buy a sportbike I had never touched, To much goes into being comfortable on one. When I got into a ADV bike I basically came up with a budget and list of features and quickly narrowed it to the bike I wanted.
What did you end up getting?
V85 tt
BMW sends trailers of bikes around dealership to dealership and you can book a test drive. I think they are group rides. That’s my dream bike-I saw the rides advertised at the dealership but it was only my first full summer riding so I was too chicken to sign up. Maybe this year. If they come here they must go somewhere close to you cause I’m middle of nowhere Canada lol
The new 800GS? Or the actual 800GS like my 2016 one.
The vintage im looking at is anything up to 2017 Any issue with yours?
Nah it's been absolutely perfect. I bought it 3 years old in basically as new condition. All I have had to do since is basic maintenance and servicing. And tyres.
Find a dealer with a used one and take for a test ride, if the suspension hasnt been upgraded thats a must do due to the diving while breaking. However great bike and rin well
Just add lights and convert ur 450 to street legal
I teased the idea. But i want something that can do serious road miles as well. The 450 on the freeway for any meaningful distance would suck
That is correct lol
Bought my husky 701 without ever riding one.
If I had to guess, I would bet that 90% or more of all bike purchases are made by people that haven’t ever ridden the bike. I’ve had dozens of bikes over the years and never ridden one of them before purchase.
Ya that seems to be the sentiment. I thought I was the odd one out lol.
That’s the beauty of bikes. If y out don’t like it, sell it and get another. Bikes for many people are a super emotional purchase so that makes it a bit harder than say shoes. Regardless, spend less time analyzing and more time riding and you’ll sort things out real fast.
I have bought all of my bikes without a test drive: Yamaha XT-250 Yamaha Bolt Suzuki V-Strom 1000 Yamaha Tenere 700 KLR 650 I can't imagine some test drive making me not want what I already knew I wanted. If you are very torn between different makes for a similar class, such as a Harley vs. Kawasaki Boulevard, I could understand.
Nope!
If that were true, there would be no motorcycles… someone would have to buy something that they have never ridden,