Test Ride Booked

[JohnC]

Hi folks. Itching to get a GS I've just booked a test ride with Motorrad Central in Glasgow for Saturday.

Couple of questions. How do these usually go as it's been years since I've had a test ride with a dealer. It would be good if someone who's had a test at Motorrad could give me some info, i.e. how long should I expect to have on the bike, this bike being for longer distances, will I be "escorted" by one of the staff (not that this really bothers me), can I take a pillion etc.

Also should I be "tempted" , how much are new GS 1200's going for atm, is there any point haggling, are there any must have extras apart from heated grips and ABS? (which after reading all the pro's and con's I would probably still go for)

Anything else I should know before entering the financially insolvent zone

Thanks again


John

 

[BBB61]

John,

All the BMW dealers I've had test rides with over the years let you go out on your own and they give you plenty of time. I had 2 hours out on a K1200S last Saturday . Just the usual things apply. Take your licence, and you will sign the usual disclaimer. It will be worth checking the excess on the dealers policy (the dealer I used have a £1500 excess now). And thats about it!

Bob

 

[JohnC]

John,

All the BMW dealers I've had test rides with over the years let you go out on your own and they give you plenty of time. I had 2 hours out on a K1200S last Saturday . Just the usual things apply. Take your licence, and you will sign the usual disclaimer. It will be worth checking the excess on the dealers policy (the dealer I used have a £1500 excess now). And thats about it!

Bob

Thanks Bob. Regarding the excess, does this mean should I be playing silly beggars and stuff the bike, I need to cough up £1500? If so then I guess that's just the way it is. ((straps mattress to bike))

 

[Mouse]

The dealer I use (Southport Superbikes) must be very trusting, as they let me take a 1200, and my girlfriend a 650, for day long test rides with no signature or anything

 

[SpyInTheCamp]

John

I tested a GS at Motorrad Central last weekend. You sign an excess of £500 and then you can ride the bike for about two hours. There's no one to acconpany you. Just fill the bike up at the Shell station earby before you hand it back.

Take the bike up to Lennoxtown and over the hill to Fintry and on to Buchlyvie for an entertaining run. Perfect road for the GS - not so good for much else though!

BTW, if you are smitten, it is still worth shopping around. So don't take the first offer from Motorrad Central. You won't get much (or indeed anything) off the price of the bike. But should get a good deal on accessories and trade in.

Enjoy!

Kai

 

[Andy Davies]

John

I took the R1200GS for a spin at the back end of Feb. Took it up to Stirling thence Callander and Kilmahog, Aberfoyle and back to Bishopriggs. I spent about 3 hours out.

In the end placed an order and await delivery of new GS very soon.

There's a thread somewhere on this forum with a picture. Have a search.

Cheers
Andy

 

[Stoney]

Take the bike up to Lennoxtown and over the hill to Fintry and on to Buchlyvie for an entertaining run. Perfect road for the GS - not so good for much else though!

If that's the "Crow road" is a cracking cycling road - sorts the men from the boys!! Used to ride it many times when a student at Glasgow School of Art.

Have fun on the test ride and remember the old cliche - 'Ride it like you stole it'. Just remember they are trying to sell you a bike so don't make out like they are doing you a favour by lending you the bike - it's a demonstrator and that's what it's there for.

You've probably read it elsewhere but they don't do discounts but I have heard of people getting extras added at good prices - panniers and the such.

Hopefully you'll enjoy the bike - it's perfect for Scottish Roads - my mate in Carluke just wishes he could afford one as I left him for dead on my 1150 around his local rides despite him having an old CBR.

 

[JohnC]

Thanks everyone, sounds great. I cant wait now, arghh!!

 

[AdyJ]

Couple of questions. How do these usually go as it's been years since I've had a test ride with a dealer. It would be good if someone who's had a test at Motorrad could give me some info, i.e. how long should I expect to have on the bike, this bike being for longer distances, will I be "escorted" by one of the staff (not that this really bothers me), can I take a pillion etc.

When I had my test ride at Williams BMW in Manchester, (1150GSA), they were only too willing to let me ride for as long as I needed. Very helpful. No pressure. Puts you in the right frame of mind.

As anoter post below too, when I popped into Southport Superbikes, they were only too willing to let me out for a day on a GSA or 1200.

Still haven't got one mind... :-( Donations welcome... ;-)

 

[SpyInTheCamp]

If that's the "Crow road" is a cracking cycling road - sorts the men from the boys!!

It is and it does!

Absolute beaut on the GS though. Wouldn't want to give it laldy on the VFR up there...

Kai

 

[JohnC]

Andy, I read your test report on the 1200, very well written and gives me a good idea of what to expect. I will probably follow your route and report back.

On another note Motorrad Central, it was Clive I spoke to, said that second hand 1150's and 1200's are like hens teeth just now. I was really looking to buy second hand and I just know I'm going to overstretch my budget if I like the 1200. If I'm not being to cheeky how much did you pay for a new 1200 and what extras did you include.

 

[SpyInTheCamp]

John

List price for bit and bits (inc VAT):

Bike: £8715
ABS: £795
Hot grips: £195
White indicator lenses: £22
Alarm: £175
Spoked wheels: £245
Panniers are @ £390
Top box is @ £294

You'll maybe get a deal on the luggage, but no discounts on the bike and other bits unless you are very lucky. That might mean waiting for a surplus bike that someone has cancelled an order on. You may have to compromise on certain bits like ABS etc.

However, like I said earlier, you should get a decent PX offer - although not as good as what you'd make on a private sale.

In my experience, Motorrad Central aren't that keen on negotiating. In fact, I found their attitude a bit crap really. But others speak well of them. Needless to say, I ordered my bike 'elsewhere'.

Kai

 

[JohnC]

Thanks for taking the time to post all that info Kai, much appreciated

I wont be trading my present bike in as I'm sure they will tell me to get stuffed. It's a 1977 Zed 1000 A1 owned for the last 12 years, and restored to the last nut and bolt. I love the old dear to much to just let *anyone* take her