The lunatics have migrated to the Dark Side!

[snowy]

Just called up local Motorrad Dealer for ACF treatment, booked mine in for the 18th.
Asked if they had a 1000XR demonstrator to test.
I love my 700GS, as with the power and tour-ability of the GTR, so possibly one bike that could replace the two?
Advised that no demonstrators available at the mo, and that all test rides are now chargeable!
GADZOOKS! Always a good days sport - trying / riding new bikes at nil cost........those days appear to be going!
Advised they have had 5 demonstrators written off in the last year, as with multiple damages!
So I can see their point, but why are these b'stards ruining a good days sport by trashing the goods! 

[Wookie]

As once said by Messrs Stoner and Co. .  .
Did their ambitions out weigh their talent !!!?

[PRD]

Mind you BMW will always find a way to charge!  One of their strong points!

[zedmeister]

i agree with dealers charging for test rides at least the XS they have on their insurance as a deposit, this would deter the dick heads who only want to go for a blast just to see what it will do!!. If someone is really keen to purchase but just needs a test ride to make sure its the bike or them, then the deposit will be willingly paid and refunded after the test ride.

[pross]

The dealer by me Streetbike I have signed paperwork stating if it's dropped or in a smack you pay them £500 some other dealers by me say a grand no fee yet.
Streetbike once gave me a demo and said bring it back when I was happy I took it back and I had put a Tenner of fuel in they went to pay me back  I told them not to bother ( best rental fee for around 6 hours riding I've paid  )

[pross]

i agree with dealers charging for test rides at least the XS they have on their insurance as a deposit, this would deter the dick heads who only want to go for a blast just to see what it will do!!. If someone is really keen to purchase but just needs a test ride to make sure its the bike or them, then the deposit will be willingly paid and refunded after the test ride.

As you say if really keen and it's make your mind up time .
I agree a fee for the demo which could deducted from the sale fee. But if you are testing a range you will only get it back of the one you purchase

[O.C.]

I agree with Zed, pay for a test and refund when/if you buy

Its not unusual for dealers to require a rider taking a demo to insure against potential damage, semms reasonable to me   

Having worked in the Motor trade for many years I can confirm that motor trade insurance and policy excess  is massively high, based on claims experience   

[PRD]

Car dealers don't charge a fee!  They make enough profit when they sell the bike. Charging fee another way of getting money out of you!

[O.C.]

Car dealers don't charge a fee!  They make enough profit when they sell the bike. Charging fee another way of getting money out of you!

ermmm, car dealers frequently require  insurance cover  for taking a demonstration and usually/generally  insist on a member of staff accompanying a customer on a test drive.

I agree that I haven't heard of a car dealer charging a fee for a test/demonstration but I've only been in the trade since 1967 so haven't yet seen it all !

[PRD]

I would expect to sign a document taking responsibility for the vehicle, excess cover etc. But have never had to pay a fee for a car and a bike test. Usually when I do car tests sales staff let me go on my own. Perhaps because they know what I do for a living. It would put me off doing a car or bike test if I had to pay an up front fee.

[Wookie]

Yup O.C sold ma great granpappy  his 1st model T Ford ... now that was a car 

[O.C.]

Blimey Wook your maths is          

[Wookie]

Hah ya just worked that oot lad  ...
Its even worse coz win a missin a pinkie ah can only count to 9 ..an am not tekin me sox off for nae bugga ...well not till March anyhoo