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4 Tips for Test Riding a New Motorcycle

Mar. 1 2022 Buying Guide By Arizona Honda

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A test ride is a valuable resource in the motorcycle buying process. You will be able to discover many important aspects of the given model, including:

  • Your physical compatibility with the motorcycle. Individuals who are taller or shorter than average may need to invest in aftermarket accessories to adjust the motorcycle’s seat, handlebars, and so on. A test ride will help you determine whether these accessories need to be factored into your budget.
  • Your compatibility with the motorcycle’s power potential. It’s important to avoid getting a motorcycle that’s more powerful than you can handle or underperforming for your skill level.
  • Your compatibility with the type of motorcycle. You may realize that a different type of motorcycle would be a better fit.

Here at Arizona Honda, we strive to make your life easier. We gathered up the following tips to make your motorcycle test ride a better experience. To schedule a test ride or shop for motorcycles for sale, visit our dealership. We are based in Snowflake, Arizona.

Don't Get Carried Away

It's easy to get a little carried away as you test ride a motorcycle, but speeding can land you in trouble. In addition to risking a speeding ticket or accident, the dealership may change their policy about allowing test rides. Instead, you should pay closer attention to how the bike handles and whether or not there are flaws in the bike that you find troubling.

Pay Attention to Engine Performance

Keep in mind that your daily commute may involve riding on both highways and surface streets. For that reason, you should test the motorcycle at various speeds to allow you to experience how the motor shifts gears. Pay attention to engine strain as you move from slower speeds to faster speeds. If you don't do much highway riding, you should primarily focus on riding in traffic to see how the bike handles congested surface streets.

Practice Braking

The brakes on each motorcycle will be different, so you should brake cautiously when you first ride a new bike. A more powerful motor will require a more aggressive braking system. As you start riding a bike, test the brakes to get a feel for them. Rather than trying to do a sudden stop, focus on braking at traffic lights and stop signs. This will give you the feel for how the brakes will handle in your everyday situations.

Recognize That Your New Bike Will Be Different

After your test ride, you should give the motorcycle a second visual inspection. Since you have experienced its performance, you'll be better able to evaluate it. Keep in mind that the bike you test ride may not be the same one you buy. A test motorcycle will have more mileage and more wear and tear, which means it may handle a little differently than your brand new bike. When you get your new motorcycle, give it some time and some road experience to help break it in.

Make sure you take these things into account when test riding, and you'll be able to choose the best bike for you. You can learn more about motorcycle shopping when you visit Arizona Honda. We are located in Snowflake, Arizona, and also serve those in Show Low and Holbrook, Arizona.