How to Shop for a good motorcycle

Once you’ve narrowed down your New bike to one to three styles, it’s time to do some online research. Start with different bike series and then head to manufacturer websites if you want to know more. Compare features like frame material, gearing, and brakes on different brands in your price range. Check the sizing, which varies from brand to brand, and use the size finder to determine what works for you. In addition, yeah, think about color and graphics.

Use the manufacturer’s dealer finder to find a shop in your area that carries the brand. Call ahead and ask if they have the model you want (or something close to it) in the right size. Ask whether you need to schedule a test ride. You will want to test the bike in conditions as close as possible to what you’ll ride in real life. Scout the area around the shop for any bike paths where you can safely sort things out, and find a good hill to test the gearing range and brakes.

How to Test Ride

Dress the part: Wear whatever you plan to wear when riding. Bring your ID and a credit card even if you do not plan to buy that day, as you will likely need to leave them with the shop during the test. Ask shop staff to set up the bike for you—adjusting the seat, inflating the tires, setting the suspension will give you the proper fit. If you are unfamiliar with how any parts work, ask for a demonstration.

A good test ride takes around 15 to 20 minutes. Get comfortable in the parking lot first, and ask the shop to readjust anything that doesn’t feel right. Then, get out and ride!

Shift through all the gears, see how the bike handles around corners. Does the steering feel quick and responsive? Slow and stable? (There is no wrong answer, just what feels best to you.) Are the gears low enough to let you climb steep hills at a comfortable pace? Do the brakes stop you quickly and safely? Is the bike comfortable to sit on?

Most shops aren’t located near trails and aren’t keen on letting riders get test bikes dirty. So if you’re looking for a mountain or gravel bike, demo events are a great bet. Ask the shop if one is scheduled, and check the manufacturer’s website for a calendar of demo tours. Finally, ask if the shop has the model you want in its rental fleet. Many shops will credit the price of one rental toward the purchase.

Signs of a Good (and Bad) Bike Shop

Good bike shops have employees who are friendly and knowledgeable but will work at your speed. They will show you how different parts work. They’ll allow test rides and take the time to properly set up the bike. Moreover, they’ll discuss maintenance, any service plan packages they offer, and what accessories you should think about.

If an employee is condescending or dismissive, find another to help you. If it happens again, find another shop or go to the manager. Pressure sales tactics are rare, but if they try to sell you something that is the wrong size or clearly not right for you, leave if they won’t listen to your concerns. Most shops are great, but if something feels out of place don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself.

Author’s Bio

Mark Dan in this article expounds on how to shop for a new bike. He further gave an insightful view of the signs of a good and bad bike shop.

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Created on Dec 14th 2018 03:11. Viewed 222 times.

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