Dealer says Demo Rides are not possible - any suggestions?

[ARtraveler]

I test drove none of my seven Spyders. I did "test sit" about half of them. My very first (2008), I put down a deposit in October of 07 and had to wait until June of 08 for it to come in. At that time period...AK was not even going to be considered for the product. Fortunately, the new CanAm dealer was also the largest selling Ski Doo dealer in the US.

When I lived in Ft. Wayne, IN I had a Kawi/BMW dealer that allowed me to test drive. I chose Kawi KZ650 over the BMW 650 based on my test drive. In Duluth, MN the Honda/Yamaha dealer also let me test drive a Gold Wing and a Venture. The Venture won that go round.

Cars are another thing for me though. I have test driven every car I have ever bought. A couple were rejected immediately by the way they drove and "felt."

 

[bigbadbrucie]

I test drove none of my seven Spyders.

Cars are another thing for me though. I have test driven every car I have ever bought. A couple were rejected immediately by the way they drove and "felt."

And why should a motorcycle be any different than a car, as far a test riding/ driving? The dollar spent really isn’t all that much different. It’s still a big chunk of change.

 

[ARtraveler]

And why should a motorcycle be any different than a car, as far a test riding/ driving? The dollar spent really isn’t all that much different. It’s still a big chunk of change.

They are different. Driving a Spyder is more like driving a car because of the "no clutch," but the SM5's of course had clutches. Take an unfamiliar driver with two wheels, and you can have an accident quick. Should be different for SE' Spyders and Rykers...but that is not the way things seem to go. I am thinking that dealers are not thinking about safety or possibility of accidents. They just don't want to be user friendly. And yes, if I were a dealer...which I am not...I would require them to have a motorcycle endorsement at minimum for a test ride. But...that's just me.

I have bought over 30 two wheelers since 1965. The only two dealers I encountered that allowed test drives were as mentioned above.

 

[javajaws]

I took my Basic Three Wheel Motorcycle course and obtained my license on a Ryker. There really is no reason to test drive the bikes that I could find. Either you are comfortable with the seating position and the price or you are not. I have never seen a motorcycle that had a dealer license plate ready for a test drive anytime in my life.

While true, its more an issue for those wanting to move from 2-wheel bikes to 3-wheel trikes that haven't taken such a course (If you've taken the 2-wheel version you'll understand that the 3-wheel version is pretty much a joke to you at that point). Also, I do think riding all the main variants (Ryker, F3, RT) is important to make sure you pick the right machine.

 

[old Timer]

BMW as well as HD encourage the dealers to have test rides. BMW has a special program to help and encourage a test ride. Of course a M/C drivers license is required. With HD test rides, I was always with the sales person on another bike.

 

[2dogs]

I was lucky to be able to test ride both the HD trike and the spyder twice before making up my mind. Thank goodness for those test rides. However, what test riding the spyder didn't clue me into was the many little quirks and inconveniences that come along with owning a spyder. IE; airing up the rear tire and replacing all the inferior parts BRP chose to build into their product.

 

[Woodenfish]

Ever bike, both new and used, that I have purchased has always been available to test ride PRIOR to my purchasing. I would NEVER purchase either a new automoble OR a new motorcycle without being able to drive/ride off the dealers lot. It has always been my understanding that dealers get special consideration from the Mfr. for demo autos/mcs. Is this no longer the case?

BRP sells Skii-Doo and Sea-Doo at the same dealership where I purchased my Can Am. I don’t think they offer those buyers any test rides either. What could you possibly learn from a test ride in the dealership parking lot versus a static test on the showroom floor anyway?

 

[bigbadbrucie]

BRP sells Skii-Doo and Sea-Doo at the same dealership where I purchased my Can Am. I don’t think they offer those buyers any test rides either. What could you possibly learn from a test ride in the dealership parking lot versus a static test on the showroom floor anyway?

With that reasoning, I take it that you test drive an automoble that you’re looking at by moving it in the parking lot also. As far as I’m concerned a test ride is a ride out on the street and travel at least one or two miles, preferably, if you’re an actual interested buyer, for an hour or two ride (dealers can spot interested folks). I have ALWAYS had this opportunity.

 

[Doug5283]

https://can-am.brp.com/on-road/us/en/discover-can-am/can-am-experience.html
Went last year. It was stupid-fun. Got about an hour on each one out on the road. Able to ride an F3, RTL & Ryker.

 

[MRH]

I haven't ready through all the comments so apologies if this has been covered, but even better than a brief test ride is renting one for the day:
https://www.riders-share.com

 

[Wahrsuul]

I was able to test ride a used 2010 RT at my dealer. They offered me a test ride on the new 2018 they had but I would have had to make an appointment. Instead, I took the leap and got my 2014 from Imotorsports. Definitely needed the test ride though.

Just found out the Can-Am Experience is here today and tomorrow. Wish I'd know that a few days ago. But now I'm scheduled to try out an F3 and maybe a Ryker tomorrow.

 

[Tango]

I took my Basic Three Wheel Motorcycle course and obtained my license on a Ryker. There really is no reason to test drive the bikes that I could find. Either you are comfortable with the seating position and the price or you are not. I have never seen a motorcycle that had a dealer license plate ready for a test drive anytime in my life.

You have never been to a BMW dealer. They have several for test rides, and loaner bikes. I for one would not lay out almost $30,000 without a test ride! You want my money? Earn it! :thumbup: Tom :spyder:

 

[DT5534]

Jacksonville

I will be following this thread as I am moving to Daytona Beach on May 31st and will need a new dealer. My last one in Purcellville VA, Moto Member, was fantastic. Gonna be hard to beat them for sure.

 

[Tango]

I will be following this thread as I am moving to Daytona Beach on May 31st and will need a new dealer. My last one in Purcellville VA, Moto Member, was fantastic. Gonna be hard to beat them for sure.

I live in Daytona Beach. Have a great dealer in Sanford, "Seminole Powersports". Daytona had a great dealer, they sold to "Ride Now". Haven't been there for service since the sale. :thumbup: Tom :spyder:

 

[slhanks004]

Same thing happened to me. I filled out the test ride form, dealer contacted me by phone, I told them I wanted to test ride a Spyder RTL, they said sure, come on in. I showed up the next Saturday and told them I was there for a test ride. “We don’t allow test rides”. I ended up buying anyway, but had my reservations about buying such a different vehicle without being able to test it first.

 

[Excoastie]

Call other dealers and find one that will allow a test ride. My local dealer told me they don't do it. Another dealer an hour away handed me the keys.

--Exco

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Call other dealers and find one that will allow a test ride. My local dealer told me they don't do it. Another dealer an hour away handed me the keys.

--Exco

Hopefully that will be the ..LAST Lie they will tell you ...... IMHO I doubt that will be the case .... good luck .... Mike :thumbup:

 

[Woodenfish]

With that reasoning, I take it that you test drive an automoble that you’re looking at by moving it in the parking lot also. As far as I’m concerned a test ride is a ride out on the street and travel at least one or two miles, preferably, if you’re an actual interested buyer, for an hour or two ride (dealers can spot interested folks). I have ALWAYS had this opportunity.

Cars, motorcycles, no difference between the two when purchasing them. “Take as much time as you need and bring it back when you’re ready to buy.” I can see that happening.

 

[vito1943]

I'm amazed that any dealer can stay in business if they do not allow for demo rides. I was a 2 wheel rider for almost 40 years when I decided I either needed to go to a lighter bike (lighter than my 900 pound Honda Goldwing) or go to 3 wheels. I was mentally not really ready to go to 3 wheels, but at my wife's request called the Can Am dealer near me and asked about a demo ride on a Spyder. I was offered the chance to ride whatever I wanted, a Ryker, F3 or an RT. I chose the RT and it only took me about 5 minutes of riding to decide that this was what I wanted. I have no doubt that if I had not been able to get a demo ride I would have ended up buying a new Triumph T120 instead. When I took my demo ride, the salesman said to me "Take it for as long as you want, just make sure you are back before closing time in about 4 hours". My demo ride was about 30 minutes and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. I can't imagine buying a new vehicle of any type without having the chance to ride/drive it first.

 

[retdpd]

I went through 3 dealers looking to purchase a new spyder they refused to call me back they wanted me to call them back at a specific time. I gave up on a Spyder .I I walked into a dealer in Gaylord MI upon wifes insistance who treated me great and they were outstanding to deal with and wanted my business.. I put my deposit on a new 2022 RT that day my delivery was postpned due to parts and I had to wait. They were in continuous contact with me and when it was delivered everything was perfect. no hassles everything perfect... Its a shame had to travel over 200 miles to buy a Spyder when I had 3 dealerships within 20 miles.
So whatever they're doing in Gaylord MI BRP should use them as a model

JUST SAYING