Any other demo junkies here?

[kendenton]

I've got to admit, I'm a complete addict for demo rides.  If a dealer within 100 miles (or sometimes more) is having an open house, or a demo truck, I'm trying to get there.  I don't generally ask dealers on "normal" visits for a demo ride, but sometimes I do that too.

I'm currently very happy with my ride, and really have no realistic plans to replace/augment it in the near future.

Just coming clean.

For the record, here's this year's demo rides so far.  This weekend should bring more Harleys and some Aprilias.

BMW R1200R
BMW R1200GS
BMW R1200GSA
BMW R1200RT
BMW K1200R Sport
BMW K1200GT
Buell TT
Buell Ulysses
Ducati Monster 620
Ducati Multistrada 1100S
Ducati GT1000
Ducati 800 Supersport
H-D Sportster 1200 Custom
H-D Street Bob
Honda VFR800
Moto Guzzi Norge
Moto Guzzi California Stone
Suzuki DL650 Wee-Strom
Suzuki Bandit 1250
Suzuki DR-Z400SM
Triumph Sprint ST (twice)
Triumph Tiger (twice)
Triumph Bonneville T100
Triumph Bonneville Scrambler (service loaner, 200+ miles)
Triumph Bonneville America
Triumph Rocket III
Victory Kingpin

[1KPerDay]

That's very cool. I don't think I've ever ridden a demo bike.

[Rincewind]

I love to demo bikes, too.  When I was in the market, I tested BMW's, Ducati's, Buells, Hondas, Suzuki's, and Triumphs.  It helped me understand the great variety of bikes available.  Now that I'm not in the market, I would rather go riding than ride to a dealer, or be led on a group demo ride (blech!).  

That said, I would LOVE to test a Hypermotard, a Street Triple, and a Buell 1125R when available.    

[1KPerDay]

I'm signed up for a buell trackday in september... all their bikes are available. Hopefully the 1125R will be also.

[kendenton]

I'm signed up for a buell trackday in september... all their bikes are available. Hopefully the 1125R will be also.

Sweet!

[H2Orat]

   I demo'd several bikes at a Triumph open house earlier this spring, even though I'm also not looking for a new ride.  I really enjoyed trying out the different bikes, and as long as the dealer/factory doesn't have a problem with it, neither do I!    The only thing that was disappointing, was that the accompanying rider/employee kept us on a pretty short leash, though I can appreciate why!  

  I think it's a good thing to ride a variety of different bikes: it makes for a better-educated consumer, and less tire-kicking when the time comes to actually pull the trigger.  I also like having been able to generate my own (limited) riding impressions, and not just have to rely on other peoples opinions or magazine reviews.  

Demo rides are really a double-edged sword: they can confirm and reinforce your happiness with your current ride(s), or (and here's the bad part!), make you want a shiny new one!  In my case, I'm still very much in love with my Sprint , but I've always lusted after the new Speed Triple   and  would love to have one to park beside it.  The test rides (I took two on the S3) only made me want one more!  I knew there was a good reason those demo rides are so heavily promoted...  Thanks, Triumph!  

[Emerson00]

H20rat - QUEENSTOWN!? I'm in Chester. I heard Four Seasons is going to Queenstown, instead.

I love demo rides, but only do them if I'm at the dealer anyway; in otherwords, I'll take a demo of anything available if I'm waiting onthem to change a tire, or service the bike, or something.

Demo'd the Norge a couple weeks ago, and fell in love. I almost demo'd an ST3s yesterday, but declined, because I don't want to want a new bike.

[Hardware]

Over the years, yeah I've been a demo-ho.

I can't even remember all the models but I'll try...

Kawasaki - ZX-9R, KLX 650, Vulcan (1400?), Concours...

Triumph - Tiger, 955 Daytona, Sprint, Thunderbird...

Buell - every model in the line-up for '99...

Harley - Electra Glide Ultra Classic, Road King, Wide Glide, 1200 Sportster, Springer Softail...

BMW - R1200RT, K1200LT...

Honda - CBR 929 RR, Valkyrie Interstate...

Suzuki - GSX-R 750...

...there's been a bunch more - just can't remember them all...

[H2Orat]

H20rat - QUEENSTOWN!? I'm in Chester. I heard Four Seasons is going to Queenstown, instead.

Nah, Four Seasons wouldn't want to move down 301; there are no wetlands to destroy!   Besides, I'll bet they're too busy horsewhipping their lawyers for fecking up the KI deal!  Are you in any way related to/affiliated with RB Emerson, also a member of this site?  He keeps his boat near the Narrows.  If not, big coincidence!  What do you ride?  I might have seen you on the road somewhere (upper ES isn't that big)...
 

[Kootenanny]

I do enjoy demo rides, in part because that's the only time I get to try bikes that are quite different.  I like to feel how the "other side" rides--so I'll often sign up to ride the heavy cruisers, dual-sports, or mega-scooters.  I've ridden lots of demo bikes, but some notable ones are: Victory Hammer, H-D Street Rod, Yamaha MT-01, Ducati Sport 1000.

Oh, BTW, I did buy my current bike after riding a demo (Buell Firebolt).  But so far, I've ridden nothing that makes me want to replace it.  

[Lawn Dart]

Ahhh, but what bikes really stand out (for any reason, good or bad) that you've demo'ed?

[Chriscb750]

I'm signed up for a buell trackday in september... all their bikes are available. Hopefully the 1125R will be also.

1kperday, please tell me more about this trackday?  unless it's top secret and only for those who have sheepskin on their rides.  

[Against The Wind]

For the record, here's this year's demo rides so far.  This weekend should bring more Harleys and some Aprilias.

BMW R1200R
BMW R1200GS
BMW R1200GSA
BMW R1200RT
BMW K1200R Sport
BMW K1200GT
Buell TT
Buell Ulysses
Ducati Monster 620
Ducati Multistrada 1100S
Ducati GT1000
Ducati 800 Supersport
H-D Sportster 1200 Custom
H-D Street Bob
Honda VFR800
Moto Guzzi Norge
Moto Guzzi California Stone
Suzuki DL650 Wee-Strom
Suzuki Bandit 1250
Suzuki DR-Z400SM
Triumph Sprint ST
Triumph Tiger
Triumph Bonneville T100
Triumph Bonneville Scrambler
Triumph Bonneville America
Triumph Rocket III
Victory Kingpin

Holy cow Batman!

[kendenton]

Ahhh, but what bikes really stand out (for any reason, good or bad) that you've demo'ed?

The R1200GSA, because it was my first time on knobbies and it scared the crap out of me during cornering  

The Ducati Multistrada 620, because I liked it so much I bought it.

Both Guzzis stand out as great rides.  The California because it had the lustiest exhaust note I've ever heard, the Norge because it seemed damn near perfect for touring on.

The Victory Kingpin because it was much better than I expected.

The only bad was the Harley Sportster.  No power, forward controls, little windscreen that buffeted me silly on the highway.

[kendenton]

What have I learned from all these demos?

• BMW Boxers are tempting, but too pricey.
• I'm not comfy on moderate-lean sport-tourers like the VFR and Sprint - I prefer more upright seating.
• Guzzi's will definitely require more investigation  
• There's something appealing about the H-D big twins.  Got to find the right version though.
• I do not regret my Multi purchase.

I'd still love to score rides on the KTM SuperDuke, and a Guzzi V11.

[Lon]

BMW R1150R
BMW R1150RS
BMW R1100S (x4 different ones)
Honda VFR 800
Honda VT1100CT Ace Tourer
Honda ST1300A
Suzuki M109R
Suzuki GS500
Suzuki SV1000S
Triumph Sprint ST 1050
Triumph Tiger 1050
Kawasaki ZX6E Ninja
Hyosung GV250
Honda Rebel
Ducati 996
Kymco Venox
Kymco Xciting 500
Victory Kingpin

Oh...
THIS year:

Tiger, Xciting 500, ST1300, M109R, SV1000S, VT1100CT, GV250.  Rest were previous years.

That might be it; not sure; I'll have to think some more.

[kendenton]

BMW R1150R
BMW R1150RS
BMW R1100S (x4 different ones)
Honda VFR 800
Honda VT1100CT Ace Tourer
Honda ST1300A
Suzuki M109R
Suzuki GS500
Suzuki SV1000S
Triumph Sprint ST 1050
Triumph Tiger 1050
Kawasaki ZX6E Ninja
Hyosung GV250
Honda Rebel
Ducati 996
Kymco Venox
Kymco Xciting 500
Victory Kingpin

Oh...
THIS year:

Tiger, Xciting 500, ST1300, M109R, SV1000S, VT1100CT, GV250.  Rest were previous years.

That might be it; not sure; I'll have to think some more.

Ah, a kindrid spirit....

[sagerat]

Guilty as charged, sir.  

Ducs, Hondas, Moto Guzzi's, Beemers, Kawis, Buells if they'll toss me the keys, I'm gone for a demo ride.

[Busy Little Whiner]

I was talked into a 427 Camaro demo at John L Sullivan's... spun the thing at the first corner and ended
going up hill backwards facing traffic... the salesman freaked and pulled the keys... turns out the detailer
from Mexico Amoral the thread to impress the boss!!! mercy I didn't nailed it that hard...

[R.Markus]

I haven't test ridden that many. For some reason it doesn't feel rigt to me to go ride bikes I have no interest in purchasing, although I realize I need to change that train of thought.  

I have, however, demo'd the following few bikes:

Honda Valkyrie
BMW F650GS
Triumph Tiger 955
Victory Vegas

[Hardware]

Ahhh, but what bikes really stand out (for any reason, good or bad) that you've demo'ed?

I hated the KLX 650 - it was a short demo ride and for some reason I was in pain the whole time.

All the sport bikes stood out as great handling machines (at the time).

The Tiger (this was the 1st gen) - this was supposed to be a dirt bike and it could go how fast on asphalt covered sweepers?   Too bad I couldn't afford one at the time.

The R1200RT - I mean I bought one as a result of the test ride...

All the Harleys were...well Harleys.  There's a reason they call themselves the Motor Company - take that as good or bad...

[kendenton]

My god it's been a busy weekend.....

H-D Super Glide
H-D Low Rider
H-D Fat Boy (twice)
H-D Softail Deluxe
H-D Road King Classic
H-D CVO Screaming Eagle Road King
H-D V-Rod Night Rod
H-D Road Glide
Buell Ulysses (again)
(thanks Gettysburg Bike Week!)

and

Aprilia Tuono

Details in a forthcoming post

[leftcoast]

I've got to admit, I'm a complete addict for demo rides.  If a dealer within 100 miles (or sometimes more) is having an open house, or a demo truck, I'm trying to get there.  I don't generally ask dealers on "normal" visits for a demo ride, but sometimes I do that too.

I'm currently very happy with my ride, and really have no realistic plans to replace/augment it in the near future.

Just coming clean.

For the record, here's this year's demo rides so far.  This weekend should bring more Harleys and some Aprilias.

BMW R1200R
BMW R1200GS


BMW R1200GSA
BMW R1200RT
BMW K1200R Sport
BMW K1200GT
Buell TT
Buell Ulysses
Ducati Monster 620
Ducati Multistrada 1100S
Ducati GT1000
Ducati 800 Supersport
H-D Sportster 1200 Custom
H-D Street Bob
Honda VFR800
Moto Guzzi Norge
Moto Guzzi California Stone
Suzuki DL650 Wee-Strom
Suzuki Bandit 1250
Suzuki DR-Z400SM
Triumph Sprint ST (twice)
Triumph Tiger (twice)
Triumph Bonneville T100
Triumph Bonneville Scrambler (service loaner, 200+ miles)
Triumph Bonneville America
Triumph Rocket III
Victory Kingpin

just curious....when you go to the grocery store do you always eat the free samples?

didja like any of 'em?

[kendenton]

just curious....when you go to the grocery store do you always eat the free samples?

didja like any of 'em?

I liked a bunch of 'em!  

[MisterSmooth]

Ahhh, but what bikes really stand out (for any reason, good or bad) that you've demo'ed?

First thought that occurred to me, too!


Thanks for the subsequent feedback, kendenton.  I agree that Guzzis satisfy beyond the spec sheet and that new BMW's are awfully pricey.  BMW-K just popped for two spankin' new Beemers this year so he's poor but happy.  


What did you think of the Tuono?

[Mr_FJ1200]

I demo'd a few at Bike Week in Laconia, NH this year.

I took out the Aprilia Caponard (twice), it was nearly identical to the V-Strom 1000. Nice bike and I liked it much more than I thought I would. I would consider buying one. The guy leading the demo ride was on a hopped scooter and was flying. I hit triple digits a few times. I elected to be the last demo rider in line seeing that I was on the slowest bike and I really didn't want the kids on Touono's running up my tail pipe. I actually lost sight of the pack a few times and I was going waaayyy above the posted speed limit.

I tried a FJR1300AE, I didn't think I'd like the no clutch thing but I have to admit that after 5 minutes I was a believer. The throttle spring seem a bit stiff but other than that I couldn't find much to complain about. There were ~30 bikes available and I think maybe 5 guys signed up to ride. Again, the guy leading the pack was not afraid to open things up.

I took out a V-Strom 1000. A clone of the Caponard, the only difference was that the Aprilia had better brakes. Me and another guy I don't know are the only ones to sign up for a demo ride, he wants a M109R. Guy leading the ride is also on a M109R and the chase guy is on a SV650. These guys are flying, well in to triple digits on the straights. The road T's into another road and we are turning right after we stop. Guy leading looks left, starts to go, the other demo rider starts to go, looks left for traffic, looks right again only to see the lead guy has stopped, he the proceeds to crash in to the back of him, ripping off the lead bikes left rear blinker and putting a massive scrape down the front of his M109R. Neither guy goes down. I'm glad I kept my distance, especially since I was on an unfamiliar bike. Pretty weird.

[Mastros2]

I enjoy the demos as well.  Demoed the Buell TT and the CityX.  I received the Duc mailer on the Moto but was working that weekend.  There is always the local HD dealer.  Always wanted to ride the v-rod.