Any other demo junkies here?

[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.