First Test Ride - What to Expect

[gibbo]

Hi Rob

I had a test ride on a K1300R end of last year at Oxford BMW. A good bunch of lads in there.
Dealt with Nathan Thomas who was polite and not pushy in any way to 'seal the deal'. Didn't give any time limit on the test ride. Nice coffee on high stools or sofa chairs, bike videos and mags also available.

Started on a nice straight road, so the A40 is just outside the dealership so headed off towards Witney, and carried on through to Burford, then the A361 towards Chipping Norton and back to Oxford via the A44. Nice little bimble that.

You should also go on to www.eurokclub.com which is a good forum for all models of BMW bike. A good knowledgeable bunch of lads with a wealth of experience. You'll find all you need to know about your future steed, the good and the bad points. Not sure is your buying new or used, if used, make sure it has a full BMWSH and take out an extended warranty issued by Mondial. These bikes can cost literally thousands to put right if they go wrong.

The rest of the lads on here have given you sound advice. Nothing more to add except, have a great test ride and stay safe.

[MayallRob]

Hi Rob

I had a test ride on a K1300R end of last year at Oxford BMW. A good bunch of lads in there.
Dealt with Nathan Thomas who was polite and not pushy in any way to 'seal the deal'. Didn't give any time limit on the test ride. Nice coffee on high stools or sofa chairs, bike videos and mags also available.

Started on a nice straight road, so the A40 is just outside the dealership so headed off towards Witney, and carried on through to Burford, then the A361 towards Chipping Norton and back to Oxford via the A44. Nice little bimble that.

You should also go on to www.eurokclub.com which is a good forum for all models of BMW bike. A good knowledgeable bunch of lads with a wealth of experience. You'll find all you need to know about your future steed, the good and the bad points. Not sure is your buying new or used, if used, make sure it has a full BMWSH and take out an extended warranty issued by Mondial. These bikes can cost literally thousands to put right if they go wrong.

The rest of the lads on here have given you sound advice. Nothing more to add except, have a great test ride and stay safe.

Hey gibbo,

It's Nathan Thomas that got in touch with me about the test ride and has organised it for me. He comes across as being a sensible guy in our emails so far and looking forward to meeting him.

Your route sounds good, I may well try and do similar on my test ride. I'm definitely in no rush to buy this bike, I don't mind waiting for the perfect model to come along with regards to price, mileage, service history etc.

Kevinb - I hadn't considered hiring one before. Definitely something I'll check out. I might have a look at some of the BMW / S1000RR forums and see what people say about running / servicing costs and see if there are any particular bad points to look out for when viewing.