Getting the Best Out of Your New Bike Test Ride
Any motorcycle owner would tell you that it's insane to buy a bike without test driving it first. Buying a Harley-Davidson is no different. Each bike is unique, so before you make the decision to go "whole hog," you definitely want to take it out for a spin and see how you feel when riding it. At Taboo Harley-Davidson in Alexandria, we encourage our customers to take a test ride on the bike they have been eyeing. We serve Lafayette and Natchitoches, Louisiana and Natchez, Mississippi, and would love to help you to get the bike you deserve.
Get a Feel of the Engine
One of the most important things to focus on during your test ride is how the bike feels when you ride it. Let the bike idle for a few minutes and focus on the sounds, vibration and feel of the bike. As you start your ride, take notice of the vibration and how it feels in your hands, legs and thighs. Take a long ride, paying attention to the total riding experience. We encourage our customers to take their time on their test ride, making sure that they are completely comfortable with the bike they're choosing.
Get a Feel of the Handling
How your bike handles on the road is vital for buying the right model. Test out several maneuvers on your test ride. Take a few tight corners, taking note of how it feels when it leans. Take it off-road and ride over bumpy terrain, potholes and rocky roads. You want to experience the bike in all types of road conditions, so it pays to ride it in a variety of conditions during your test ride.
Get a Feel of the Brakes
The brakes are the easiest bike component to test. When you hit the brakes, they should grip and bite the road, bringing the motorcycle to an abrupt stop. Faster bikes have brakes that require a bit more skill to maneuver, so it pays to test them out before you settle on a model. Stop and start the bike a few times to replicate what you will experience on your normal rides.
Get a Feel for the Engine
The engine's performance will tell you everything you need to know about your potential bike. Focus on your daily ride habits. Are you looking for occasional cruises or will you be more of a regular rider? Switch into a high gear and ride at a low speed to see how it feels. Switch gears and ride at a high speed and see how that feels. The objective is to simulate how the bike will feel when you ride in traffic or whatever condition you expect to experience most.
There is no better way to get the best bike for your needs than to take it for a test ride. At Taboo Harley-Davidson in Alexandria, we help serve customers in Lafayette and Natchitoches, Louisiana and in Natchez, Mississippi. Stop in for a test ride today.