Tips to Follow on Your Motorcycle Test Drive

Taking a test drive is an important part of selecting the right motorcycle for you! We here at Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson® want you to walk off our lot completely satisfied with your purchase. Read our article below for helpful tips on how to prepare, and what to watch out for, on your test drive. 

Preparation

There are a number of things you’ll need to do before the day of your test drive. Firstly, you’ll need to make an appointment with the dealership and confirm that the motorcycle you’re interested in will be available. When the day arrives, you’ll want to bring your license and helmet, as well as other safety gear you prefer to wear, such as goggles or gloves. You’ll also want to dress for the occasion in close toed shoes and long pants to protect your legs. If you’re buying a used model, you might want to bring a few tools to perform an inspection before you start driving. 

Size

Just like people, motorcycles can come in a number of different shapes and sizes. One of the most important factors you’ll want to check when first hopping onto your motorcycle is if it’s a good size for you. Make sure that you can easily mount and dismount the bike and that your feet reach the ground from the driver’s seat. Before taking off be sure that you can adjust the mirrors to your height and that the motorcycle isn’t too heavy to hold up or control. Lastly, remember to check for comfort. You’ll spend a lot of time in the saddle and you want to make sure it doesn’t chafe or irritate you. 

Experience

Your experience level is a big factor in choosing the correct motorcycle. You don’t want a vehicle that’s too overpowered for you to control, or one that’s so wimpy it leaves you wanting for more. As you start your motorcycle, listen carefully to its rumble and vibration, as it’s a good indicator of power. As you drive, be sure to engage the brakes several times and regularly turn and maneuver your bike in different ways. You might also ride your motorcycle at a low speed and a high gear to see how it responds to throttle, but be sure to shift gears somewhat regularly to check that the gear shift is functional.

We hope this advice has been helpful in preparing you for your upcoming test drive! If you are interested in scheduling a test drive with us, you can always call or simply stop by our location in Eugene, Oregon and speak with our helpful staff. We have quite a few high-quality motorcycles for sale and we proudly serve the cities of Albany and Corvallis, Oregon!