06-22-2018, 08:51 PM
(06-22-2018, 07:55 PM)rotor_imp Wrote: Quote:Some of the reviews of the earlier bikes describe them as perhaps too smooth. A bike that is "too smooth" would be like a woman that is too beautiful. It is an interesting concept in theory, but I have not met one in practice so far. And I haven't got much more left.
This "character" thing is creative marketing, quite necessary to sell ill-designed, vibrating machinery. Works with toys, but not with industrial equipment.
I would not expect a dealer to offer test rides on new bikes if they don't have a demo unit around. I would refuse to buy a "new" bike and pay a new bike price if it has been test ridden.
I would not buy a used bike that I am not allowed to test ride, from either a private party or from a dealer.
One man's opinion...
One of the reviews I read about the 2017 was that they made it a little less smooth to give it more character. One reviewers opinion.
I found the CB500X so smooth at slower speeds that it almost did not feel like a motorcycle. My son has put a slip on exhaust to give it a grumble. Of course that is a sound, it is still smooth, but not as quiet.
I do not think I would have any trouble with too smooth.
Yes, I can understand a dealer not wanting to offer test rides on a brand new zero miles bike. The only bikes I have test ridden have been used or demo bikes. The only dealer who will not allow test rides is the one selling the 2013 with 12,000 miles on it. They say they do not have the insurance. I even offered to buy it with a 2 hour return agreement. If I damage it or get in a wreck, I own it, they would have not liability, but I would get to return it and get my money back if I returned it in 2 hours. They said no. There might be some issues with transactions costs with this plan.
With private party test rides. Your break it, you buy it.