Seeking Advice.....

[mhallock]

Hello All,

My 2001 Interstate with 111,000 miles has now become my "Project Bike" (long story). After not looking for a motorcycle for over 20 years, I am now in the market.  I looked at a 2014 Honda Goldwing Valkyrie today with 18,773 miles on it.  It was at a dealer that does not permit test rides on used bikes.  Any feedback you can offer is greatly appreciated. I know some of you are familiar with this bike.  Thanks in advance.

Mark

[Jess Tolbirt]

find another dealer

[Jess from VA]

At least to ensure it runs, make them ride it around the parking lot (or down the road a bit, with you in your car).

I walked two or three sure thing used bike sales (for friends) into my local dealer.

Nobody gets to ride them.

OK, then you roll it out in the parking lot and ride it for us to watch.

No.

OK, go pound sand, we'll find a bike somewhere else.  And did.

This dealer (one of two in the area) has a good reputation for service, and parts, but the management and sales people are assholes no one likes.  For like 25 years.

[Robert]

If you are fairly sure you want the bike which sounds like a nice bike if its ok then ask for a clause in the selling documents that if you buy the bike and don't like it then you can receive all your money back no questions asked within 24 hrs.

As far as the bike is concerned I own the 14 Valk and I cannot think of any bike that I would rather own than this one. Its comfortable, quiet smooth starts well runs well handles well. The stock seat is terrible and if you put on windshield and bags then its a great bike.

[Rams]

I'd have to want that bike awfully badly to buy it without taking a test ride.   Truth be told, if I knew that from the get go, I wouldn't even open their door.   IOWs, no way I'd buy something I hadn't ridden or driven first.   Once they've got your money, the only way they'll give it back is with a court date.
I'm sure they've had some bad experiences at some point and that's the reason for their policy.   Personally, I don't give a rat's tail end.

Rams

[mbramley]

  I test rode 2 different Valks from 2 different dealers before I bought mine 5 years ago. Personally there's no way I'm buying any vehicle without a test ride.

[Jess from VA]

Assuming you want the bike.  And assuming it's in good shape (will they at least say the bike's been gone through by a tech and is in good running order?),  if you're not in a finance mode, offer to write them a check for the price which they can hold while you take it for a short spin (let them send a chase vehicle if they are that worried).

Twenty minutes and all is well, go back and sign paperwork.  

Verbal contracts are not as good as written, but money talks.

If the bike runs as advertised you can keep the check, if there's a problem with it, I want my check back.

If they renig on a bad bike, call the bank and cancel the check. (seems unlikely)

[Hook#3287]

My 2001 Interstate with 111,000 miles has now become my "Project Bike" (long story).

I'd like to hear this

[mhallock]

Thanks for all the advice.....both on the product and handling the dealer.  Most New Jersey dealers do not permit test drives (prohibitive insurance costs I'm told).  I will certainly try to finagle a way around it (good advice Robert & Jess).

Hook,
I'm kind of embarrassed to tell the story, but I had the Interstate die on me 2 weeks ago.  I have Triple A and it towed home on a wrecker....bad alternator.  I don't have the tools, time, or talent to trouble shoot and rebuild it, so I figured I would just buy a new one and it would be easy enough to just replace....$574.00 for the new alternator...that's not bad enough, but then I broke 2 bolts removing the old alternator Been drilling for easy outs, but still cannot get the broken bolts out.  Valk has some rust, peeling chrome, an needs some other work....I believe it will be a while before it's road worthy so thus, the need for another bike....

Mark

[Bighead]

Mhallock check with your ins company and see if they cover you on another bike. I had a policy like that one time.

[JimC]

I test rode a goldwing years ago, the policy of the dealer was you buy it first. The salesman stated that you buy it, and I will give you written statement that if it comes back after a test ride in the same condition, and you do not like it, I give you your money back.

I did not care for the bike, and they were true to their word, and handed me my check back.

Jim

[cookiedough]

one local Honda dealer will not allow any crotch rockets to ride even if 250cc but will allow you to go ride a rocket III instead.  I told dealer that does not make any sense.   They said has something to do with the   insurance on racing bikes like crotch rockets that prevents them to let test drives. 

If was NEW bike and you knew you wanted that cycle design/comfort,  no problems.  But, if used cycle,  I would never buy it without a test drive even if this newer Valkryie/Wing was only a few years old.  If older,  I have test drove 2 Goldwings say 2006 or so year that needed some minor maintenance work done to them to make it mine that dealer was not willing to do were on consignment.