Test Riding a used bike

[gn2]

Yep pretty much.
My own way of looking at it is to ask myself the big question: do I want to pay the "how much to change" figure...?
Currently I have a PCX which is no longer suited to my needs due to recent changes in my circumstances.
The problem I now have is that the PCX isn't fast enough and doesn't have enough range for my 54 mile commute much of which is on 70mph dual carriageway..
Thing is, I'm not prepared to pay the "how much to change" figure for a 300 so I'll just put up with being overtaken and filling up every other day for now.

[poldark]

hmm valid points. I guess time of year doesn't play a big role in this exchange scenario does it? I know winter is the time to buy and spring/summer is the time to sell but in the case of part exchanging, or private selling then buying, it doesn't really matter as the sell and buy prices will go up or down together depending on the season.

Time of year impacts new bike buying based on my previous experience.

Dealers have annual targets and big bonuses based on volumes, so it is possible in December to get really good offers on bikes, or on the pre-reg ones they raised in Dec that sell in Jan/Feb before the market picks up.

So you're more likely to see lower "cost to change" in winter months, whether that's through higher part-ex or greater new bike discount.

[halfabusa]

i agree. however, i'm not going to be going for a brand new or ex-demo bike, so that wouldn't apply to me. I was debating whether to buy a brand new through my limited company and claim back VAT but then there are complications when using it privately which i sometimes do and it just sounded too scary to handle logistically...

[regal raptor]

Hi ......i tested a xevo 250 today from a dealer...... it was a wise thing to do because it was very different to what i thought it would be (quicker too)
getting a better deal can be hard it depends on the dealer......my dealer will sit on his bikes until it sells.......having said this he does not sell s....t and gives a good service