I've just bought one
Hi Drymiles.
I've just bought an ex-demo bike from my local dealer. I haven't picked it up yet, as I just shook hands with them today!
I could have bought a new bike, but why bother when it'll have been run in, had it's first service and been looked after by the dealer? Plus the best bit is that it was £2000 cheaper than a new one; I bought a Travel Pack model, so we're still talking a lot of cash at £11000. They gave me £1500 for my 2002 Bandit 1200S, so that's £9500.
I think it helps if you've done business with the dealership before. Then you'll know if they're good guys who are interested in looking after you whilst taking your money, or just interested in taking the money.
I'm lucky in that my Aprilia dealer is down the road and they've been doing the M.O.T.s on the Bandit since I've had it. I know them and I know the lineage of the bike; they've done most of the 1600 miles on the clock making a trip to Silverstone last year for the Moto GP. They tell me it's not been thrashed, but of course cack handed demo riders might have wrung its neck!
Anyway, they're really great to deal with and I'd rather give my cash to them; they're a family business which is another plus. As is the fact the guys doing the selling also are the mechanics; I did the deal with one of them with oil on his hands and wearing workshop overalls.
I forgot to mention that they're installing heated grips, alarm and clutch housing guard, plus chucking in the tank cover and tank bag all for £400 and fitting them all for free.
There was no quibbling over a test ride; it was "please come and test one of our bikes....Caponord, Tuono or RSV4".
I should say I also test rode a Triumph Explorer from the local Triumph dealer too. They were a bit more corporate, but still nice to deal with and again there was no hassle about getting a test ride.
Similarly with the local BMW dealer (I booked a test ride, but I'll be cancelling it now I've bought the Capo).
Contrast the above with the local KTM dealer;
Me: "I would like to test ride a KTM 1190 Adventure"
Sales bloke: "We don't have a demo machine"
Me: "WTF? (I didn't say that, but it was what I was thinking) I've got the cash to buy a bike from you now, but I won't buy one without test riding it first"
Sales bloke: "We don't want a test bike to get dirty in winter, plus people are buying them without trying them first"
Me: "This isn't the first time I've heard this ******** from you guys (again, this was what I was thinking) OK thanks...bye."
So, to cut a long story short;
1) Speak to the dealer on the phone (you'll have to initially since you're in Northern Ireland) and get a feeling for what they're about and how eager they are to give you a test ride;
2) Trust your instincts; if what you're hearing from them sounds like ********, walk away. You'll not be able to trust a word they say otherwise.
3) When you turn up for a test ride, get chatting to them...again first impressions count.
4) They'll want to sell you the bike; apparently they can only get demo bikes in March/April and in September. So right now, they'll be thinking of getting rid of the test bikes to get new a replacement(s).
Anyway, I'm lucky with my dealership...hopefully you'll find a decent one too!
SFA
Considering buying a Caponord but a new one is well above my budget. There however several ex-demo bikes on the market at the moment which, whilst still pushing the boundaries of my budget, may be achievable. So was just wondering about the pros and cons of buying an ex-demo, i.e., should be well maintained but possibly well thrashed etc. Would be interested in any one's experience on this issue or any thoughts/pointers.
The other factor is that I live in Northern Ireland and they are just not available over here at the moment so it will mean travelling to GB even just to get a test run! I actually don't mind doing this but would hate to waste my time travelling over to find a poor example.
