Would you buy a bike without riding it?

Uncle Mofo · March 09, 2012, 02:01:50 PM

One of my friends just a sold his Harley, and bought a 1198s over the phone. He's never ridden a sport bike before

The ModFather · March 10, 2012, 08:01:05 AM

Bought my Monster used with 5K miles on it and no test ride. I did do an overall inspection and listened to the engine. Theres good threads on what to look for when inspecting a used bike for purchase. Make sure you're getting all the keys too.

MadDuck · March 10, 2012, 09:37:03 AM

Quote from: Grifo on March 09, 2012, 02:01:50 PM
One of my friends just a sold his Harley, and bought a 1198s over the phone. He's never ridden a sport bike before

God help him.

Blake · March 10, 2012, 06:52:29 PM

Bought my first bike w/out riding it. 3200 miles on it then and 32,000 on it now. No issues, just the routine maintenance. Love my Monster !!

K3V1N · March 12, 2012, 01:33:32 PM

Latest update is, the S2R1000 is awesome!!!

I did a lot of fun "Adjusting" (bars, controls, chain, seat, wiring) and some new pieces oem screen, ST windscreen, cowl, signals, new plate kit. Finally a lot of clean up, there was so much chip seal in the lower linkage I'm not sure if it was moving right.

But wow this bike is fun. I think this is a keeper like my 72 CB500.

Thanks for the advice to go for it. I would buy again without riding.

billschusteriv · March 12, 2012, 01:37:51 PM

Glad to hear it worked itself out! Congrats on the S2R1000.

Count Zero · March 14, 2012, 01:28:38 PM

I bought my Skyline as sight-unseen, and have ended up spending a LOT of time "sorting" out stupid crap the previous owner had done to it. Love the car, but it's been a PITA.

On the other hand, I just bought Duc750's 2001 M750 without flying out to L.A. to check it out, and I couldn't be happier.
Of course, we had a lot of communication back and forth and I was fully confident.
I also had "looked" at getting about 4 other bikes that weren't local here, and each time one thing or another made me hesitate, and I quickly realized that the moment I hesitate about a big purchase like a bike.....that's all the sign needed to walk away.

SO have had a great experience, but it was also from a known member here, so I was pretty comfortable with it.

JumpMan · March 14, 2012, 01:37:42 PM

I bought my Monster 796 without riding it or any other bike, and I love it. Granted I have nothing to compare it to, but thusfar 1000mi's in its been more then awesome!

Scissors · March 14, 2012, 02:43:50 PM

Quote from: MacDuck on March 10, 2012, 09:37:03 AM
God help him.

lol

I went straight to an ST4s with my riding experience being only 1.5 months on a Honda Shadow. Didn't have any problems, no drops, no wrecks, no close calls (caused by me, that is).

bobbybirds · March 15, 2012, 10:29:17 AM

Quote from: K3V1N on March 12, 2012, 01:33:32 PM
Latest update is, the S2R1000 is awesome!!!

I did a lot of fun "Adjusting" (bars, controls, chain, seat, wiring) and some new pieces oem screen, ST windscreen, cowl, signals, new plate kit. Finally a lot of clean up, there was so much chip seal in the lower linkage I'm not sure if it was moving right.

But wow this bike is fun. I think this is a keeper like my 72 CB500.

Thanks for the advice to go for it. I would buy again without riding.

I too LOVE my S2R1000! I also bought it without a test ride and have no regrets whatsoever. My only complaint with the bike is the suspension is soft for a fellow my size, so that is what is on the agenda this year...

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Would you buy a bike without riding it?