Why
do we keep pushing test rides? Because you can't possibly understand
what it's like to own a particular motorcycle by just standing around
a showroom admiring the way it looks - even though it seems that's
exactly what most other bike shops would like you to think! At Bob's,
we believe a thorough demo ride is the most critical part of your
purchase experience. And whether you're shopping for a new or used
bike, a BMW or another brand that has recently been traded in, we
encourage you to try several models, compare them, find what fits,
and what delivers the kind of ride you desire.
There are plenty of good roads around the dealership,
and even good places to stop and eat. Our staff knows
these roads and are more than willing to tell you the
longest way from point A to point B. After all, the
pleasure of the ride is what owning a motorcycle is
all about.
Come
in anytime. Our shop is always a fun place to visit
and the coffee's always fresh! Weekdays are probably
the best time for an extended test ride, whereas Saturdays
present a better opportunity to talk to other owners
and enthusiasts of all brands. If you plan to take
a test ride with a passenger, we ask you to first take
a solo ride to familiarize yourself with the motorcycle.
This ensures an enjoyable two-up test ride later on.
You’re welcome to have your friends ride along
with you too, whether on their own motorcycles or something
from our showroom.
Demo
Rides & Riding Weather
At Bob's BMW we have always been extremely
generous when it comes to offering and promoting demo rides to qualified
riders. It is our goal to continue to do this as long as we are
in the motorcycle business and we’ve offered demo rides since
before we became an official BMW dealership.
At Bob’s we believe that presenting the opportunity to experience
a demo ride on both new and used machines will assist the buyer
in making the right decision. This benefits the buyer and the seller,
resulting in a longer relationship where everyone enjoys greater
value from the purchase.
These are some of the questions most frequently asked by customers:
Q: "When is the best time to take a demo ride?"
A: "When you're ready to have fun and make a decision on the
bike you want next."
Q: ”What day is best to take a demo ride?”
A: “Monday through Friday is best because we can give you
more of our time”
Q: It sounds like you’re quite busy on Saturday; can I still
take a demo ride?”
A: Yes, of course you can. You may just have to be a bit more patient”
Q: “How long does the typical demo ride last?”
A: “It depends on the rider but we feel 30 minutes is a good
starting point.”
Q: “Do I have to have my own helmet and other gear?”
A: “its best that you do, but we have loaner jackets, gloves
and helmets available.”
Q: “Do I have to have a current motorcycle operator’s
permit?”
A: “Yes, it’s required by law; you must have it in your
possession when you ride.”
Q: "Can I still take a demo ride if it's raining or looks like
it might rain?"
A: “Yes and no. A demo in the rain depends on your experience
so please call us.”
Here’s a little more about that question on weather. Most
motorcyclists don't let a little inclement weather spoil their fun.
You'll find that many go riding in the rain on a regular basis.
True, not everyone has experience in this area, but if you do, we'd
be more inclined to approve a demo ride when the weather is not
as perfect. Yes, it does mean we’ll have to wash one more
bike that day, but we’re glad to do so if you're currently
in the market for a new or used bike and want to become a member
of the Bob's BMW family and Road Crew.
The bottom line: call ahead and confirm that the weather is not
so poor that we won't send any rides out at all that day and that
you qualify to ride.
As you'd expect we have a few conditions for our investment in your
fun during the selection process and so we will need to ask you
some questions about your overall skills, experience in general
and will want to know that you have good riding gear available or
that we’ll be loaning you some of what you require. Some of
these requirements are set by BMW, others by our insurance company
or the dealership.
Being this generous with almost every bike we have in stock means
that we have to do our best to manage the risks involved in the
overall demo ride process. We hope that you will join us in managing
those risks as well. You will be asked to complete a straightforward
operator agreement very similar to the form you'd sign when renting
a car. We will also ask for a security deposit very similar to what
is required when you rent a motorcycle literally everywhere. This
deposit is generally 10% of the machines retail value or $1000 whichever
is greater. This is most often done using a credit card. In those
cases the entire transaction will be VOIDED when the motorcycle
is returned in the same condition as when you left. It’s that
simple and we have done this thousand’s of times without incident
or complaint. The security deposit amount will not appear on your
statement.
By asking our customers to share the associated risks with us, as
well as asking all participants to be responsible riders, we have
seen fewer incidents of any kind occur over the last few years and
we’d like to keep it that way. It helps make motorcycling
as much fun as it can possibly be at all times.
For some readers in this section of our web site they may be working
towards their first motorcycle purchase, for others it may be number
seventeen! Regardless of where you are in your personal motorcycle
history, we want the entire process that you experience at Bob’s
BMW to be an enjoyable one.
We will strive to provide you with the best information, tools and
opportunities to make a smart buying decision. That’s just
one of the ways we earned the highest award granted by BMW for Excellence
in Customer Service in 2006
Your safety and enjoyment is our number one concern at all times.
Please call us in advance of your visit so we can be sure you are
fully informed and relaxed about the process when you arrive. In
turn, we’ll be glad to have the bike you want to ride
ready
to go!
Come
in anytime. Our shop is always a fun place to visit
and the coffee's always fresh! Weekdays are probably
the best time for an extended test ride, whereas Saturdays
present a better opportunity to talk to other owners
and enthusiasts of all brands. If you plan to take
a test ride with a passenger, we ask you to first take
a solo ride to familiarize yourself with the motorcycle.
This ensures an enjoyable two-up test ride later on.
You’re welcome to have your friends ride along
with you too, whether on their own motorcycles or something
from our showroom.