Want to buy a new bike - Test ride

[SoFarAndNear]

Hello,

I am driving a CB300F for 6 Months . It is my first big bike. I feel safe to drive something bigger, something around 600cc. There are so many choices - cb650, mt-07, er6n, z800, hyperstrada. I read so many reviews but where I can test ride these bikes before buying? Can I just go to a retailer and ask for a test ride? With my CB300F it was just a spontaneous thing...saw it in the window and thought "lets do it"....

[wow64]

Where do yoou live and the type of riding u do will play a big role in the kind of bike.

That said you cant beat a 4 cyl.

Cbr650 is a good bet.

Sent from my c64

[SoFarAndNear]

Where do yoou live and the type of riding u do will play a big role in the kind of bike.

That said you cant beat a 4 cyl.

Cbr650 is a good bet.

Sent from my c64

Yes the CB650F is also my favorite. I read so much about it and its really a good deal for 285.000 because Made in Thailand. I live in Bangkok Bang Na.... I dont use bike to commute to CBD just driving for fun in Bangkok rural area and do some touring.... went with my CB300F to Rayong, Hua Hin, Kanchanaburi, Khao Yai...

[DualSportBiker]

Barcelona will let you test, I'd be surprised if Ducati do t as they are next door…

[DILLIGAD]

I'd guess there will be a few motor shows soon which may have test areas?

[phitsanulokjohn]

Big bikes i find are expensive here by comparison to the US or Europe,there's massive amounts of tax levied on them.unless of course you buy a Jap bike that's made in Thailand.One bike i like and it's got decent reviews,not sure if it's made in Thailand but the new price seems almost on a par with the UK is the Kawasaki er650f. I've found Kawa do make stonking engines,and very reliable with a bit of character too,unlike the classy but oh so predictable Honda.

Anyway whatever you decide,i wish you all the best in searching for a bike,That's half the fun.Good luck and stay safe.

Edited September 17, 2015 by phitsanulokjohn

[kannot]

Ill vouch for the Honda cbr 650 fa but I dont like the unfaired model.

[JesseLeeOver]

I own a CB650F and love it. I've ridden the ER6N and though it's not as comfortable as the Honda, I like the torque a little more than the straight 4 on my bike. That being said, I prefer the look of the 4 and highway top end power it delivers. I think you won't go wrong on any of your above choices. The CB650 is a very, very comfortable bike and easy to manage even in BKK in my opinion. For me, I just get use to whatever I end up owing, but the CB650 with the trip-color was a smart pick for me. I race it too. I did a full exhaust swap, power commander and added Perilli tires. Fun fun!!!

[eisfeld]

Honda, Ducati, Kawa official dealers will all let you take a bike for a spin. Not sure about Yamaha but maybe with the MT-07.

From the bikes listed I wouldn't go for the Z800. Heavy and no ABS. the CB650F is a good bike, probably the best deal. MT-07 is comparable in power with a bit more torque down low but Hondas dealer network is much much better. ER6N are also comparable but it's a bit old and I prefer an inline 4 to a parallel twin any day.

Hyperstrada: I didn't like it during a test drive and I own a Ducati... also I heard they'll stop this model (Hypermotard continues). The new monster is quite good.

In a bit over a month there'll be a flood of new models due to the EICMA. Ducati alone announced they'll bring 9 new models there. Don't buy anything right now. Wait and see and maybe you can grab a deal at the motor expo in BKK a bit later.