Buying that first bike -- and getting it home

[voxclone]

When you get your first bike, how do you get it home?

I'm about 85% decided that I'm getting a bike, and I'm pretty well decided on a GZ250 to start out (I like the styling and feel better than the other 250s out there these days).

The main problem I'm seeing is how to get it home from the dealer. I have my M1, but I took the MSF class about 18 months ago, so I don't know how comfortable I feel hitting the streets right away. I imagine I would either want to re-take the MSF class or get the bike back to my apartment and ride it in the parking lot for a while first.

What would you all recommend?

[Water Warrior 2]

Welcome Voxclone. Nice to have you join us in our madness. Hmm, getting the bike home. Do you have a licensed trustworthy friend who can ride it for you. Or can you beg, borrow or steal a pick up to transport the bike home securely. Maybe some one with a trailer to load it on. How far is home from the bike ? Delivery if possible ????

Do we have any members close by willing to help out ???
Is the bike new, used, private sale or dealer ?

[voxclone]

The one I'm looking at is at a dealer that's about 4-5 miles away. It's a straight shot up a standard 35mph road... but I'd still rather play in the parking lot first!

Haven't pulled the trigger on it quite yet, but I'm going to the dealer tomorrow. It'll be worth asking if they deliver. Seems like a lot of people at work ride, so I might just have to tap into that network to get it back the first time.

[cayuse]

I was in the same situation earlier this year, Voxclone. Luckily I have a good friend at work who is a long-time rider. He helped me inspect the bike I bought (used) and rode it home for me.

Good luck with yours; you've picked a good one!

[mole2]

First, welcome aboard!!!! Maybe the dealer will deliver it for you if you make it part of the deal. If not, for that short of a distance maybe you can get a friend to take it home for you. That distance shouldn't be a problem. If you were near me I'd take it home for you.

[blaine]

Welcome aboard.Good luck with your new ride. :cool:

[alanmcorcoran]

I had mine delivered from a dealer that was 35 miles away. For that short of a distance, if they can't/won't deliver it, if you've taken the and passed the MSF course, you'll probably be okay going 5 miles - you can practice a bit in the dealer lot to refresh your memory. I'd be surprised if they won't trailer it for you.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by voxclone

It'll be worth asking if they deliver. Seems like a lot of people at work ride, so I might just have to tap into that network to get it back the first time.

I'll bet that the dealer would deliver it as part of the sale (no extra charge) since it's relatively close. Having a "friend" ride it home might be even better......as they could give it a quick inspection and test ride before signing the papers.

Have YOU done a test ride yet ??

P.S. If it will be ridden home, be sure you have insurance in force before it hits the streets.

[Viirin]

My friend drove mine home for me but most dealers around here have a van for transporting stock and will probably deliver it if you ask them to - best of luck with it

Vii

[Water Warrior 2]

I can definitely relate to the anxiety of getting the bike home. In 2005 I found my bike but it was a long long way from home. Not having ridden in a few years and riding through the Greater Vancouver Region of 4 million people was not a welcome thought. Went in search of a smaller dealer North of Squamish rather than South into the well populated area. Found a smaller dealer with no Vstroms but he could get me one quickly. So for a hundred bucks more I felt this was a safer bet and I could probably ride home with no mishap. Got my bike and it was the one I first looked at so far from home. I encountered little highway traffic riding home and survived my first ride in years.