CBT, A2 or A, whichever motorcycle license you have, there are plenty of motorbikes or scooters out there just waiting to be ridden. Whether they’re brand new or second-hand, in dealerships, via the classifieds or private sales – the options can seem almost endless but how do you make the most of your test ride?

There’s stacks of information available on the internet with recommendations and reviews aplenty but how do you know what to look for, what questions to ask? It’s exciting isn’t it, riding a brand-new bike for the first time?  How do you get the most out of the ride? It’s surely just a simple case of hopping on for a 10-minute blast down the road then deciding if it’s fast and comfortable.

125 SCOOTER – The Advantages

• For a new rider, primarily it’s about becoming comfortable on the machine and getting familiar with the feeling of being able move while peddling, as well as getting used to the throttle response. It hasn’t got a great deal of power but when you’re in a town situation or it’s your first time on a powered two-wheeler, it can feel like a lot so the idea is to understand the balance and throttle connection - where you can roll on and how much you can use because a 125cc scooter will happily, safely and legally cruise on a dual-carriageway.

•  It’s very economical but in terms of other safety benefits then, if you’re riding at night, especially if you’re doing the commute to and from the train station or to work daily during the winter months when it’s dark in the morning and at night, this has LED lights so it’s important to be seen and to do the seeing too – check this type of feature on your test ride.

• Make sure you’re comfortable with the controls and make sure it’s easy enough to get on and off. then you’re happy with the technique and managing that weight.

TOP TIPS FOR TEST RIDING:

• Is it practical to suit your needs! Know what’s important to you - what do you want from the bike? If you’re going to use the bike for touring, does it have enough wind protection? Is it likely to be comfortable for 200 miles at a time?
• is it riding position comfortable? Check for handlebar reach, seat support, foot peg position and leg room.
• How heavy is the bike? Can you move it around with ease?
• Make the most of your test ride - use as much time as you can on as many different types of roads as you can but also on the roads you already know to offer comparison. Don’t be afraid to ask for longer or another appointment.
• Try not to compare a brand-new bike with its brand-new tires, brakes, suspension and so on, with your old machine. Every brand-new bike is likely to feel good.
• Know what’s changeable: if a bike is too tall, too heavy or too wide for the garage, it’s not going to change but components like brakes or suspension can be altered.
• It’s not forever - you can always sell/trade it.