Would you buy a bike without riding it?

[Uncle Mofo]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Count Zero]

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]

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]

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]

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...