Suzuki V-Strom (VStrom) Owners Club DL250, DL650, DL1000 & DL1050
Other Stuff => The Blue Oyster bar => Topic started by: Malfos on June 19, 2025, 14:42:50
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I was interested in a used bike at a dealer locally,and negotiated a part ex price for a trade in. The deal was agreed, if I liked the bike on a test ride. Problem - I am almost 75yrs and they said the insurer does not normally cover riders over 70 yrs. They phoned them to explain I was a regular customer/ rider but their insurance company would only agree to cover me If I was accompanied by a member of staff, to " make sure I was safe ", on a ride of no more than 10 mins. I declined the test ride as it would not be long enough to check if the bike was suitable for me.
In the past 11 years, I have had 8 test rides on bikes from that dealer. During those 8 test rides I did not injure myself or anyone else, damage any property, or other vehicle, and returned the bikes undamaged. I bought 7 of the bikes I had test ridden. I have no convictions/ or points on my licence, and never made any sort of insurance claim in 59 yrs of riding bikes.
It's age discrimination! :old:
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That is exactly what I was told by Colchester Kawaski as to why I could not have loan bike while mine was being serviced. Too many candles on the birthday cake. However, I recently test rode a Royal Enfield Guerrilla at Orwells in Ipswich and their insurance has no such restriction.
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Some dealers still allow older riders test rides, I had a 3hr! test ride on a Honda ADV 350 last Oct and bought one as a result from that dealer. Test rides are generally becoming harder to get though, especially for " very experienced " riders.
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I was 69 on the 8th of this month and test road a Kawasaki H2 on Sunday just gone. There was a group of us with a lead rider and a tail rider both employed by the shop. We didn't hang about and I had the chance to unleash the bikes horses and realise the potential of the bike, it is ballistic.
I wasn't asked my age but asked how long I had held my licence. :thumb:
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I wasn't asked my age but asked how long I had held my licence. :thumb:
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I think that was the problem for me Doc, - It seems I've held mine for too long! :icon_no: