Interesting Study

Here is an article about a J.D. Power and Associates study examining the reasons people give for not buying a bike:

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/10december08_jdpower.htm

Of course price is a big issue. No test rides, the model not being available at a dealership, and crappy dealer service all are big barriers. No surprises, but I'm glad to see I'm not alone. I like my dealer (well, the service side anyway), but the sales side doesn't allow test rides of most bikes I am interested in.

here BMW and honda have "ride with us" days, once or twice a year, where they come with 2 big trailers full of demos... they offer most 'cheeper' models for test-rides... Kawasaki does it too, but i was never really interested... Larger dealers usually have demo models, and often if they do not, thy will let you test one of the used trade-ins, if you appear serious about buying, or know people who work there...

i suspect we'll see more 08 demo bikes, as they have 08 stock sitting unsold, and they are already receiving 09's...

Like this is news? Those reasons have been in place since motorcycles went on sale to the public. Just because the economy has wet the bed doesn't make this a revelation - very few dealerships allow test rides (unless they have "demo" bikes), and price is always an excuse to not buy something. JD Powers must be bored.