Triumphrat

Ventura · 05-15-2008

The question would be, is the dealer selling this bike as "new"??
If they purchased is as a demo then, as previously posted, the price will be highly subsidised by Triumph as it is assumed that it'll be eventually sold at a knock-down price compared to new.
My local Ducati main dealer, which had only been open a number of months, was actually closed down when it was discovered they'd sold a "demo" bike as "new". When Ducati UK found out (when the purchaser rang them directly) their franchise was taken away and they had to close!!
A "new" bike should never have more miles on it than the mechanic who's built it up needs to do to test run it. Probably less than 10 I'd say.

buckstoy · 05-15-2008

I recently bought my Thruxton as a demo w/ 166 miles on it. It's been great so far, just turned 1600miles on the clock. The only issue I've seen is one of the header pipes is a bit scratched from what I assume must have been over enthusiastic removal of the blueing.

Holyman · 05-15-2008

Is it already registered? Or is it new, as other have said. Full warranty on it?

If the other guy thought there was something wrong with it, so bought a different bike the dealer will either have fixed it or will fix it for you under warranty.

I'd have it given there was enough money off the price.

Silverado57 · 05-15-2008

My 2005 Speedmaster was purchased as a demo with 30-something miles on it. A slight discount.
Good luck!

KingOfFleece · 05-15-2008

Last I heard, that's not enough miles for Triumph to rebate the dealer for a demo bike. Also, demo bikes are tagged just that prior to delivery by Triumph and then they need to be avail. for a length of time and have XXX miles on them befor they can be sold as demos. If not, the dealer will not be paid the demo discount. As far as I know, 50 miles is normal test ride miles. I'd think frest break in oil and a ferw bucks off at most will be the offer.

Hematite · 05-15-2008

Wow, thanks for all the great replies! This site is fantastic!

The bike is new as far as titling. I've been told by the dealer that there was something wrong with the carbs when the first potential buyer test drove it. Then the Service department worked on the carbs because the bike had bad gas in it. The mileage seemed to accumulate through all this. Possibly they weren't able to make it run well enough and the other buyer went to a different bike.

I think that the next step is to ride it myself to see that everything is sorted out. I will let you all know how that works out. I'm beginning to think that it is probably safe to buy it, it's not a bike model that anyone would be interested in thrashing on a test ride. The only thing I could find different, from an unridden one, is a lot of bluing on the header pipes.

Ventura · 05-15-2008

Hematite,
As you, and others, say the bike is probably OK to buy but what would be the issue is how much you have to pay for it.
If the dealer is asking full "new" price then I dont think that would be acceptable. There is a LOT of room for negotiation here!!
Generally speaking, here in UK anyway, if your buying a new bike then it has never been ridden by anyone but the mechanic. You do your test riding on the "demo" bike. By the time you get on yours the deal has been done and its registered in your name.
After that its a used and second hand bike!!
Not sure about blueing of exhausts within 50 miles either. Maybe others, who are more experienced in these things, may comment further.

drooartz · 05-15-2008

My 2007 Bonnie black bought in March of this year from a local dealer was their demo/loaner bike. It had 3500 miles on it. The warranty started with my purchase, since I was technically the first owner. I got a good deal, full warranty, and service history. No complaints so far -- the bike was clearly sold as a demo bike, so I knew what I was getting into.

SixtySpeedTwin · 05-15-2008

Hi
I've just got a scrambler and well pleased with its easy going demeanor.
I bought it with 0.5 miles on the clock when i picked it up it had six then by the time they had gone and filled it up for me it had 8.

Bluing, my first ride was 35 miles and the exhausts were only just blue, now its done 300 they are a very blue which fades out towards the bend. I guess they might have had it ticking over for a while which might cause your 'lot of blueing'

If its still got the moulding bobbles on the tyres you know its only done a few miles.

Sounds OK though, scrams are great, i wish it was ighter but that goes for all the Bonnevilles.

Cheers
Clive

Hedge · 05-15-2008

On the other side of the coin - when I was shopping for my brand new 2007 Bonneville Black I got to the part where i sign off on all the paperwork to complete the sale for the purchase. Just as I was about to sign my name I stopped and for some reason I asked, "Can I see the bike?" He said yes, no problem. I said, "Is it still in the factory crate?" he said, "No, those two are already gone, your getting the demo you sat on!" I said, "The Demo? Your charging me the full price for a brand new bike and your going to lead me out to the Demo Bike?" He said, "It only has 60 miles on it - it's as good as brand new!" I said, "you see that No Sale button on your register over there . . . Push It Right Now!" I walked out and never looked back except to hear the horror stories of others who have dealt with this dope!