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How to test ride a Harley

Feb. 22 2023 Miscellaneous By Redline Harley-Davidson

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How to test ride a Harley


If you're looking to buy a Harley-Davidson, test-riding is the best way to ensure you'll enjoy the new bike. A cursory walk-around will help a biker check for any obvious problems with the Sportster and ensure everything looks good. Inspecting the tires and checking fuel levels should also be part of your inspection process. Lastly, don't forget to start up and run through the gears on both sides while ensuring they're not noisy or clunky. Here are ways to test-ride a Harley.


Inspect the Tires at the Dealership


A few things you do can ensure your tires are in good shape. First, check the tread depth on both tires. You should see at least 2/32nds of an inch (or about 1/4 inch) remaining on each tire. If you find that your Harley’s new bike tires need replacing, ask the dealer to replace them.


Start the Engine and Ensure Everything Works


Once you find a new motorcycle you like, start the engine and ensure everything works properly. Check the oil level, tire pressure and battery voltage. Ensure the brakes are working well and don't require adjustment (if they do, don't get on). Make sure all lights work as they should — headlight, brake light(s), turn signal(s) and even any other lights that may be on the new bike (such as those in front of your feet). Also, test out any horns if possible.


Check That the Sportster Is Not Difficult To Steer or Maneuver


Before you ride a new Harley-Davidson, it's important to ensure that the bike is easy to handle and maneuver. You should be able to turn the handlebars without having to struggle with them, and the bike should stop when you apply pressure on the brake pedal. In addition, it shouldn't be difficult for you to start up your street bob. If any issues occur with starting or stopping your Harley-Davidson motorcycle, this could indicate serious problems with its mechanics.


Confirm That Your Feet Can Touch the Ground


When you're sitting on the Fat Bob bike, your feet should be able to touch the ground. This is important for two reasons:


  • You'll want to be able to put your feet down if you need to. For example, if you need to stop quickly or make a sudden turn, placing both feet on the ground will help stabilize and balance yourself.

  • It's important that when riding in an upright position, there isn't too much of an angle between where you position your legs and where they meet with the road glide seat itself. This can lead to discomfort or pain in your knees and ankles.


Know how a Harley-Davidson feels before you decide to buy one. You don't want to end up with something that doesn't fit your needs or tastes just because you didn't get a chance to test-ride it first. So if you're considering buying a new Harley-Davidson, ensure you go for a ride before making any final decisions.