There are a few big dealerships around where I live but I kept going back to the local bike shop (Was a main dealer for Honda also). When I bought a new house it had an awkward path up the side that only certain bikes would fit. He let me have the bike (Honda CBR600) for the afternoon and for me to take it home (About 25 miles away). Suffice to say, it fit and I bought it, and a few more bikes from him too.
Another local dealer let me have 2 test rides. I rode one bike out to a local coffee stand and he followed on the other, and we swapped on the way back. That ended in another sale.

I have bought brand new bikes without a test ride but only because they were similar or newer models than what I had at the time (Bandit 600 & 1200).

When the time comes for my next bike I won't be buying without a test ride because I fancy a change of style.