Tips for Renting a Motorcycle
Post Date: October 20, 2011
For many people, the thrill of tooling down the open road astride a two-wheeled vehicle with the wind flowing past your helmet and the sun shining overhead is a feeling that just can’t be beat. That’s the sort of thing a motorcycle owner longs for and appreciates. Unfortunately, that feeling of freedom isn’t available for those who don’t have the means to own a bike. Or is it? Have you ever considered renting a motorcycle for that once in a lifetime trip, or merely to enjoy having a motorcycle for a short time? Following are a few tips for renting a motorcycle.
Licensing
In order to rent a motorcycle, you will need to have the proper license. Riding without the right motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license is frowned upon by law enforcement, and you more than likely won’t be able to legally rent a motorcycle without one. If you don’t already have a motorcycle license, you will need to take the instructional safety courses necessary to get one. These courses are available throughout the country, and you should be able to find out where you can take one by visiting or calling a motorcycle dealership or your local Department of Motor Vehicles. The motorcycle rental business should also be able to point you in the right direction. The safety course itself is relatively easy to pass, especially if you’ve ridden a bike before.
Choose a Bike
Every motorcycle rider has their preferences when it comes to choosing a bike. If you’ve grown up riding touring bikes, you probably won’t want to rent a sport bike. Conversely, sport bike riders will sneer at dual-purpose machines or cruisers. Those who have ridden nothing but Harleys all their lives will undoubtedly want to stick with a Harley Davidson. Once you’ve decided on the type of motorcycle you’d like to rent, you can begin the process of finding a motorcycle rental shop. A little research online should help you find a place nearby--providing you live in the right place. Most large cities will have some sort of motorcycle rental business, but they may not carry the brand or type of bike you prefer, in which case you may have to agree on a place to pick the bike up. If you live in a more rural environment, you will undoubtedly have to travel a bit to find a motorcycle rental business.
Rules and Regulations
Just like a car rental business, a place that rents motorcycles will have rules and regulations that you’ll have to agree to before they’ll allow you to rent one of their machines. Some motorcycle rental businesses only offer small machines or scooters for visiting local tourist attractions, while others offer you a contract that will allow you ride from coast to coast, or beyond. The details of a rental contract will have to be adhered to as they would be if you were renting a car or truck.
Pricing
If price is not an object, then you won’t have to be concerned about how much you pay for a motorcycle rental. Unfortunately, most people have to watch their pocketbook, so trying to find a good deal is part of the process. Motorcycle rental pricing could be based on the number of miles traveled, or it could be a fixed price for a predetermined period of time--by the day, week, or month. You will have to decide which works better for you--providing you have a choice. The method of payment may be at the prerogative of the rental place. If you’re given a choice, keep in mind that a large, powerful motorcycle costs more to operate than a small, low-powered machine, so if you choose a big bike you may be better off paying by the day.
Insurance Coverage
Even if you believe your homeowner’s or auto owner’s insurance will provide financial protection for you while you’re on your rental bike, you should check to make sure you’re covered. The motorcycle rental business will more than likely offer you an insurance package that will provide coverage during the rental period. It would be a good idea to strongly consider paying for the extra insurance--just in case. It may also be a good idea to check with your credit card company to see if they offer additional protection.
Guest post from Sydney Sommers. Sydney motorcycle insurance quotes for MotorcycleInsurance.com.
Please note that SNA Auto Rental does not provide motorcycles for rent. But if you're looking to rent a vehicle in Orange County, please click here.
Categories : Blog, Travel Tips
