Motorcycle Rentals - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

M50er · 02-17-2006, 12:57 PM

Quick question -

How many of you would rent a motorcycle? If so, under what circumstances?

Has anyone rented before? What was your experience?

I am writing a paper regarding MC rentals for an MBA course, and need some additional info.

Thank you.

**Louis** · 02-17-2006, 01:35 PM

If I were out of town a long enough to have the motorcycle munchies, I'd certainly consider it. But there would need to be a good reason.

Bowtie18 · 02-17-2006, 03:19 PM

I would do it if was not possible to take mine. Like if I took a vaca in CA over the winter. I would love to check out places I had visited before, but on the bike this time!

MagnumForce · 02-17-2006, 04:20 PM

When I'm 'out of town,' I'm visiting family in So Cal and they already have bikes for me to ride (only sportbikes though). I have pondered renting a Harley while there just to get my cruiser fix, but never followed through.

M50er · 02-17-2006, 04:45 PM

Do you think folks would rent them if they had one in the past but for what ever reason no longer own a bike? Would you? What about those who are thinking about changing to a different style of bike?

**Louis** · 02-17-2006, 07:48 PM

would be agood way to try out a different model.

MagnumForce · 02-17-2006, 08:29 PM

I would probably do it for a weekend.

Rickster · 02-18-2006, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M50er

Do you think folks would rent them if they had one in the past but for what ever reason no longer own a bike? Would you? What about those who are thinking about changing to a different style of bike?

Renting to try out a differend model is a good plan, but all I can find for rent are Harley's. Oh, and dirt bikes in some areas.

hammersfan · 02-19-2006, 08:51 PM

I would rent a bike that I was considering buying and ride it for a couple of days. Also if I were out of town without my bike. And I am thinking of renting a Harley to see what all the fuss is about !!!!!

**inspiron** · 02-20-2006, 05:37 AM

I personally have never rented a bike ... well sort of ... I convinced my dealer to let me make an "extended" test ride (I needed a bike for a half-day riding course - to get my endorsement). The agreement was that they would waive the rental fee if I bought the bike, which I did.

I know a group of people who are flying from Zürich (Switzerland) to Denver at the end of May. They have rented Harleys and are going to spend 2 weeks cruising the highways of the western USA.

For a riding vacation, I would much prefer to take my Suzuki with me. I know that it is in good condition, and I know how to wrench it if something goes wrong. I've had some bad experiences in rental cars in the past, and wouldn't ride a bike in that kind of condition.

Since most dealers here let you test-ride bikes, there is no need to rent one if you want to try out a different model. In late March and early April, just about every manufacturer is having their "test" weekend. If you want to try a Buell/Harley/Honda/Suzuki/Kawasaki/Aprilla/BMW/KTM/Triumph/Moto Guzzi/MV Agusta/MZ/whatever ... just wait until their test weekend, and go for a ride!

bud van houten · 02-20-2006, 01:26 PM

i have never rented, but i'm going to fly to california this thursday for a month and would love to have a bike there to ride.
i checked here in kansas city last year about a harley and i think it was $180.00 per day and they wanted a $2,000.00 CASH deposit. would not take a credit card deposit. same thing at sturgis last year. my brother didn't take his bike and since i did, think he got a little jealous. anyway, he went to check on renting a harley and it was $250.00 per day with a $2,000.00 cash deposit. don't know what the deal is with a cash deposit, but seems that's the way they all operate. later, bud

Rockhead · 02-22-2006, 12:28 AM

When I was out of town I went to rent a Harley but they were all out.

I wound up renting a 100cc Yamaha scooter and had a blast.

M50er · 02-22-2006, 07:10 AM

What company did you go to that wanted a $2000 deposit? HD or someone else? It's been a few years ago but when I rented a Road King it was only a $500 deposit on my CC. Maybe things have changed since I rented. Thanks for all the comments on this post, the information has been very helpful.

bud van houten · 02-22-2006, 08:19 AM

the first company i checked about renting was a harley dealer here in kansas city. the second was an individual at sturgis who had brought an 18 wheeler full of harley there to rent. there is a big difference in when and what you're renting i have found out(i wanted the harley road king).
since i'm leaving for san francisco tomorrow, i have checked there and i see that you can rent a sportster for $59.00 per day, think the road king was $89.00 perday, and they said to ask about "off season rates" i assume this is "off season". but, it wouldn't give the deposit amount and there was a lot of "add ons". i may look into buying a cheap bike and reselling it when i leave. later, bud

M50er · 02-22-2006, 09:43 PM

Thanks - good luck out west.
If you're going to be there awhile why not ship your bike?

Iceman99 · 02-26-2006, 05:37 PM

I rented a harley while I was in Kona, Hawaii last summer

Pinhy · 02-27-2006, 09:48 AM

i dont see a reason why not to if i had the cash....id love to fly up to canada in the SUMMER and ride with trapper and others up there.

.

**Clint** · 02-28-2006, 09:38 AM

I'd rent a bike just to experience other makes. I'd love to own a Speed Triple or a Blackbird, and someday I will have a supermotard.

Kim · 06-29-2006, 10:03 AM

My husband and I have rented a few times, in California and in Florida. Great experiences and a lot of fun.

View Poll Results: Motorcycle Rentals
Yes	6	18.75%
No	2	6.25%
Maybe	7	21.88%
Yes, If out of town without my bike	18	56.25%
No, I always ride my bike on tours	1	3.13%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 32. You may not vote on this poll

02-17-2006, 12:57 PM	#1 (permalink)
M50er Seat Tester Joined: Feb 2006 Bike: M50 Black Location: Indiana Posts: 76	Motorcycle Rentals Quick question - How many of you would rent a motorcycle? If so, under what circumstances? Has anyone rented before? What was your experience? I am writing a paper regarding MC rentals for an MBA course, and need some additional info. Thank you. __________________ Ride Free!!!! When I say it's safe to surf, it's safe to surf!!!!

02-17-2006, 01:35 PM	#2 (permalink)
Louis Administrator Joined: Sep 2003 Bike: SV650S '05 (Blue) Location: Gatineau, QC, Canada Posts: 10,657	If I were out of town a long enough to have the motorcycle munchies, I'd certainly consider it. But there would need to be a good reason. __________________ Louis

02-17-2006, 04:20 PM	#4 (permalink)
MagnumForce Throttle Jockey Joined: May 2005 Bike: 05 M50, 06 CBR600F4i Location: Sitting on the can... duh! Posts: 3,160	When I'm 'out of town,' I'm visiting family in So Cal and they already have bikes for me to ride (only sportbikes though). I have pondered renting a Harley while there just to get my cruiser fix, but never followed through. __________________ "I love the smell of toner in the morning… it's the smell of victory!" MAJ M, Staff Officer

02-17-2006, 04:45 PM	#5 (permalink)
M50er Seat Tester Joined: Feb 2006 Bike: M50 Black Location: Indiana Posts: 76	Do you think folks would rent them if they had one in the past but for what ever reason no longer own a bike? Would you? What about those who are thinking about changing to a different style of bike? __________________ Ride Free!!!! When I say it's safe to surf, it's safe to surf!!!!

02-17-2006, 03:19 PM	#3 (permalink)
Bowtie18 Third gear and cruising Joined: Oct 2004 Bike: 2006 Yamaha Road Star Midnight Location: Smyrna, DE Posts: 509	I would do it if was not possible to take mine. Like if I took a vaca in CA over the winter. I would love to check out places I had visited before, but on the bike this time!

02-17-2006, 07:48 PM	#6 (permalink)
Louis Administrator Joined: Sep 2003 Bike: SV650S '05 (Blue) Location: Gatineau, QC, Canada Posts: 10,657	would be agood way to try out a different model. __________________ Louis

02-17-2006, 08:29 PM	#7 (permalink)
MagnumForce Throttle Jockey Joined: May 2005 Bike: 05 M50, 06 CBR600F4i Location: Sitting on the can... duh! Posts: 3,160	I would probably do it for a weekend. __________________ "I love the smell of toner in the morning… it's the smell of victory!" MAJ M, Staff Officer

02-19-2006, 08:51 PM	#9 (permalink)
hammersfan U.B's LoveChild Joined: Jan 2006 Bike: 2008 C90 SE Location: Ajax ,Ontario ,Canada Posts: 1,233	I would rent a bike that I was considering buying and ride it for a couple of days. Also if I were out of town without my bike. And I am thinking of renting a Harley to see what all the fuss is about !!!!! __________________ Ride Safe Hammersfan

02-20-2006, 05:37 AM	#10 (permalink)
inspiron Muscle Biker Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: Blue Suzuki GSX 1400 (2003) Location: Canton Basel-Land, Switzerland (47.4493, 7.76536) Posts: 12,068	I personally have never rented a bike ... well sort of ... I convinced my dealer to let me make an "extended" test ride (I needed a bike for a half-day riding course - to get my endorsement). The agreement was that they would waive the rental fee if I bought the bike, which I did. I know a group of people who are flying from Zürich (Switzerland) to Denver at the end of May. They have rented Harleys and are going to spend 2 weeks cruising the highways of the western USA. For a riding vacation, I would much prefer to take my Suzuki with me. I know that it is in good condition, and I know how to wrench it if something goes wrong. I've had some bad experiences in rental cars in the past, and wouldn't ride a bike in that kind of condition. Since most dealers here let you test-ride bikes, there is no need to rent one if you want to try out a different model. In late March and early April, just about every manufacturer is having their "test" weekend. If you want to try a Buell/Harley/Honda/Suzuki/Kawasaki/Aprilla/BMW/KTM/Triumph/Moto Guzzi/MV Agusta/MZ/whatever ... just wait until their test weekend, and go for a ride! __________________ There is nothing worse than aggressive stupidity. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe blog: gsx1400

02-20-2006, 01:26 PM	#11 (permalink)
bud van houten Ditch Magnet Joined: Sep 2005 Bike: 2000 intruder lc 1500 Location: kansas city, mo. Posts: 175	i have never rented, but i'm going to fly to california this thursday for a month and would love to have a bike there to ride. i checked here in kansas city last year about a harley and i think it was $180.00 per day and they wanted a $2,000.00 CASH deposit. would not take a credit card deposit. same thing at sturgis last year. my brother didn't take his bike and since i did, think he got a little jealous. anyway, he went to check on renting a harley and it was $250.00 per day with a $2,000.00 cash deposit. don't know what the deal is with a cash deposit, but seems that's the way they all operate. later, bud

02-22-2006, 12:28 AM	#12 (permalink)
Rockhead M-J.Com Master Poster Joined: Jan 2006 Bike: M50 Location: 1060 West Addison, Chicago Posts: 3,767	When I was out of town I went to rent a Harley but they were all out. I wound up renting a 100cc Yamaha scooter and had a blast.

02-22-2006, 07:10 AM	#13 (permalink)
M50er Seat Tester Joined: Feb 2006 Bike: M50 Black Location: Indiana Posts: 76	What company did you go to that wanted a $2000 deposit? HD or someone else? It's been a few years ago but when I rented a Road King it was only a $500 deposit on my CC. Maybe things have changed since I rented. Thanks for all the comments on this post, the information has been very helpful. __________________ Ride Free!!!! When I say it's safe to surf, it's safe to surf!!!!

02-22-2006, 08:19 AM	#14 (permalink)
bud van houten Ditch Magnet Joined: Sep 2005 Bike: 2000 intruder lc 1500 Location: kansas city, mo. Posts: 175	the first company i checked about renting was a harley dealer here in kansas city. the second was an individual at sturgis who had brought an 18 wheeler full of harley there to rent. there is a big difference in when and what you're renting i have found out(i wanted the harley road king). since i'm leaving for san francisco tomorrow, i have checked there and i see that you can rent a sportster for $59.00 per day, think the road king was $89.00 perday, and they said to ask about "off season rates" i assume this is "off season". but, it wouldn't give the deposit amount and there was a lot of "add ons". i may look into buying a cheap bike and reselling it when i leave. later, bud

02-22-2006, 09:43 PM	#15 (permalink)
M50er Seat Tester Joined: Feb 2006 Bike: M50 Black Location: Indiana Posts: 76	Thanks - good luck out west. If you're going to be there awhile why not ship your bike? __________________ Ride Free!!!! When I say it's safe to surf, it's safe to surf!!!!

02-26-2006, 05:37 PM	#16 (permalink)
Iceman99 Wants Better Weather Joined: Oct 2005 Bike: '05' M50 Black Location: Valencia , Ca. Posts: 660	I rented a harley while I was in Kona, Hawaii last summer __________________ Jardine 2:2 Taper Exhaust,C50 Air Box with K&N filter, Cobra EFI Fi2000, 32" Drag Bar, Custom Plate Mount,Custom made rear LED Blinkers, Foward control Kit, Kuryakyn pegs, grips and throttle boss, 3 inch lowering kit, Custom Pillion seat, De-badged and De-PAIRED, Pinstriped rims, Chromed drive shaft See my bike and accessories at www.CruiserCustomizing.com/iceman99

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

02-27-2006, 09:48 AM	#17 (permalink)
Pinhy Doesn't think you're funny Joined: Dec 2004 Bike: 05 Boulevard M50 Black Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 5,210	i dont see a reason why not to if i had the cash....id love to fly up to canada in the SUMMER and ride with trapper and others up there. .

06-29-2006, 10:03 AM	#19 (permalink)
Kim Seat Tester Joined: Jun 2006 Bike: S83 Location: Michigan Posts: 70	My husband and I have rented a few times, in California and in Florida. Great experiences and a lot of fun. __________________ If everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

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