Triumphrat

M700R · 04-02-2008

Anybody done this? Fly somewhere, rent a bike and tour a bit on it? Am thinking this could be a LOT more fun than renting the usual econo-box bland car...

Seeing some places advertising bikes for rent - usually HD's - but others as well, sometimes even Triumphs. Any drawbacks? Concerns? Seems to me that it would be a hoot. For instance I have friends on the east coast, nearly 3000 miles away, but neither the time nor the inclination to ride that far to see them.

But... flying back, then getting around on a bike while visiting... Now that might make it a lot more fun.

Experiences? Thoughts? Thanks, Guy

saphena · 04-02-2008

I thought I'd be helpful and googled for motorcycle rental - found "The ultimate Motorcycles 4 Rent Network in the USA!" but the first three states I clicked on all responded "Currently we don't have a rental place here, please check back with us soon"

Maybe you could be the first to setup a comprehensive network!

HiDesert · 04-02-2008

I've never done it, but my father in law has done so many times when visiting us out here in NM. I can't recommend it though, as it's a big part of what took him from a VFR to an Electra Glide.

The Harley Rental folks did come through for us in a big way on one trip; one of the bikes blew a fork seal in a big way. We limped it to the hotel, and the next morning a replacement was waiting for us in the parking lot. The guy had driven almost all night.

I was on my YZF600R at the time, just for the record.

Pack your helmet carefully; I'd never hand mine over to baggage handlers. There aren't many places in the US that rent anything but HDs, so you might find your choices are very limited, but beyond that it can be a lot of fun!

Gob-ny-geay · 04-02-2008

Sorry, I haven't actually rented, but I looked into it just a few weeks ago, as my wife and I are going on vacation in mid-May.

Eagle Rentals, Tampa Fla. for instance -

$130.00/day (pretty steep), haven't gotten into all the fun "add-ons" and taxes, and you need to deposit $1000. M class license required.

This was for a Harley Road King. I haven't said yes or no, just thinkin' about it.

Especially after this cruddy, grey, long, drawn out (are you depressed yet?) cold, lousy winter up north, we could use a nice ride in the hot sun.

Just kiddin' I love the Chicago area, just this past winter was something after being spoiled with mild winters so long. Actually... today is sunny, and about 50 degrees F. I MIGHT go ridin' tonight after work!

drharveys · 04-03-2008

I rented in Italy a while back -- no real problems. They even stored my gear while we went to Venice by train, then stored the suitcase while we rode to Sardinia. OK, we rode to the ferry, took the ferry to Sardinia, then rode in Sardinia.

The Triumph magazine did list a place that rents in British Columbia.

Otherwise, the independent rental places are pretty Harley heavy, and if you are a HOG member, so (surprise!) are the Harley dealers.

HARTY · 04-04-2008

A friend of mine is in the process of setting up a Bike Tour Compnay in South Africa .It is about three months away from completion. They will only have Triumphs.

They are thinking of also hiring bikes out .

As soon as the website is ready I will post the link

Watch this space