The Best Tips for Renting a Motorcycle on Vacation

As Seen in Thunder Road Magazine

 

Authored by Jason, The Motorcycle Lawyer

 

Happy New Year to all our fans! A new year means a new riding season, but for those of us in Michigan, we’ve got a few months left to wait before the weather allows us to get back out there. However, I know a lot of readers are planning a vacation this winter somewhere warm and sunny, and many are considering renting a motorcycle to ride while they’re away. Here are my top three tips for those of you planning a motorcycle vacation, or looking for ways to incorporate motorcycling into your holiday plans.

 

JASON'S TOP Three Tips for Renting a Motorcycle on Vacation

 

Tip #1: Do your research. There are many, many factors to consider when talking about renting a motorcycle on vacation, and some are more obvious than others. For example, the first thing that probably comes to mind when thinking about renting a motorcycle is, “How much?” Price is obviously important, and it can be influenced by several factors, like the type of riding you want to do, what kind of bike you want to rent, and what destination(s) you’d like to reach. It’s very important to choose a motorcycle that you can handle and that is appropriate for the kind of riding you want to do. You’ll want to shop around to several rental locations to see who offers the best rates and what sorts of packages or discounts you can get for longer rentals. Remember, though, that it’s not just a per-day rate you need to worry about; you may have to put down a deposit or pay an additional fee for passengers. You may also have to pay for mileage overages, any gear you want to rent, and of course, insurance.

 

Speaking of insurance, you will want to carefully research what type of coverage is mandatory, and what is recommended, in the state you are visiting. While you may be able to purchase insurance through the rental company, talk to your motorcycle insurance agent about your trip to find out what’s available. Your agent may also recommend buying extra medical coverage, just in case. I also recommend doing some research into the motorcycling laws in the state you will be riding in. In particular, you should know: if there are age restrictions for rentals; if you need to have a motorcycle endorsement or special license; if bikers are permitted to ride side-by-side in the lane; and if motorcyclists (including passengers) are required to wear a crash helmet. Often, rental companies will have this information on their websites, or their staff can advise you when you call to book your reservation.

 

Tip #2: Plan ahead. While the rental industry is robust in most tourist destinations, you will want to make your reservation as far in advance of your trip as possible. Not only will this help ensure you get the bike you want (at the price you want!), it will also give you enough time to get your insurance sorted out, and generate a to-do list to help you prepare for your trip. Packing is important! If you are planning to ride only a few hours or a few days during your vacation, then you may want to rent a helmet or riding gear rather than bringing your own. But for a longer trip, you might want to have your own “tried and true” equipment. Some seasoned motorcycle vacationers recommend shipping clothing and other luggage to the hotel ahead of time; this would be especially convenient if you were picking up your rental at the airport. Some rental companies may also offer luggage storage, or have other options to help you manage your load on the bike.

 

Have your destination(s) and route(s) planned out before you leave, so you’re not wasting precious vacation time trying to decide where to go and how to get there. Again, many rental companies will give suggestions on their website, or you can talk to the staff about “must see” spots when you book your rental. They may also be able to help you figure out if your trip is feasible in the rental period; you don’t want to spend all your time rushing from one place to another instead of enjoying the ride. If you’re riding with a group, make sure everyone is on the same page in terms of route and destination, and plan a few stops along the way to regroup. Finally, get a map or written directions before you set out. I know, it’s 2016 and everything is digital… but if you end up in a remote area with no service, or your phone battery dies, it’s always good to have a backup plan.

 

Tip #3: Ride safe. I don’t want to be a downer, but as The Motorcycle Lawyer I get plenty of calls from injured people who rented a motorcycle, scooter, or moped on vacation and got injured. If you’re headed to a tourist destination, keep in mind that most of the people on the roads will be tourists. They’re distracted, or lost, or both, and they might not always be taking care to watch for motorcycles. Be aware of vehicle drivers’ lack of awareness, particularly at intersections. It’s worth doing some research before you leave to see if there are “problem intersections” in the city you are visiting; I have some of these intersections listed by state on my website www.TheMotorcycleLawyer.com.

 

Finally, make your trip count. Whether you’re going for the entire winter or just a few days, get out and enjoy the wind in your face and see some of the amazing sights this country has to offer. Then, come back and tell us about it! Share your best rides and photos at facebook.com/TheMotorcycleLawyer, or send your story to writer@lawyerforlife.com.