You love riding your motorcycle, but you can’t always take it everywhere you go, especially if you’re flying somewhere on a business or pleasure trip. That’s why you might be considering a motorcycle rental. But before you sign on the dotted line and ride away on a motorcycle you’re not used to riding, there are a few things you should think about. Knowing how to be safe on a rented motorcycle, and knowing how to choose the right one for you can make all the difference in keeping you (and your passenger, if you’re not alone) safe on the road. Here are the top five tips on renting a motorcycle you should acquaint yourself with if you’re planning to pick up a bike when you reach your destination.
No two motorcycles are the same. Even if you rent the same make and model as your current motorcycle, the rental does not share the same exact characteristics as your own motorcycle. Each motorcycle develops its own little issues and kinks over time and it’s important to never take this for granted.
A rental motorcycle still requires the same amount of experience and skill as a regular, owned motorcycle. Many people who decide to rent a motorcycle may have only had a motorcycle for a short period and are not properly trained to ride.
Don’t trust the safety report that you see from the rental shop. Look at the motorcycle and make sure that it appears to be safe upon your own personal inspection. That’s the only way to be sure that the motorcycle is safe and set up to your standards.
Turn on the motorcycle, rev the engine, check the brakes, and do any other check you feel is necessary before you ride the motorcycle off the lot. This check can help you identify anything that you don’t feel is quite right with the motorcycle. It’ll also give you a chance to decide whether the motorcycle is the right one for you.
Don’t rent a motorcycle that is vastly different from what you normally ride. You may not be used to how it handles. Make sure you’re comfortable with what you receive before you ride away.
Renting a motorcycle can often be more convenient if your trip is far away from home, and can be an exciting addition on a trip where you want to get away, but it’s critical to keep safety in mind at all times, especially with a rental.