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Post by really on Aug 10, 2018 7:47:30 GMT -5
In 2019 im heading to Germany and the Netherlands to visit family, was thinking of renting a bike for a few days of the trip. a few questions I have are 1: as a American do I need a special license/certificate to rent a bike in Europe 2:what are some good rental facilities 3: what are some good routes for day rides?
Thanks Cass |
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Post by LOBO on Aug 10, 2018 11:52:26 GMT -5
Hey Cass! You should definitely rent a bike... riding in Europe is a blast! Here are some of my pointers... 1. Most rental places in Europe only require for you to bring your passport and your USA driving license, displaying the motorcycle class. Some rental companies might ask for an International Drivers License (insurance companies in certain countries, won't accept USA licenses, and won't pay them if any accidents happen and the rider does not have an IDL). I recommend that once you find a place that has the bike you want to ride, and for a good price, then you go ahead and ask for what documents they require. Process is usually very straight forward. They give you a run down of the bike's functions, make sure you walk around the bike and take both notes of any damages or scratches, then you fill up a standard contract, and put a deposit for incidents. This would be voided or returned once you come back safely with the bike. 2. I'm not sure where in Germany or Netherlands you're starting your trip, or if you're going to be more on the North (Hamburg / Bremen) or the South (Munich / Stuttgart). But I suggest you begin looking in Netherlands first as it's known that Germany may be more expensive. Also avoid chain rentals like Eagle Rider and such, they are more expensive than smaller shops, and also limit your mileage which is super annoying. Someone told me you can still get a Sportster for $99 a day at Eagle Rider... not sure though. I rented once a Harley in Berlin, ( www.classic-bike.de/de/leftmenu/rental.html) As you can see they were expensive and limited the miles per day... Service was great though. 3. Again I'm not sure where in Germany are you going to be and for how long... too many good places to check out. But for the most part getting lost in the provincial roads is a blast, you will bump every few kilometers with really old towns of colorful architecture, and interesting places to eat. Just set your GPS on "avoid highways, avoid tolls" and you're golden. though in Germany, I suggest you also ride the Autobahn for a while... drivers are super disciplined and soon you know how everyone drives and why... left lane is to push it, and don't be surprised if you are going at skin rippin' speed and some dude on an Audi flashes his lights behind you! Enjoy man, we all would love to follow your ride and check out your adventure there. Cheers! |
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