Want to add a little adventure to your next trip? Tired of renting the same boring, non-descript rental car? Why not tour the countryside atop a growling hunk of American steel. I'm talking about a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, of course.
While riding a Harley is only for those who know how to handle the bike, and proper licensing is required, if you are leaving the kids behind and want to add some character to your trip, renting a Harley may be just the thing for you.
After noticing that 65 percent of all motorcycles rented were Harleys, Harley-Davidson decided to enter into the rental arena by creating a network of authorized rental and tour affiliates. Consequently, there are now over 60 U.S. locations that provide rentals and services that meet the high standard of the Harley-Davidson company. While each affiliate is independent, consistent pricing, services and qualtiy are enforced.
Rental fees are fairly competitive with car rentals, especially since they include use of the motorcycle and a HD (Harley-Davidson) helmet, a rainsuit and secure luggage storage. Also included is 24 hour emergency roadside assistance, which includes fuel delivery, towing, and various insurance.
There are restrictions, many of which are similar to car rental restrictions. All renters must be at least 21, have a major credit card, and hold a valid motorcycle license. Motorcycle endorsements are provided by your home state's regular licensing department, which typically requires a special written test section and a demonstration of basic motorcycle handling skills. All renters should have good riding skills--these are big bikes and a trip is not the time to find out you have too much bike under you.
Models vary by location, but may include the seven models of the classic Softtail, six models of the Sportster, five models of the street-designed Dyna, and six models of Touring bikes which are especially suited to long-distance rides.
Harley has plans to expand the rental program by the summer of 2001. Expansion include the addition of 60 more locations, including international affiliates in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Belgium, Australia, New Zealand and Latin America.
While Harley's are by far the most popular bike to rent, they are certainly not the only bikes available from other dealers. For example, San Fransisco Motorcycle rentals (www.fogcityrentals.com) offer Bay Area BMW rentals starting at $99/day. Tahoe Motorcycle Tour & Rental Company (www.tahoemotorcycle.nv.switchboard.com) offers various touring bikes and guided tours in Nevada and southern California, with rates starting at $139/day.
So if you aren't interested in the family vacation thing, and aren't interested in sight-seeing in a tiny GM Metro, here's a great alternative. Put those riding skills to work and see America atop a piece of American culture, a Harley-Davidson.
For more on renting a Harley-Davidson, visit these sites:
- The official Harley rental site, including information about it's official rental affiliates, can be found at www.hdrentals.com.
- American Road Collection (www.budgetharley.com) is an authorized Harley rental agency which serves six popular riding areas: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Washington, Boston and Martha's Vinyard. They also have a frequent renter program.
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