Fly and Ride: Motorcycle Vacation Tips

As an experienced international adventurer and travel photographer preferring the two-wheeled mode of transportation, an airline ticket is also a ticket for dreaming about the chance to ride new roads on a "Fly & Ride" motorcycle vacation.

What is a "Fly & Ride" motorcycle vacation? Simply put, you fly to a location and then rent a motorcycle at that location. Since we live in Florida, it takes half our vacation days just to ride out of the state. But, flying to a location and renting a motorcycle means that in a one week span of time it is possible to explore areas of the country that we might not have otherwise gotten the chance to. It also means we get to maximize riding the area we want to, rather than spending most of the time getting there.

As much as I love a good cross country road trip, we simply don't always have the time to take one.

On a Fly and Ride you can save time, and the hotel or gas expenses you'd have shelled out along the way while getting to exciting new areas faster. But, to have a successful "Fly and Ride" motorcycle vacation there are a few basic things to you'll need to know to make the process go a little smoother.

Find the Right Motorcycle Rental Company

EagleRider is one of many motorcycle
rental companies you can choose from.

Renting a motorcycle, you can expect to pay about $80 per day and up, with discounts for extended time periods. But don't let rates be your only consideration when choosing your rental agency. You will want to examine other factors, such as insurance coverage, supplementary fees, and incentive perks, before you make your final decision.

As soon as you have your airline reservation, begin checking with the motorcycle rental agencies in your destination city about reserving your motorcycle. The sooner you book the reservation, the better chance you have of getting the style bike you prefer. Ask if they have airport pick-up and luggage storage. Some agencies even rent helmets and riding gear, if you want to avoid packing yours. The reservation staff can also advise you on helmet laws in the states you will be riding in and their company policies on wearing helmets. Often you can fill out the rental paperwork in advance, to save time the day you pick the motorcycle up. Each agency will have its own benefits to match your needs.

Choosing The Right Motorcycle

Different motorcycle rental agencies offer different makes and models of motorcycles. If you intend to ride more than 100 miles (here is where you should inquire about mileage caps and extra charges), you should pay attention to the comfort some motorcycles over others. If a long, two-up ride with infrequent pit stops is the plan, the luxury cruisers choice is a Harley Electra Glide Ultra Classic or Road Glide with cushioned seats and back rests, stereo CD player, intercom, floorboards, lower fairings, and a host of other amenities.

Motorcycle rental agents report that Harley Davidson Road Kings are the top choice for consumers, probably because they combine the best qualities of a touring bike with the appearance of a cruiser. The next most requested cycles are the Harley Davidson Fat Boy and the Heritage Classic. The latter comes with windshield, large leather saddlebags and passenger back rest standard from the factory. The same equipment can normally be added to the Fat Boy-- all of which are detachable for that cool, solo rider who likes to travel light. Of course, if you always wanted to try out the V-rod, but didn't think it would work as your full-time ride- this is your chance.

If Harleys are not your motorcycle of choice, BMWs, Triumph, Hondas, even off-road bikes are available in different areas if you find the right agency. Make sure to choose a model that fits both your physical and riding abilities and has the options that you'll need for your vacation. Don't pick a dirt bike if you're going to be touring on paved roads for the next week - you'll be short on packing space and comfort!

When making your reservation, inquire about their insurance policies and surcharges. Does the agent carry liability insurance, with whom and for how much? Does it cost extra above the price they quoted you? They should furnish you a card or certificate to carry on the motorcycle in case of an accident or traffic stop. Most states have laws mandating liability coverage. It's worth a phone call to your own insurance agent to determine what coverage you may or may not have with your current policy.

This is also the time to ask about pick-up and drop-off times, fuel costs, maintenance responsibility, motorcycle substitution, theft or damage waivers and cancellation policies.

When you make that final decision, and book your reservation, be sure to ask the agent what documents you need to bring with you when you pick up the motorcycle. While some European dealers may only require a valid driver's license, U.S. companies will also want motorcycle class notation on that valid license.