Renting Bikes in Europe

[DakotaCBR]

I have the chance to go to Munich, Germany this summer for study abroad with my school. The Mugello GP is scheduled for early June, and it looks like a really fun trip from Munich, through the Alps, and into Italy on a bike.

Has anyone on here from the US ever rented a bike in Germany? I'd like to know some details about the experience:

1. I am 21 with an M class endorsement. Is there a limit as to the displacement of motorcycle that I can rent? (I am thinking a VFR800 or Multistrada)

2. Do I need some kind of Euro motorcycle license to ride over there?

3. Any places that you'd recommend to rent from in Munich?

4. Any advice on riding over there or places I should check out? I plan to go from Munich to Mugello by way of Stelvio pass and lots and lots of backroads.

5. Any other pertinent info I should know about riding in Europe?

Thanks!

[CDNSXV]

Has anyone on here from the US ever rented a bike in Germany? I'd like to know some details about the experience:

1. I am 21 with an M class endorsement. Is there a limit as to the displacement of motorcycle that I can rent? (I am thinking a VFR800 or Multistrada)

2. Do I need some kind of Euro motorcycle license to ride over there?

3. Any places that you'd recommend to rent from in Munich?

4. Any advice on riding over there or places I should check out? I plan to go from Munich to Mugello by way of Stelvio pass and lots and lots of backroads.

5. Any other pertinent info I should know about riding in Europe?

We rented a bike in London from a US based company in 07. I'm pretty sure this was the company http://www.rental-motorcycle.com/

It was actually really easy. No euro bike licence is needed.

Riding in Europe is a TON of fun because people over there actually know how to ride. I spent 2 years in the Black Forest with the CDN Army and loved every second of it.

There is some really nice riding south west of Munich. Take the time to get out and see some of the sights and meet the people.

[DogBoy]

I did an eight day trip through the Alps in July of '08. We rented bikes in Rosenheim, (just south of Munich) from a local BMW dealer. If I did it again, I would rent from a bigger dealer in Munich. The rental agency I worked with asked for an International Drivers Licence which you can get for a from AAA. Its just a piece of paper. The rental agency added on insurance that covered the bike (even if it was totalled) for about 70 euro extra. That was fine with me. I don't believe there are any limits on the size bike you can rent. You don't need a litre bike. Most of the passes are pretty tight. I was happy with a BMW F800st.

The riding is spectacular. As CDN SXV said, everyone knows how to ride. Everyone is geared up. And the drivers actually know how to drive.

I'd recommend you try to ride some of the Swiss Alps. We spent most of our time in Switzerland but rode a bit in Southeast France and Northern Italy. Just amazing roads everywhere. Great people, too. Everyone we met was friendly and really helpful.

Haven't been to Mugello but bring extra earplugs. Not only are MotoGP bikes incredibly loud but I've been told the locals like to bring pallets with small engines bolted-on. They rev them until they blow up. Supposed to be a really fun race to attend.

Here's a link to a ride report from my trip:

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/fo...hlight=glacier

[SLLaffoon]

Most dealers should be willing to rent a bike to you, although it would help if you or someone you know speaks German well enough to explain what you want. You may need a translation of your license. I've done it once in Nurnberg, and my dad has done it a few times in both Nurnberg and Munich. The rates weren't bad when I did it, but that was in 2004. You may get some resistance since you won't have a German address, mostly because they don't want to be liable if you get a traffic camera ticket or something.

[DakotaCBR]

Very cool info, thanks guys. I didn't think to talk to AAA about it.