USA motorcycle rental help

[JeffM]

Hi all, having toured the States before i have always bought my bike from Australia (no there is not a bridge)however this time the wife is coming so renting something with comfort and reliability for 4-6 weeks is what i am after. After seeing the prices with all the "extras" from Eagle rider i am hesitant to proceed. Then the wife said "would anyone on the forum have a buddy that can set you up"? Not meaning hiring from a member, but knows someone that has the legal right to hire, has insurance etc.
I suppose an Electra Glide with panniers and a back rest would be ideal, however i am open to ideas/brands.
We are in the process of selling one of our properties due to the down turn of the market so any monies left is going to give us 6 weeks max incorporating a few days in Sturgis, then who knows where.
I look forward to your thoughts.
Thanks in advance Jeff & Carol.
Big hi to Todd & Jean in Texas.

 

[Peckerwood]

Various Harley dealers throughout the states offer rentals. Prices seem kind of steep, and I'm not sure if they'll rent to non American citizens. Most require a mc endorsement on your driver's license. Not sure if this helps, but it gives you a starting point.

 

[JeffM]

Thanks for replying. I found all the websites but I have come across people who have friends that own these businesses. Eagle want $220/day makes bringing my own bike over again an option. This

 

[pknowles]

If you have a local harley shop join their hog chapter and they have a better international rental rate.

 

[SKOGDOG]

Why not communicate with a dealer and just buy a low miles bagger, ride it for 4-6 weeks, the sell it back to the dealer at wholesale price before you return home? If you buy it at a reasonable price and are willing to take a loss, it will still be a lot cheaper than the rental price you quoted.
I'm not sure about complications regarding your international status, but most states have a 30 day grace period to get it licensed, and it is insured easily enough....you'd want to pay attention to sales tax, because each state differs and it can be up to 9.5%, so that is important.
Do international driver's licenses have mc endorsements?
Hope to see you in Sturgis, Jeff.

 

[JeffM]

Thanks guys, joining the HOGs is not an option however and I don't own a HD anymore. Buying a low price bike is an option and sound advice, though resale you are at the mercy of time and flights. May have to call in a favour from a US mate or 2.

 

[TapioK]

Doesn't any member plan to buy an used bagger HD? Win win would be Jeff to buy a bike, then sell it to member after the trip...


Tapio

 

[Dakotabos]

Where are you flying into?

 

[JeffM]

Now we're getting on the idea stream. We will fly into LA however we can fly onto any where. I also thought about buying, riding and shipping it home. Please keep the information coming.

 

[Letbigdogintocanada]

If you were to fly into daytona beach call Heavy at 386 257 6265.Midwest motorcycle rental ,he operates used HD's and will give u a great rate, he will hook u up with anything you need sales,rental ,service and he will even pick u up from the airport for free,good guy

 

[Dakotabos]

Phoenix AZ has some good dealers. I know a few members that have rented from there for longer periods of time. California has high taxes so its something to think about.

 

[JeffM]

Isn't it always the way, i start to get the ball rolling to take a holiday and boss says "not in bloody August your not, you have to work"!!!!!!!! I will still work on him so i may get there for the last 2 days of Sturgis.
Please keep the ideas coming as someone else may have the same idea. If anyone has a Tourer of any brand that is happy to rent it for $100/day, i will do all the insurances etc, including sizable deposit please PM me.