European holiday bike rental recommendations?

[Maverick9999]

Hi there,

Just a swift question which I'm mulling over. I currently own a GSXR but am planning on doing my first european trip this May.

It's going to be 2500miles over 10 days and I'm eyeing up getting a more upright and comfortable bike to make sure I enjoy the journey rather than suffer in discomfort for the trip.

A friend of mine told me I could rent an adventure bike for this purpose for ~500 a week, which seems a good deal given I'd lose more than this if I were to buy a bike and tax it and insure it and sell it at the end.

Just wondering what people's thoughts were on this and recommendations of companies they've tried?

Also, recommendations on return-to-home european breakdown cover would also be good as I'm not keen n being stranded out there or facing a large recovery fee!

[chris SVK3]

Use your own bike mate, I've done several trips of that mileage on adventure tourers and sports bikes and their is something satisfying when you do it on your own bike especially when you go in the garage and remember where that bike took you.

[jambo]

I'll 2nd the above, I've done several thousand mile weeks / weekends on my old ZX6R J2, and really enjoyed it.

Jambo

[L3nny]

When you weigh up the costs of taking your own bike, 2500 miles will be a whole rear tyre and half a front tyre, you'll have to get it servived before you go and when you get back, will need pads and a chain if they are well worn just to make sure. You'll also need European breakdown cover and insurance which isn't cheap. Then there is the cost fo ferries and fuel. Plus if you have a sports bike you'll need to buy luggage which wont be that great as it's not hard luggage.

Yes doing it on your own bike is fun but renting a bike has it's benefits.

[mills94]

Go on your bike as mentioned above, it gives you that satisfaction and weird to say, but its like a bond with the bike, I've managed 600 miles over about 17hours and wasnt in discomfort, just cold from the torrential rain. If your bikes good for it then try it.