Motorcycle Rental with Eagle Rider

A business weekend in southern California, so close to the Pacific Coast Highway. Unfortunately, a motorbike does not easily fit in a suitcase. A quick search on-line turns up Eagle Rider. An international chain of over 80 motorcycle rental centers in the Americas, Europe, and Australia. Their Los Angeles Airport center is only a few miles from LAX airport on South La Cienega.

Their web site, www.eaglerider.com, is self explanatory and easy to navigate. Begin by choosing a location such as "Los Angeles Airport". Pick the rental dates. Then click on "Check Availability". This opens a page that is a wish list of motorcycles. A grid of bikes that range from 150cc Vespas to 250 cc Ninjas and Night Hawks to top of the line Harleys and BMW's. The Vespa was not available. The Ninja did not seem like it would be especially comfortable for a long day of touring. Moving up the line, a Harley Sportster seemed a sensible choice for a long ride.

A phone call to Eagle Rider's 800 number was answered by a knowledgeable fellow rider. He offered complete information on each bike's characteristics and advantages. He quoted fees that exactly matched the on-line information. The Sportster 883 would cost $89.00 for 24 hours plus tax and optional insurance. A credit card number and motorcycle license number hold the bike. A reservation is highly recommended especially on a beautiful day (almost every day in LA is beautiful on a bike).

There are two levels of insurance. Even the most expensive level has a $1000.00 deductible and costs an extra $24.00. Calls to American Express and Capitol One found that the automobile insurance rider does not apply to motorcycles. The local insurance broker (Doctoroff Insurance Agency of Arlinton, Ma.) revealed that the standard motorcycle insurance policy does not cover the use of rental bikes. Doctoroff Insurance recommends purchasing the additional coverage.

The ride to Eagle Rider at 11860 South La Cienega from LAX cost a mere $12.00 including tip. The driver did not know of Eagle Rider, but it was easy to find. S La Cienega is a 4 lane boulevard, and there are a lot of motorcycles and a big sign.

The shop is clean and well stocked with all manner of gear. Of course, there are plenty of t-shirts emblazoned with Eagle Rider logos, along with boots, jackets, sun glasses and goggles. For those planning a long trip, they will find some basic motorcycle luggage. Helmets and safety jackets are available for purchase and for rent. They do recommend bringing your own gear. A long ride in a strange place on a new bike is not the time to get used to a new jacket, helmet or gloves.

The counter staff is friendly and well prepared. Some of the staff are bilingual speaking fluent Spanish and English. It took about 10 minutes to prepare and sign the paperwork. Aside from the charge for the rental, there is a temporary charge put on a credit card to cover the cost of whichever deductable the rider chooses.

Following a member of the yard staff out to the bike builds the excitement. We walk past Hondas, Harleys and BMW's all clean, gassed up and ready to roll.

Many motorbikes have quirks and nonstandard controls. The Harley Sportster 883 has none of that. The controls are all exactly what and where a rider expects except for the separate side mount ignition and handlebar locks (see photo). The staffer spends most of his time demonstrating the use of the disk and cable locks. Apparently, both locks are necessary to satisfy the terms of the insurance policy. The locks go into one of the saddle bags (standard on this bike). The gas tank is full and should come back the same way. The mileage on this Sportster is over 39,000. The staff of Eagle Rider feels that this is not too much for a Harley Davidson that is well maintained. The lights all work, the controls work, the choke comes out, and the bike starts on the first try.

Mounting the motorcycle and riding away onto relatively quiet S La Cienega is a joy. The staffer shouts, "Ride safe, Man." We are off.

24 hours later, it is necessary to fill the tank about a half mile East on S La Cienega. A quick scan of the bike by the same staffer who checked her out the day before reveals that the bike is intact with no new damage. A walk back to the desk is greeted by questions about the ride. "Where did you go?" "How was the bike."

Eagle Rider does not just offer motorcycle and scooters for rent. There is a choice of guided and self guided tours that range from short to long with a choice of bikes. Some tours offer convertible cars for those who would like to participate, but do not ride. A favorite is the Route 66 tour. This tour leaves Chicago and runs all the way to Los Angeles arriving at the S La Cienege shop in 15 days and 2200 miles. Riders take whatever they may carry on their motorcycles.

Eagle Rider provides a welcome service to motorcycle enthusiasts. Bikers are able to ride roads around the country and the world at a relatively low cost. The quality of the service and equipment is acceptable.