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For those who ride, riding on the most beautiful and scenic roads in California is a dream come true. It has beautiful landscapes, the lifestyle is laid-back, and every road leads to a new adventure. All these aspects make it the most desirable destination for motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the world.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of motorcycle riders come to California to attend Sturgis, the biggest motorcycle rally in the world. Apart from that, it has beautiful coastal highways and a Mediterranean climate throughout the year.
If you are riding all the way to California, you need to know about the California Motorcycle Laws and Licensing. However, if you are planning to go there and do not own a motorcycle, don’t worry. You can rent a motorcycle in California. There are also some of the best motorcycle rental apps and websites available to assist you. In this article, you’ll learn how to rent a motorcycle in California and what the best things to do for motorcycle riders are.
1. What Do I Need to Rent My Motorcycle in California?
In the USA, all 50 states have different motorcycle laws and licensing rules, but not completely yet partly. Though the concern is always the rider’s safety.
California Motorcycle Law requires both the rider and the passenger to wear a DOT-approved helmet while riding. It is always best to bring your own helmet so you know it fits properly. However, almost all motorcycle rental companies provide helmets and other riding gear for a nominal fee.
Rider age is also a major concern for motorcycle rental companies, not only in California but all around the US. The renter should be at least 21 years old and have a valid motorcycle driver's license. Moreover, the rider should have a decent driving record and no law violation record.
Although California is not only well-known among riders in the United States, riders from all over the world also come to California to satisfy their passion and ride on the most beautiful roads and destinations. So, if you are riding from some other state or from some other country, your current motorcycle license will be considered valid, as most international licenses are accepted by motorcycle rental companies.
2. Motorcycle Insurance
However, you are riding someone else’s bike and keeping it for days, taking it away while riding it in your style. Under such circumstances, motorcycle insurance becomes an important concern. You can’t just jump on someone else’s motorcycle and ride off into the sunset. Similarly, motorcycle insurance often specifically excludes the use of motorcycles over a certain bore size. Other rental companies may charge exorbitant insurance rates. In order to enlighten yourself, you should know how motorcycle rental insurance works.
3. Choosing a Motorcycle
Choosing a motorcycle is not as easy as it seems. While renting a motorcycle, you need to be clear about your plan. Where are you riding? What and how much weight are you taking along? How long are you planning to ride? Are you riding single or with a partner? What are the compatible options? What is your budget and what is the best option within that budget?
Every rider should know his or her requirements for the bike and what options are suitable for their trip. However, if you are planning to go for a long ride or want to discover the scenic coastal rides in California, a cruiser motorcycle would be your perfect partner. And if you are taking a riding partner along, you should definitely pick the big Harley Glides or Honda Goldwing motorcycles. Also, consider your luggage capacity and match it with the motorcycle’s weight carrying limits.
4. Best Motorcycle Riding Roads and Destinations in California, USA
California is a huge state, probably larger than Germany. Plan a realistic road trip that will allow you to savor the sights and experiences of the diverse lands of California. Some of the most famous motorcycle riding roads and destinations in California are listed below:
- Highway 1 Pacific Coast
- Mount Baldy
- Route 66
- Joshua Tree
- Highway 74
- Death Valley
- Big Bear
- Red Wood Ride
- California Route 33
5. The Best Motorcycle Rentals in California
Even though there are numerous motorcycle rental companies serving enthusiasts and assisting them in their passion of exploring uncharted roads, rides, and trips on a motorcycle., it is hard to name one as the best out of hundreds.
Therefore, we have short-listed the top 3 for you based on their customers’ experiences, eligibility, and services provided.
- Eagle Rider: Motorcycle Rental
- Riders Share: Motorcycle Rental
- Twisted Roads: Motorcycle Rental
5.1 California Itineraries
5.1.1 10-Day Trip – California Coastal Road Trip
Following the coastline, the road is the most fun part of any motorcycle trip. This California coastal road trip is an easy one, and you can jump on and off this north-south coastal road at any point between San Diego and Eureka.
Starting in San Diego, you’re already spoiled for choice stop-offs: Carlsbad, Newport Beach, Encinitas, and Laguna are all great options to stop by south of Los Angeles. And if you are riding north of the city, Malibu and Venice are worth checking out. Keep in mind that most of the beaches are busy during summer days. However, if you are in search of something more secluded, ride north to Venture Country.
Continuous riding must be tiring. Stay in the beachside college towns of Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo. Both towns are aesthetically beautiful and have a wide range of hiking opportunities, less-traveled beaches, and relaxed dining.
As you continue riding to Highway 1, you’ll enter Big Sur – a worth-visiting California destination. Therefore, the drive can be busy during the weekends. Stay in Santa Cruz or any of California’s most alluring and sleepy beach towns.
Keep riding on Highway 1 to Mt. Tamalpais. The further you keep riding north, the larger the redwood trees get. Crowds also fade into the distance. Coastal towns like Fort Bragg and Muirwoods are good places to spend the night.
Once reaching Eureka, you’ll notice how Northern California is different from the South. Furthermore, you will explore the Redwood National Forest and Humboldt.
Also Read: 5 Must-Visit Motorcycle Camping Destination in California
5.1.2 4-Day Trip – San Francisco and the Sierra
Starting your trip in San Francisco takes you on the most adventurous motorcycle ride you’ll ever experience. Places like the Castro, Mission and Haight are worth checking out in the neighborhood. The Marina and Polk Street are also good nightlife spots with wine bars, including Amelie. An hour’s ride takes you to Half Moon Bay, a gorgeous and sometimes foggy beach.
Your next stop will be Lake Tahoe, then make a stop in Napa to taste the extraordinary wine. You must be starving while riding through Midtown Sacramento, which is rather a nice place to get lunch straight from the surrounding farmland. Grass Valley and Nevada City are historic old towns, and if you are looking for a peaceful place to stay for a night, these must be your choices. Guess what? They even allow you to explore their old gold mines.
The ride to Lake Tahoe is explicit, and you can dedicate a few days to staying around the lake. While staying on the Western Shore, explore Emerald Bay, Bliss Beach, and the Desolation Wilderness for scenic views, beaches, and hiking. Although, if you are riding through the Western Shore in winter, snowshoeing and skiing must be on your cards. Keep in mind that the place is always a busy party zone.
Keep riding until you reach Yosemite Valley, National Park. We suggest taking the chance of hiking here, if time permits, to El Capitan and Half Dome. You must visit the outstanding waterfalls before heading back to San Francisco.
5.2 Motorcycle Itineraries in Los Angeles, California
5.2.1 Los Angeles Motorcycle Riding Rules and Tips
As always, it is important to ride safely. In Los Angeles, that means taking care of things like distracted drivers, potholes, and cars turning left from the middle lane. There are some one-way streets too, which require special attention to signage.
However, finding a garage spot when it comes to motorcycle parking is a really difficult task in itself. Though sidewalk parking is not allowed in Los Angeles. You’ll probably end up with your bike on its side if you park between cars. If you’re lucky, you will hopefully find some of the places around the city, designated for motorcycle parking spots.
It’s also important to note that California allows lane splitting; before you try it, though, make sure to read California motorcycle laws and licensing.
5.2.2 Ideal Weather to Ride a Motorcycle in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has fairly mild and comparatively hospitable riding weather all year round. There are some variations in temperature depending on which part of the state you are riding in. The coastal areas are likely to be cooler than the inland ones—and there may even be coastal fog in the mornings during the summer, so be prepared for less road clearance and visibility during those times. Therefore, the heart of the city is often warmer, especially during peak traffic times. So it’s good to have layers you can take off when you finally reach there.
Also Read: 5 Reasons Why California is Ideal for Motorcycle Rides During the Winter
5.2.3 Places for Motorcyclists to Hangout in Los Angeles
When you are out exploring a new area, there is nothing cooler than connecting with the wider community at the local bike spots. Los Angeles has some interesting places to stop off during your ride.
5.2.3.1 The House of Machines
The House of Machines is a biker bar serving ramblers all around the world. The LA location has an artisanal, slightly hipster (in a good way) aesthetic and serves bikes, bites, beer, and live music on a regular basis. You can get your caffeine fix at Clutch at any time, the in-house espresso bar.
5.2.3.2 Cook’s Corner
Cook’s Corner is one of the most famous biker bars in Trabuco Canyon, Southern California. It’s in a rustic cabin where it’s resided since 1884 (and hosted miners back in the gold rush days) and offers food and drink, a pool, and horseshoes. You’ll witness a little music there, and sometimes country dancing. Cook’s Corner is the real deal for ramblers. An OG biker bar that’s authentic down to its floorboards, a complete package though. This place is also famous as a lot of Los Angeles motorcycle events are hosted here, too!
5.2.3.3 The Rock Store
There is no place quite like the Rock Store, and a visit there is likely to be memorable for any number of reasons. It has been in place since 1963 and is made completely of volcanic rock. The people, on the other hand, are the most fascinating aspect. For all types of motorcyclists, there is a mix of current and vintage bikes, as well as a spectrum of riders to match. Jay Leno, a well-known car and bike collector, was a frequent visitor and always showed up riding in his latest vehicle. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tommy Lee, and Harrison are also among the celeb moto aficionados who frequent the Rock Store. The Rock Store is only open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
5.2.4 2-Day Trip – Los Angeles to San Diego
Before heading out of Los Angeles, explore San Diego, a city full of amazing beaches. Head out to Malibu, Newport Beach, and Venice Beach. Travel south to San Diego County, where you'll find the seaside towns of Oceanside, Encinitas, and Torrey Pines State Park.
Finish off your San Diegan tour by eating tacos at the Puesto restaurant or Cantina Mayahuel. Entertainment and dining are usually more laid-back than in Los Angeles.
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