Two part question:

1) Anyone rented a motorcycle in Amsterdam.

2) If you have ridden in The Netherlands how did you plan your route?

...

Looking for suggestions on where to rent a motorcycle from. I've been looking at the various sources on the internet - looking more for real live experiences with any of them.

Just not sure where to get started with planning a trip around the country. Don't need to see everything, but would like to get out to some things that are off the public transportation routes. Some smaller villages with that really unique aspect to it...

i would use google maps for finding both the moto and the route, never had a bad experience or not found what i needed.

I've only rented scooters from http://www.gilex.nl
but the place is chock full of used bikes from ZZRs and
Hornets on upto a Britten (!) so I'd imagine they could hook you up or
refer you wisely. They always do me right.

Even if not it's worth popping in as a free motorcycle museum
since they're convieniently located off the tram by the
big firehouse and Texaco...

Route planning... definitly Google Earth and streetview so
I can recognize the interchanges from ground level then
GPS as a backup for when you just need to make time.

Hope these help

http://www.lazymotorbike.eu/riding/holland/

http://www.bestbikingroads.com/motorcyc ... _1206.html

Excellent elgonzo! Those are definitely a start for me to do some more research. Already see one route on the map that I've wanted to ride.

Eric

Are you bringing your helmet on the plane ?

Just curious if you are required to wear one in Holland ?

Best Regards

Smuler

Helmet is mandatory in The Netherlands.

My preference is to take my own gear. Last time I rode over there it was in rented gear and it didn't fit.

For the type of riding I do (dual sport / Adventure), I'm considered a novice ... compared to some of my friends/family who have ridden for decades I do more in a year than they do in a decade. My gear is like a second skin to me and I don't ride without it.

We are talking about checking a single large suitcase with all of our riding gear and some other stuff that is just a PITA to carry on. We are also looking into shipping all that "other stuff." One of the guys has been tasked with figuring out what is the best options ... so far checking an extra large suitcase is looking the best.

Then making the youngest guy on the trip responsible for it is even better! Very big evil grin!!

Potlover - who did you rent your motorcycle from? Where did you ride?

Very early ride planning is:

- pick up the bikes early on day 1
- ride along dikes/back road and hitting some small villages
- not push it as there is one guy that hasn't ridden in years
- probably ride across the bridge in the north
- stop in a village and grab a bunk
- continue ride and work our way back to the starting point end of day 2

Never said i've rent a moto, i would just recommend Google maps for planning trips and find places as it is what i'm using myself with satisfaction.

Oh, have a nice ride

Ridden in the Netherlands many times, as well as most other countries....

Use a sat nav. Toured in early days with maps and it's a bugger. Sat navs sp easy. I use a Zumo 550 with moulded comms set, so have music satnav and phone on the move. Route plan with mapsource and drop to sat nav. Easy peasey. Also. Bring a a-z of Europe Map book and store in luggage. nice for an overview and in case the
Sat nav goes tech. Best bit of kit for touring I've bought, and believe me...I've got LOADS of kit. :)). Enjoy

Ps. Didn't rent bike. Brought my own.