Does anyone have experience renting a motorcycle in Italy? My fiance would love to rent a Ducati and tour around some of the roads from Lucca to Sienna, stay in Sienna a few nights and then ride back to Lucca to drop off the bike. I am worried about storing our luggage in Lucca while we are in Sienna. Any suggestions for rental companies either in Lucca or elsewhere in northern/central Italy?
Posted by
Tulsa, Oklahoma, US
290 posts
Cristy, since you are looking for a Ducati, check www.mototouring.com While we haven't used this particular company, we have rented scooters several times in Italy, as well as Harleys in France, Spain and the UK and have always been able to store our excess baggage (defined as whatever won't fit on the bike) at the rental company with no worries. Europe is a great place to get your knees in the breeze. One bit of advice: They don't ride there the same way we do, which you will discover straightaway; just watch and emulate.
Posted by
Carbondale, IL, USA
1201 posts
Here is another option actually in Lucca that seems to get good reviews in the Ducati forums. No personal experience with them though.
You can do full tours or just rent the bike.
Posted by
Bothell, WA, USA
206 posts
Cristy, have you ever ridden on the back of a sport bike for an extended period of time? Although there is a pillion seat and pegs, it is NOT comfortable. You also cannot enjoy the scenery much. Your view will be limited and much of it will be blurred. Also, anything you need to bring will be in a backpack on your back - sport bikes often do not have panniers. Just food for thought. :-)
Posted by
Chicago, Illinois, USA
586 posts
Checkout this thread, too, Cristy (just copy and paste into your browser):
Posted by
Eugene, Oregon, USA
927 posts
The Ducati tour site looks good.
You might want to consider the Sport Classic GT for two up riding.
Riding in town is the only hairy part. out in the country it is very easy and safe. Although other Italians will pass on the right in a single lane if you give them a chance. Motorcycles also go to the head of stopped traffic.
Make sure you do a check off of all prior damage to the bike before you rent it. Make sure they see it, agree to it, and make sure its written down.
Helmets are hit and miss as to how they will fit. If you can, bring your own.
Here is a prior posting.
Looks like you'll be using the 439, 67, 429 route to Siena.